Photo 101: Capturing Authentic Shots of Your Kids

I've been thinking about starting a series on the blog where I can share various photo tips and tricks I've learned over the last few years as a professional photographer. I classify myself primarily as a portrait photographer because taking pictures of people--specifically, the interactions between people--is what makes my heart sing.

To kick things off, I thought I'd offer up three tried and true tips on how to obtain awesome photos of your children.

Tip #1: Make Them Laugh. There is nothing I abhor more than portrait sessions where everyone is posed stiffly with parents shouting "say cheese!" while the kids paste on forced, plastic smiles. (You know what I'm taking about. I'm looking at you, JC Penny). Get your kids to laugh! Make fart noises, contort your body into ridiculous positions, tickle them, honestly, do whatever it takes. I guarantee even the most stoic child will laugh eventually if you're willing to bring on the sillies.

Tip #2: Incorporate Movement. I admit, this skill takes practice. You have to know what you're doing with a camera in order to avoid motion blur (Pro-tip: increase your shutter speed). But, when you do succeed in capturing your child in motion, whether it be dancing, jumping, spinning, etc., you're capturing your child as a child. Kids like to move! Embrace it. Movement brings life to a photo. What's better than that?

Tip #3: Change Your Perspective. As adults, we often forget that kids are little people: little, as in, a lot smaller than us. Getting down to their level, or on a totally different level from them, makes for a dynamic photograph. Lay on your stomach and shoot up. Climb on a chair and shoot down. Shoot through a barrier. Crouch right in front of them and point the lens directly opposite their face. Your perspective suddenly becomes a child's perspective, which makes for a far more interesting composition.

I hope the aforementioned tips and examples were helpful. 'Tis certainly the season for photo-taking with the holidays right around the corner, so happy shooting!

© Kayla Poole Photography

Family Session At Home | West Village

This was a dream session. Adorable baby, impeccable West Village apartment, laid-back parents, bubbles...

It should be noted that whenever I meet a fellow green-couch lover, I automatically think that person is awesome.

© Kayla Poole Photography

Clinton Hill Family Session

I adored meeting this family of four a few weeks back at their beautiful home in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. I spent the first few minutes of the session hanging with two-year-old Lucas, who was so sweet and chatty with me. Next up, I focused on his brand-new baby brother, Julian, who was one of the most alert newborns I've ever photographed! See for yourself...

We moved on to an assortment of cuddly candids with dad, mom and big brother:

And of course, some detail shots of Julian's teeny tiny features: ears and nose, fingers and toes!

We realized it had been several minutes without hearing from Lucas: we found him in the master bedroom typing casually on dad's computer.

We headed outside for some family shots in their backyard garden:

Lucas swept the patio before heading over to his little bro for some big brother lovin'. But, Julian wasn't too sure about being held by someone other than Mom or Dad...

But then, after an outfit change, we detoured to their front steps where this sweetness happened...

And this...

Last, we took off on a short stroll to the exceptionally-photogenic Pratt institute campus, located just around the block from their apartment.

Julian conked out right at the very end: what a trooper! And what a pleasureful two hours with delightful clients.

© Kayla Poole Photography