Capturing Your Kids’ Real Selves through Photography

Have you ever had one of those moments when you looked back on your life and wished that you would’ve stuck with something from your youth?

Maybe a talent or knack that you had for art or music or athletics?

Sometimes it was something that was pushed on you and other times it was somewhat of a happy accident.

For me it surfaced through a mandatory class that I took as a freshman in high school.

I honestly don’t even remember the title of the class, but it was meant to satisfy a humanities credit…and maybe even kindle some unknown creativity.

The task was simple, and unbeknownst to me, very valuable.

We were to choose one project out of three or four that were available. I happened to select the creation of a marketing brochure that would draw people to a particular location in our state.

Through photographs and sharply written copy, I was to convince both residents and visitors alike to visit this amazing destination.

Consequently, I learned the in’s and out’s of an old Cannon, film driven camera, along with the inner workings of the school’s dark room.

With very little instruction on what made a “good” picture, I went out and starting snapping shots…and it was glorious!

In fact, several of my pictures got some minor acclaim from professional photographers in the area. They weren’t Pulitzer worthy, but the encouragement was exhilarating for a young kid.

Unfortunately, the combination of a lack of guidance, a fear of ridicule by my “jock” friends, and the travesties of the pre-digital age, proved to be more powerful than my newly formed passion for photography.

For me, the conclusion of the class meant that my picture taking all but dried up…at least from an artistic perspective.

The Magic of Fatherhood

But, a beautiful thing happened…I became a dad.

Along with the purchase of a Nikon D5100 and some brilliant instruction that I found in Digital Photography School’s – “How to Take Gorgeous Photos of Your Kids”, my life has become ripe with photographic opportunities.

In fact, the information in DPS’s eBook is so easily applied that I only got through the first few pages when I read something that reaffirmed a suspicion that I had for years.

The author, Rachel Devine, stated that:

“You’re not only documenting the universal moments of childhood, but the uniqueness of a particular child.”

As you can see in the photos that I posted in this piece…they strongly suggest aspects of their personalities.

And that is the beauty and power of a photo.

As a dad, you want to do much more than snap a simple picture. You want to be able to tell a story…to capture a perspective…to allow someone in to your life without saying a word.

That’s what a good “How-To” guide can do for you. Regardless of how expensive your equipment is or how much training you have had, the point is to start looking at your photos differently.

Once you begin to apply a sense of storytelling to your photos, the mundane and ordinary aspects of your kids’ childhood become interesting and honest.

And here’s an interesting little morsel…if you are going to photograph them, you actually have to spend time with them!

That’s pretty much a win-win if you ask me.

What Next?

Let’s assume that I’ve convinced you to place a little more meaning on your photography.

And let’s pretend that the task of being the picture taker isn’t excruciatingly painful for you.

What are the next steps?

Without hesitation and with full confidence, I would suggest that you go and buy a copy of “How to Take Gorgeous Photos of Your Kids”.

The “professionally-based” suggestions in this eBook will be indispensable for you.

Covering everything from your mindset, to equipment suggestions, to the challenges inherent in photographing children, you will get what you need to take great photos.

Whether you want to express your creativity or just fill your walls with your kids’ smiling faces, you’ll glean something useful…without a doubt.

It has certainly been enlightening for me!

Your Turn

Do you take pictures of your kids?

If you do, what tips or tricks would you suggest?

If you don’t, why not? Do you find it too difficult or too awkward?

Maybe you have some public photos that you would like to show off?

Whatever it may be, use the comments section below give us your two-cents.

I’ll bet you can teach us something!