With today’s smartphones, snapping pictures of our little ones is easier than ever. However, this convenience can sometimes lead to a sort of competition among parents, with endless photos showcasing their children’s milestones, adventures, and achievements. Unfortunately, this often comes with the background noise of parents urging their kids to look at the camera and smile—often leading to posed and artificial expressions.
Professional photographer Mia Reynolds, who focuses on capturing the essence of childhood, has observed the pressures that come with constant photo documentation. This inspired her to create a project called “Let Kids Be Kids,” emphasizing the importance of authentic emotions over staged poses. Her series highlights children being silly, expressive, and true to themselves, without any direction.
For those of us without a professional studio or skills, Mia shares practical tips for capturing better photos of our kids without the stress. “I often choose a location I love, dress them intentionally, and step back to capture them just being themselves,” she explains. “This approach allows me to photograph their unique personalities and candid moments, creating a fun and enjoyable experience for the kids.” Here are some of her top suggestions:
Skip the ‘Cheese!’
Mia emphasizes that the classic “picture smile” often falls flat. Instead of forcing smiles, try to create an atmosphere where genuine laughter can emerge. One of my favorite techniques is to get a family member involved—like having my partner make silly faces behind the camera. The result is often a much more authentic smile.
Embrace Movement
Utilizing the “sports” setting on your camera can be a game-changer when your kids are on the move. This allows you to capture those spontaneous, joyful moments without interrupting their playtime. In our digital age, snapping multiple pictures to get that perfect shot is easy, and it helps preserve those cherished memories.
Let Them Be Themselves
Instead of demanding they look at you, focus on capturing their genuine expressions. Kids are often more relaxed and expressive when they’re not pressured to pose. I’ve found that some of my favorite images are of my children interacting with each other, absorbed in their own world, blissfully unaware of the camera.
Put the Camera Down Occasionally
Even professionals like Mia remind us to sometimes step back and simply enjoy the moment. Not every outing needs to be documented. Take time to relish in the experience without the lens in front of you.
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In summary, capturing authentic moments of your kids doesn’t have to involve forced smiles and stiff poses. By letting them be themselves, embracing movement, and occasionally putting the camera down, you can create lasting memories that truly reflect their personalities.