You’re not a professional photographer, but you love capturing your kids, especially if it’s at their favorite spot like the beach!

I’m going to tell you a few photography techniques, or tips, to help you capture your kiddos the best you can, and a straightforward and easy way to edit them on your phone.

The photos I’ll be posting here are not with a phone but with my Fujifilm x100; had this little guy for close to 10 years and still great if you’re looking for a nice, but not breaking the bank camera. But, phone cameras are so advance now I safely can say with these tips your photos will come out better than before, and so, lets dive in.

Tip #1 lines

What do I mean? I’m using these beach images because it’s very easy to see the lines; eye lines to draw your eye, and lines to break up the frame. When you look at my photos, you’ll see…

The horizon line (breaks up the frame)
Line of white waves closer to the beach (even if it’s curved like the photo of Charlie lying in the water - your eye is still drawn to it (eyeline))
The sand close to the ocean (eye line/ breaks up the frame)
The umbrellas (eye line/ breaks up the frame)
The kiddo(s) (breaks up the frame - and, they’re the main subject!)

You don’t need to have at ton of lines, but creating at least 1 or 2 distinct lines in one photograph will greatly enhance the impact of your photos; it creates balance, creativity, thought and viola, your child will be highlighted in the best way!

Tip #2 squat

What exercise? Yeah I’m afraid so, squatting is the best way to capture your children who are tiny. My knees were embedded with sand after all these photos, and I was really close to the water (and almost got hit by a wave!) but, the composition of where your child is in the frame will make it stand out more - again, creating that line and showing them off. I love the one with Charlie with her back towards the camera; even though we don’t see her face, we see her entire toddler cute body - which as a mom, we know will cherish forever.

Here’s a post of me squatting

Tip #3 sunlight

This may go against everything you’ve been taught, but have the sun behind your child. What?? I know. Little side story, I was shooting at the NYC Easter parade, and someone was determined for me to shoot them with the sun directly on their face. Did it turn out? Sure, but it could have been better.

Again, reviewing my photos, look at the reflection in the water, it’s usually in front of my kiddos. I know the fear is that their face will be dark. It will be, but you can easily edit your photos where the face will be lit, and, the image overall will be better. Why…

The face will be better lit
The sky will look better
The reflections will add a cool effect
The sun kiss on top of the hair will give it a more magical feeling.

I put a before edits and after of my son with the sun directly behind him. Yes, his face was darker before and the photo was flat, but after easy edits, it’s bright, his beautiful face can be seen and I love the way the sun is hitting his messy beach hair.

Simple edits on your phone

Use a filter that you love (or not)
Make the “shadows” brighter (possibly all the way)
Make “exposure” brighter if still need be

That’s it!

I know that learning new techniques can take time, but look at your location, and choose one tip to implement, and soon you’ll be doing this without thinking. Thanks for letting me share with you these tips!

Parenting is challenging, parenting with all your other responsibilities is CHALLENGING, but you’re doing great!

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3 tips to greatly enhance your child's photos.

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