Bluebird Chic ambassador Kim Hoover of Apple of Our Eye Photography shares her best tips for getting mom into the frame and capturing that “tribe” feeling in your family photos!
As photographers, we often struggle with getting in the pictures ourselves. There have been many fun-filled family days, vacations, and outings where I wasn’t in the photos myself. Sure, I was quite happy to be the one taking the photos (because let’s be honest… that’s where we are often most comfortable being) but we often forget to include ourselves.
Over time I’ve gotten better. A lot better. Sometimes I’ve even asked for someone to grab a quick image of us handing over my camera and sure enough, they’ve missed focus or have gotten the dreadful bad angle. The perfectionist in me wants to ask them to take at least 5 more! But then I feel like I’m being
Here are some things I’ve learned to do to help get me in the photos more, and some things that have helped me get a lot more comfortable on the other side of things!
Tip # 1 – Learn to use that timer.
I’ve gotten so much better about setting the timer and jumping in photos with friends, families, and groups. As long as you have it set up focused ahead of time, it’s so easy to set that timer and run to position. I’ve also been known to stick the camera on a shelf in a room and have even taught the kids to push the button and run back to me just to get a few photos of myself in the mix. They think it’s fun, and can be a fun game.
Tip # 2 – Buy a remote.
I’ve finally bought a remote and it works wonders! In fact, the kids don’t even know what I’m doing sometimes. They have little to no idea I’m taking pictures.
Tip # 3 – Get comfortable and learn your angles.
I’ve actually never taken the time to learn my “good side”. In fact, many people don’t when asked. The majority of us have a side preference. I didn’t know mine. If you don’t know it, learn it. It’ll surprisingly make you feel a lot more comfortable, confident, and little bit more in control when you are on the other side of the camera.
Tip # 4 – Take lots of photos.
Because, why not? There will eventually be that one that will make your heart melt. You were there. Present. Not perfect. But present. You are bound to catch your real, genuine smile. You’ll recognize the person that’s been missing in all the photos. There she is! You’ll totally remember her the very moment you see her. Make friends with her again.
Tip #5 – Relax. Have fun.
My husband has called me out on my serious face when I’ve allowed someone else to be in control of photos. I’m completely guilty of having a tough time of allowing myself to relax. I’ve gotten so much better about this over time. Remember, these are moments and memories you deserve to be a part of as well!
I want to be able to look back through all of our memories and see that I was right there laughing, smiling and very much present.
I’m Kim Hoover. Photographer, wife
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