"Let kids be kids. Letting kids run and play is the best way to capture real smiles. It also prevents your little ones from dreading the camera.”
“Alright, everyone. Smile! Stand up straight, Jack, and for the last time, leave your sister alone.”
You know the drill, right? The struggle to snap a decent photo of your kids is real—corralling the little ones to preserve a moment in time isn’t always the breeze you envisioned before the offspring were on scene. Between the combat required to feign sibling sweetness and your neighbor errantly photo-bombing your perfect picture during the millisecond your progeny manage to beam in unison, the stress level meets the mercury. There must be a better way to capture the magic in children’s photos.
According to Kaleigh Gibb, professional children’s photographer and shrewd shutterbug of Wonderstruck Photography, there is a better way, and the answer is simple.
“Let kids be kids,” she advises. “Letting kids run and play is the best way to capture real smiles. It also prevents your little ones from dreading the camera.”
A finalist in the 2018 worldwide Shoot & Share Awards, Kaleigh is known for using her camera to capture the magical quality present in all children. Moreover, she creates uniquely enchanting custom portraits using the very tips she lends below. So read up, gear up and surprise yourself with the photo results you thought were beyond you. Take it from a professional—you too can create meaningful children’s photos. Just resign yourself to getting giddy while you’re at it.
Make them smile. Rather than asking them to smile, tell a joke, make a silly sound and play with them.
Get down on their level. Shooting at your kids’ eye level makes your photos more engaging.
Learn your camera. Whether it's a professional-grade camera or your cell phone, take a minute to look through the features of your device and understand how to use it well. Knowing your equipment always makes for better photos.
Keep the background simple. You want the focus on those sweet faces.
Watch the light outdoors. The best times to take photographs is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Avoid taking photos when the sun is at its peak. This causes weird shadows and squinty eyes.
Styling Kids for Photos
- Comfort is king. Dress for the weather, and make sure they can play in their outfit.
- Stick to coordinating colors. Avoid screen prints and busy patterns.
- Accessorize! A cute hat, headband or pair of sunglasses can really make a difference in how put-together your little one looks.
Great Shot Locations
Daniel's Park – Lots of areas for kids to explore, epic views
Philip S. Miller Park – Beautiful landscape, great views, tons of space for little ones to play
Castlewood Canyon – Endless trails and beautiful scenery, perfect for exploring and snapping photos