Take better photos of your kids with these five simple tips

When you scroll through your phone, what do the photos of your kids look like? Most of them might be selfies or them looking straight at the camera. In his recent video, Omar Gonzalez encourages us to think beyond these predictable shots and capture the true essence of our kids. After all, they grow up so fast, so let’s preserve the moments of them growing up as best as we can.

1. Embrace the mundane moments

Even though it may seem contradictory, you don’t need a picture-perfect scene to capture a meaningful photo. After all, most of our lives is consisted from mundane, everyday moments. Whether it’s your child waiting at the doctor’s office or munching on snacks at a park bench, these little slices of life are worth documenting. Years later, you’ll cherish these glimpses of their everyday world.

2. Skip the camera-ready smiles

Kids don’t always need to smile at the camera. In fact, some of the most heartfelt photos are the ones where they aren’t looking at it at all. Omar suggests thinking of these shots as a collection of authentic “snippets of life.” Let your kids just be themselves, and avoid the reflex to call their attention for a posed shot.

3. Avoid interrupting their flow

When kids are engaged in an activity, try to stay in the background and let the scene unfold naturally. Omar shares a common pitfall: just as you’re about to capture a golden candid moment, someone (ahem, grandma) steps in and calls for a posed group photo. Be mindful not to disrupt the magic. Instead, shoot a series of photos so you can later pick the one that best captures the mood.

4. Create moments worth photographing

While candid shots are great, you can also set the stage for fun, spontaneous moments. And that doesn’t mean setting up a studio to take photos. For example, let the kids jump on the bed for a change or organize a small activity that sparks their curiosity and playfulness. This approach gives you more opportunities to snap natural, vibrant photos without overly orchestrating the scene.

Break the “phone = pose” habit

If your kids equate seeing your phone with posing, consider investing in a small camera. Many cameras now have silent shooting modes and flip screens, making them perfect for candid captures. Over time, your kids will become less camera-aware and more comfortable with you documenting their everyday moments.

Bonus: Think twice before posting online

Omar suggests that sharing these personal and intimate photos on social media might not always be the best idea. Instead, consider creating photo books or sharing them with close family. As your kids grow older, they’ll appreciate the effort to keep these moments private and meaningful.

Remember, documenting your kids’ lives doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect conditions. Capturing life as it unfolds is more than enough, and it’s truly precious. You’ll need a bit of patience, practice, and a willingness to step out of the usual “say cheese” routine, and you’ll create a collection of memories that truly reflect the childhood of your little ones.

[Start taking BETTER PHOTOS OF YOUR KIDS NOW! | Omar Gonzalez]

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