Photography Tips for Capturing Your Story

Hi, how are you all hanging in there? I have been all consumed by my kids and my thoughts and trying to figure out how to navigate these COVID-19 waters. What I keep coming back to is that I love to tell stories and that these days are full of stories, little and big. So I thought I would offer some ideas on how to capture the stories happening in your homes. Here are some ways you can pick-up whatever camera you have to grab some images that will bring you back to what this crazy time was all about.

Tip #1: Experiment with angles.

Get low, get high, get eye-level with your kids. Capturing different angles can tell different parts of the story. Here you can see Grayson's writing and the alphabet grid he has used throughout his year in Kindergarten. He is reading the page and pointing to the words. The birds-eye-view captures these details that would be missed otherwise.

Tip #2: Use your lens as an excuse to find something you want to remember.

This time is full of uncertainty. It is different than anything I have ever experienced and different can be scary. One thing that has helped calm my nerves is keeping my eyes open for moments I don't want to forget. One of the silver linings that has come from this is time spent with Jeff. We have met on the deck for a drink every night of shelter-in-place to chat and check-in. These moments are ones that I have savored and that I don't want to forget.

Tip #3: Be sneaky.

When they don't know you are watching they are in their own world. Magic happens in those moments. Grayson loves to be by himself and tells himself stories as he moves little animals, a small plastic lizard is his current favorite, across the couch. This spot is his favorite.

Tip #4: You don't always need a person to tell a story.

Little signs exist throughout our homes, signs that show where we have been. Here, with all four of us filling this space everyday, there are even more signs than usual. I pulled out the pots to cook and found this. A little astronaut, hiding, waiting to tell me I wasn't the first person to open the cabinet door.

Tip #5: What is something that is changing about your child?

Life hasn't paused, our kids are still growing in front of us. Is there something that is changing that you want to capture? When Asher was little he had these sweet curls of hair on top of his head and as he started to get older is straightened out. Now Grayson is starting to loose teeth, which has changed his smile. He lost the bottom two about three weeks ago and now the top two are wiggly. When those teeth are gone his whole smile will change. I'm sure I will continue to love his smile, but I don't want to forget this one.

Tip #6: Leading lines.

If you kid sits down somewhere and all of a sudden you notice all the lines that are surrounding them, grab your phone. Leading lines are so fun to photograph, especially when they frame your subject. Asher sat down a the top of the stairs to listen to audible on the iPad and I grabbed my camera.

Tip #7: Don't forget about the adults in the room.

If you are like me, a lot of your attention ends up spent on the littles in your home. Especially right now I am spending most of my minutes teaching, keeping the peace, snuggling, running a science project, comforting, whatever is needed for the two little guys in my home to live a peaceful existence. But the moments I get with this guys help fill my cup. He is the one who saves the children from me when I am about to blow my lid and gives me a break so that I can get through the rest of the day. Don't forget to capture those partners out there. And dare I say, don't forget to capture yourself!