A little while back, I shared 9 tips on how to take better photos of your kids. Let's consider a few things NOT to do.
1. Don't use your flash.
Unless you know how to work with flash photography, that flash is going to work against you. In addition to creating harsh shadows and unnaturally brightened skin, it can also irritate eyes and lead to blinking.
Instead, look for the light! Move closer to a window with good natural light. Open up the curtains or the front door if that helps. Do whatever it takes to get more natural light into a room. Once you start paying attention to the light that comes into your home at various times of the day, you'll begin to instinctively know how to best make use of it.

What if there's NO light? What if it's 9pm, the room is fairly dark, and your baby is taking his first steps?? By all means, flip that flash on and grab that shot! But for the moments when natural light is available … learning how to use it to your advantage will dramatically improve the quality of your photos.
2. Don't take important photos just anywhere.
Beautiful, natural moments happen in every room of your house - even in the rooms where there isn't perfect lighting. But for the moments you're planning to capture, such as milestone pictures, choose your room and time of day wisely. I can pretty much guarantee that somewhere in your house, there's a spot where the light is juuuuust right for photos. It may not last all day, but when it's there … it's perfect!
The other day I took photos of a little one's one-year-old cake smash in the back hallway of the second floor of the family's home. It wasn’t the obvious choice at first to the family, but the light in the hallway was absolutely perfect! Take a tour of your home and see if you can't find the spot that's perfect in your house.

3. Don't forget to get in the photos.
Even if you don't care about any other tip I EVER give you, I hope with all my heart, that this one reaches your heart. We women are so hard on ourselves. We see (and focus on) all our "flaws". As a result, we sometimes shy away from being in photos. But let me ask you something: Which photos of your childhood mean the most to you? The ones of just you? Or the ones of you AND your parents? You AND your grandparents? One day in the not so very distant future, the photos you're taking right now will be the childhood memories hanging in your grown-up kids home. Be in those memories. It will mean the world to them one day.

………….
Kate Callahan is an on-location photographer who LOVES to capture authentic memories for families. She’s available for weddings, senior photos, child photo sessions, and family photography. Kate works with clients throughout the Hudson Valley, NYC, Delaware (and the tri-state area), and beyond.
Other posts by this this blogger
Aug 6, 2020
Help get your budding little photographer's creative juices flowing with these 8 fun photography activities for kids.
Aug 6, 2020
Your kids love you just the way you are right now. So, please, please, please ... push past any insecurities you may have and get in the photos with your little ones!
Mar 20, 2019
Need tips for better spring photos? Try out these 10 suggestions.
Jun 15, 2018
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
May 3, 2018
An esthetician at Savor Beauty Salon in Saugerties shares some tips on how to help your teen/tween take better care of their skin.
Apr 17, 2018
With just a few adjustments, you can take better photos of your children. Here are two easy changes that will dramatically improve the quality of the photos you take of your kids.
Mar 1, 2018
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Jan 5, 2018
Staying in this weekend? Here's a variety of pancake recipes to try with the kids, including gluten-free, paleo, and vegan.
Dec 18, 2017
A family photo scavenger hunt is a creative and fun way to take better candid photos.
Nov 23, 2017
three labs that offer a wonderful selection of high-quality holiday cards
Oct 30, 2017
The perfect gluten-free cookies to bake with your kids
Sep 20, 2017
Fall is everyone's favorite time of year for family photos. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your professional photo session.
Aug 18, 2017
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Aug 16, 2017
A list of 9 tips to customize your instagram stories
Aug 2, 2017
A list of easy and fun pictures you can take of your child on his or her first day of school.
Jul 31, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips on how teen/tween modeling
Jul 28, 2017
A professional photographer shares a tip for how to look more relaxed in photos
Jul 24, 2017
A professional photographer considers the most popular stages for photos during a baby's first year of life.
Jul 5, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips on submitting photos to child modeling agencies
Jun 22, 2017
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Jun 15, 2017
How to choose a DSLR for the first time? Consider these 13 tips from a professional photographer
Jun 11, 2017
how to use natural reflectors to brighten photos of your kids
Jun 6, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips for a DIY backyard photo shoot with your kids this summer.
May 29, 2017
It can be a challenge to take beautiful photos of your kids at the beach. Here are a few tips to make it easier.
May 22, 2017
With just a few adjustments, you can take better photos of your children. Here are 9 tips that will greatly improve your skills as a photographer.
Apr 20, 2017
A professional newborn photo shoot is a wonderful experience for families. But if it's not in the budget, or if you just want to attempt the photos yourself for other reasons, here are a few easy setups you can try yourself.
Apr 11, 2017
A professional newborn photo shoot is a wonderful experience for families. But if it's not in the budget, or if you just want to attempt the photos yourself for other reasons, here are a few general tips.