In this beautifully chaotic journey of parenthood, it’s often the unplanned moments with our children that become our most treasured memories. These reminders of everyday life, with all its laughter and tears, hold the essence of childhood and the connection between us and our little ones. Capturing these moments, however, requires a willingness to embrace the imperfect beauty of the present.

 

The upside of our digital age is the freedom it affords us to snap away, allowing us to capture true expressions of our little ones. But, the secret to truly capturing the magic is not in the number of photos taken but in the ability to capture a moment that tells a story and freezes emotion. This is not about capturing a perfect picture, but rather capturing a feeling.

First thing… children are very aware of a parent watching (especially if there is a camera in hand) and it may affect the way they are behaving if they feel watched. My oldest loves to have her picture taken.. on her terms. If I ask for a picture, she instantly starts pouting with a grumpy face. Observing quietly can lead to the most genuine pictures. Allow yourself to just sit and observe (no parenting 😘). When our children explore and play we can capture their authentic personalities. 

A technical tip:

Don’t underestimate natural light in your images. It can give life to a simple photograph. I think we are unaware of how much beauty the light around us adds to a moment. The soft glow of early morning light peeking in or the golden rays of late afternoon sun dancing around the walls…  this adds a layer of warmth and when we embrace that in our photos it allows you to FEEL the moments you are capturing.

With this in mind… what truly makes these photos special is the emotion it captures. The goal is not to achieve perfection in the traditional sense but to preserve a feeling… a fleeting moment. Whether it’s a burst of laughter, focused concentration, or even tears… when these moments are captured they pull us back into this season. They are a treasured gift. 

Some of my fondest memories from my childhood are memories that are attached to photographs that my mother (or grandmother) took. It somehow keeps that memory alive. I can remember the smallest details surrounding the photo because it has somehow preserved the whole moment in my mind. 

In the end, you’re not trying to fill albums with perfectly posed portraits but to weave together moments that transport us to the very instant they were captured. Not just us… our kids will also have something tying them to these beautiful memories. It’s about holding onto the raw, unfiltered essence of their childhood and the love that defines your relationships. So keep your eyes open for those everyday moments that live in the most ordinary moments.

 

Would you like more tips for photographing your kiddos? Download my “Guide to Preserving the Magic of Childhood” for a deep dive into practical steps you can take to capture beautiful and meaningful pictures right at home!