4 Tips for Taking Pictures Like a Pro

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With a good camera, excellent lighting and willing subjects (or even unwilling if you want a dramatic moment), it seems that almost anyone can become a photographer.

4 tips for taking pictures like a proMomographers or MomTogs, depending on what circle you are in, are moms with cameras and a mission — to document every amazing moment of their children’s lives through photos. The best thing about capturing these photos is that you don’t need to be a professional to be a MomTog, all you need is a good camera and your kids. The type of camera totally up to you, but DSLR is perfect if you want the more professional look (I will note that some of the photos used in this post were actually taken with an old-school film camera and sent off to be digitally scanned).

Here are a few tips from Nicole Caudle who is the owner of Nicole Caudle Photography here in Columbia.

It’s About the Angles

When taking “lifestyle” photos, which capture the art of everyday life, it’s important to take risks. Angles can turn a regular straightforward picture into a work of art — literally. By changing the composition of how you are shooting you can take your photographs to a whole new level.

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Don’t be afraid to try something different. You can shoot from above, over the shoulder; it’s all about perspective. And the way you decide to shoot your photo also helps tell its story. Every moment can be photographed differently, it just depends on the look you are going for. This is the time you want to be the parent who hovers over their child.

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Finding the Light

The next most important key … lighting. This can be tricky depending on the layout of your home. If you live in a place that doesn’t have a lot of windows (like an apartment for instance), determine what time of day your windows let in the most light and work with what you have.

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You can also create a dramatic lighting effect using natural light from a window (and from other light sources in your home). This technique focuses on using light in ways you wouldn’t typically think of, like turning off all the lights and having your child sit in front of the window to capture the environment and a really beautiful effect. This type of photography is recommended for creating some truly amazing moments.

Always have your camera ready

A lot easier said than done. But all of the best moments seem to happen when you don’t have a camera … whether it be a sweet moment between parent and child or siblings. Because these candid moments are so unexpected at times, they often make the best pictures.

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Being camera ready doesn’t mean you have to have it hanging around your neck at all times, but at least having it somewhere close by. I hate to even admit this, but I never leave the house without my camera. My bag is already a combo purse/diaper/mini grocery store, so at this point I may as well tote my camera along as well. Normally when I see an amazing moment, it takes about 2-3 minutes between pulling it out, snapping some pics and putting it away before the kids even notice.

Capturing the most “imperfect” moments

Pictures tell a thousand words. Even if an outsider doesn’t understand your photo, the most important thing to remember is you are capturing a story for your family. Favorite memories, precious moments or anything significant that happens in your life can be easily saved through a photo. What’s even better is through these candid moments, no picture has to be perfect. Messy faces and hair, drool and the like, can all make for hilarious stories later in life. So it’s important not to overlook these photo opportunities as well.

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Overall — have fun! Taking pictures shouldn’t be stressful. It’s the little things and the everyday moments you want to catch and remember as they get older. If you want to work your skills while keeping a photo journal Project 365 and ClickinMoms is an excellent way to start.

If you are a MomTog we would love to see some of your photos. And if you have any tips for newbie momtogs, don’t forget to share!

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