One question I am always asked is how do you take your photos for Instagram and your Blog? Who takes them? And so, I thought a little blog post might be a good place to store all the answers.
Over the years I have managed to (and quite well I think) teach Mr H and more recently George, my 7 year old to take my photos. Whether it’s a quick snap on my phone camera when we see an Instagrammable wall or on my Olympus PEN for a campaign or a post I am putting together. They both do so well. And thankfully don’t mind at all.
I try not to ask them all of the time, in the past it has lead to cross words, maybe even an argument and definitely no photos. And a disappointed KA. I’ve learnt over the years that it’s all about timing, education and pointing them in the right direction. Oh, and a lot of patience.
I use my tripod and timer for photo’s in my house and where possible I meet up with my very talented photographer and blogging friend Jenny. We meet up as often as we can but as we don’t live close by I rely on my boys in between. Or a friend who gets the whole ‘can you take my photo please?’. She’s blooming brilliant.
Years ago I would just ask Mr H to take a quick photo and then as my own love for photography and of course blogging and Instagram took hold I found myself looking for an image that had a little something else to it. A certain angle, professional looking and of course in focus. That always helps right!
Here’s how I have worked with Mr H and George over the years to be my photographers…
- Keep it simple. I stick with my iPhone (7 plus) for when the boys are taking my photo. It’s much easier for them to use. Has a pretty great ‘portrait’ setting for that depth effect. It also means that less photos turn out blurry as it’s pretty much as simple as point and shoot.
- Make sure everyone is fed and watered. Happy and ready to go. No hungry bellies. I always task George with helping Daddy to get the shot. A job he loves. He’s the perfect Director. Or if it’s George on his own we do something for him afterwards.
- Have a camera roll of example shots you want to try and recreate. Look through them together and think of an area you can grab the shots in. That way you can trust his direction too as he can see it coming together.
- Set the shot up, check the lighting. I do this less now than I used to do. Both Mr H and George are now pretty great at angles and going for something I wouldn’t ordinarily which still surprises me.
- Keep checking the shots as the session goes. Change things up if something isn’t quite working. Whether its the location or angle.
And there you have it. How I’ve taught my boys to be my photographers. I think they’re pretty wonderful. Don’t you? Do let me know how you master taking your photos or how you got on using my tips.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
Great tips!! Dom is pretty good at taking my picture but is never happy to be the photographer, I get rolled eyes whenever I ask which is annoying. Lili is also getting better at using my phone, so maybe I need to ask her more…
The rolling eyes has stopped here although sometimes hes grumpy about it. It isn’t very often I ask but his problem is he’s embarrassed if people see. No one really notices. And if they do they just laugh or carry on.
Oh so many great tips and a mention of me you are too sweet. It’s easy to take amazing photos when the subject poses perfect, knows what she wants, and pretty much does the hard part for me. I love taking your photos would do it any day of the week! Now George come teach B and MM a few things! When yall come over for half term the kids can have a mini practice together.
You are so welcome lovely. You’ve helped me out so much. Looking forward to seeing you in Feb x
Wow, I’m in awe! As you know from our convo at the weekend, I am not confident posing in front of anyone – at least you’ve got that part sorted! Well done to your boys. Perhaps George will become a photographer one day! xx
Aww sweetie it’s just practise and I’ve had a lot of it. And generally worked with Jenny which has helped so much. He does love taking a photo x
It’s fab that you have such willing photographers. I think it helps that you are confident posing in front of the camera – that’s definitely my downfall. I’d be super happy if the husband snapped a candid photo of me (so I don’t have to pose!) but he just never thinks to – it’s not on his radar at all. I guess having the confidence to ask for what you want is key! You’ve taught George and Mr H well 🙂
I am lucky although on occasions both boys don’t wish to partake :). I think if I’m honest I’ve just posed that much for my fashion photos that I’m just used to it
I will generally always ask my eldest to take photos if necessary. She’s quite good with an iphone as it happens! Also getting better with a DSLR.
I love how George has a real interest in taking photos