MPMK contributor and professional photographer Kristin is here today sharing easy ways to ensure that you show up in the family photos. As moms, we’re often the ones snapping the pics (or sometimes even hiding from the camera), but we need to remember it’s such a gift to our kids to make sure they have photographic evidence of these years with you!
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I wanted to talk about some easy tips on getting into the picture with your kids. As moms, we need to do this! Kids want to have documentation of their childhood with their mom.
I promise, they won’t be thinking about how their mom needs to lose 5 pounds or use more eye cream. Making memories with their mom is so valuable! Here are my favorite tips for getting it done:
- The first thing you need to do is download a timer app for your smart phone. I use CameraTimer for my iPhone. I love it because you can set it on a single shot or multi shot. It also lets you choose how many seconds before the shutter clicks. So, if you have your phone far away, you don’t have to lose your breath trying to run into the photo.
- Take the time to get the kids together for a photo when you’re doing something fun and they are in the mood for it! Milkshakes does the trick for my crew.
- One of my friends uses a GorillaPod for her phone, so she can attach it to a tree or pretty much anything else. I tend to just prop my phone on a couch or something soft, but this contraption looks like it would be fun to try.
- For a casual and fun snapshot, use the ol’ how far can I stretch my arm trick. I think we all did this in college. Time to pull out those skills.
- Another option is to enlist help. Husbands, friends and even strangers can all push a button. If you don’t want to use a timer, just take the time to ask someone. Would you mind taking a photo for us? If you’re at the beach or a theme park, don’t stay behind the camera all day. Most people are happy and even honored to snap a few photos for you.
- What about if you don’t like the way you look in a photo? Most of us don’t look at photos of ourselves and admire how great we look. But guess what – you are a mom and kids love their mom. They love the way we look right at this very moment. Remember, this is for them. When they grow older, you want to be able to give them photos that include you.
- If you’re feeling self-conscious, put a child on your lap. Standing slightly behind them also puts more of a focus on the kids. Hugging is another great idea.
- Hiring a professional is a fantastic way to really feel great in photos with your kids. Every year, I offer a Mother’s Day promotion to encourage moms to treat themselves to professional portraits with their kids. As a photographer, I will direct the interactions and capture the most flattering angles. I love these photo sessions because the images are priceless.
Oh, and speaking of phots, did you hear?
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Kristin