I’m not a serious photographer. I don’t own a fancy SLR camera. I don’t even use my point-and-shoot digital camera that much anymore. With two kids and all their stuff in tow on most days, I now capture almost all of my images on my iPhone.
So how do I get blog-worthy photos of our outdoor adventures without worrying about focal length or shutter speed? Here are a few non-technical tips that work for me.
Try a new perspective.
What does the world look like when you get down on the ground? Up high? At kid level?
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| A self-portrait of us cloud watching. |
Take lots of photos.
The more pictures you take, the better the odds of getting a good one. And if you’re trying to capture active kids, more photos mean more chances of that perfect shot. Plus some funny ones, too.
Keep it fun.
I hate posed photographs. I avoid them at all costs, taking them only during holidays (for other family members’ sake) and only if I also take a less-stuffy shot as well. I want to remember what we were really like, not just what I wish we were like.
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| We took a posed version, too, but I much prefer this one. |
Don’t forget the little things.
Beautiful flowers. Tall trees. Campfire s’mores. Little sandy feet. Dirty hands and faces. That worm you wished your kid didn’t squash. Temper tantrums. They are all part of the outdoor experience with kids. And all are worth remembering.
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| Little hands capture an even littler frog. |
Catch them when they’re not looking.
If I can capture a moment – one where The Explorers don’t even see me (or don’t care that I’m there) – I have succeeded. These are the most natural, emotion-filled shots you can get.
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| I was only a few feet away, but neither of them cared. |
Know when to put the camera down.
One of the most important parts of spending time outside and in nature is in the being. The connecting. Enjoying the moment. Give yourself – and your family – a chance to explore and play without trying to snap a picture of it all. Sometimes the images in your mind are more important.
Your turn! What’s your best advice for taking great photos of your outdoor adventures?
Thanks for stopping by! Lovely to meet you – off to check out your blog!
So true. Some of the best shots I've taken were not the ones I thought would be good, but I took them anyway:) I like your blog.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I can't say we've got a favorite place. As long as we're together, we find a way to have fun. 🙂
I love the photos! Totally captures the happy moments. Those are really useful tips especially for non professional photographer like me who always want to take pictures of my family. What is your family's favorite place, so far?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree that when it comes to taking pictures it's all what you get used to. Sometimes, my biggest challenge is also yours – remembering to put the camera down & be present in the moment. Glad to hear you liked Griffith Park – there's so much to explore there!
Great tips! Especially the last one. As an amateur photographer I have a tendency to forget to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment. I really have to remind myself to do it sometimes. I rarely use my cell phone to take pictures haha, I find it quicker to grab my DSLR then to mess around with the cell phone because I'm used to doing it and the hesitation in most phone cameras and
Thanks so much, Sherry!
Great post, Debi!
That's too funny, Lindsey. I would love to hear your advice, even if much of it goes right over my head. 🙂
As luck would have it I've been working on a 'technical' guide to taking outdoor family photos, but it must be too technical because it's been sitting unfinished for about 5 months :). These tips are great!
You are too kind, Mel! 🙂
Thanks, Traci. I am so inspired by your photos!
Temper tantrums, outright defiance & more. I keep forgetting I should share more of that here. 🙂
I take lots and lots of photos. Lots. And I also like getting different perspectives. Great tips! Now we know why your blog looks so good 😉
Hi Debi, <br />These are all great suggestions. The new perspective shots are really super and fun! Love the dirty hands too!
This is such great advice! I'm like you…I take almost all of our photos with my phone now. It's just less stuff to carry around and keep track of. Also, I'm relieved to read that we're not the only ones who deal with an occasional temper tantrum!