With nearly every parent armed with a smartphone camera, snapping photos of our little ones has become incredibly easy… and sometimes a bit competitive. It seems like everyone is posting endless pictures of their kids’ achievements, adventures, and milestones, often accompanied by enthusiastic shouts to “look at the camera and smile!”
Professional photographer Mia Carter, who specializes in capturing the essence of children, understands the pressure this constant documentation can put on both parents and kids. Inspired by this, she created a photo series titled Let Them Be, showcasing kids in their natural state—laughing, being silly, and just having fun without any forced direction. The result? Authentic moments that speak volumes.
For those of us without a professional studio or expert skills, Mia shares her top tips for taking better, more genuine photos of our kids, minus the chaos:
Skip the “Cheese!”
Let’s be real. The “picture smile” looks staged a lot of the time. Instead, try capturing the kids in their natural joy—like when they’re simply playing or when a parent is being silly behind the camera. Real laughter beats any forced grin!
Embrace Movement
Utilize your camera’s “sports” mode when the kids are running around. This setting allows you to snap photos without interrupting their fun. In today’s digital world, you can take a series of shots to find that one perfect capture that tells a beautiful story.
Forget About Eye Contact
Candid moments are often the most magical. When kids aren’t directed to look at the camera, their true expressions shine through. Some of my favorite photos are of my kids interacting with each other, completely unaware of the camera. Sometimes even a shot from behind can reveal a beautiful moment of self-expression.
Put Down the Camera (Occasionally)
Even Mia, a pro behind the lens, reminds us that it’s important to sometimes just enjoy the moment without trying to document every second. Not every outing has to be a full-on photo shoot.
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In summary, capturing the essence of your children through photography doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By letting them be themselves, avoiding forced smiles, embracing movement, and sometimes putting the camera down, you can create lasting memories that truly represent who they are.