11 tips for beautiful photos of your kids

Summer’s almost here! If you’re headed to the beach, don’t forget your camera and these tips on how to shoot great photos of your kids. 

1. Start or end the day with photos. The sun is strong on the beach … especially between the hours of 10 and 2. Sand acts as a reflector, making already bright light even brighter. This leads to squinting and harsh shadows. The golden hour right before sun set is an ideal time for pictures, though it’s not always the time of day when little ones are happiest. If you’re staying at the beach for a few days, consider getting up early one morning … really early. You just might be able to get the magical combination of gorgeous early-morning light and happy child.

2. Pull out the camera on cloudy days. The clouds act as a diffuser and you’ll be able to capture images that are soft and free of squinting or harsh shadows. If the sky is really overcast or threatening rain, don’t head straight for the outlets. Or, do (haha, I would!), Stop off at the beach first and you may be able to capture some really dramatic photos!

3. Seek out shade. If the sun is particularly bright, try looking for some shaded areas. Under the boardwalk or in the shadow of the boardwalk is one great spot.

4. If the sun is directly overhead and it’s a bright day, try switching on your flash. Your camera may even have a “bright day” setting that will automatically add flash. Adding some fill flash can help to eliminate shadows in subjects that are close by. 

5. Try converting some of your images to b/w. Patterns in the sand and dramatic shadows can show up really beautifully in black and white beach images.

6. Include detail shots. Snap a few pictures of your little one’s pail and shovel lying in the sand or a picture of the date written in the sand. 

7. Take your camera out into — or under — the water! Just be sure to grab a waterproof case for your iPhone or camera first!

8. Keep that horizon line level! Most of us are in the habit of letting our camera tilt off to the left or right while shooting. But if you’re taking a picture that shows the ocean, a tilted horizon line is very noticeable! 

9. Take a break from the camera. Put it down … and go have fun in the moment!

10. Have fun with shadows and reflections! We’ve talked about some of the challenges of bright beach days (e.g., shadows and squinting), but on bright days, you can easily capture beautiful reflections along the shoreline as well as shadows in the sand.

11. Do something with your photos! Don’t just let them sit and collect digital dust. Make it a goal to do something with your beach pictures within one week of returning from your trip — the faster it gets done, the more likely it will get done!

Happy shooting!

Kate

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