Photography

Out on the town: A family adventure to Lynchburg's Old City Cemetery

Happy First Day of Spring! Today I'm sharing with you a little family adventure we did yesterday. Going out as a family does not have to cost a thing and can be a lot of fun. With little ones it is hard to get out but it's so worth it to get a new scenery and some fresh air. Yesterday, my husband, my daughter and myself went on a little adventure in our downtown area. We walked around our Old City Cemetery. This area is chalked full of history and it a perfect place to get some pictures taken. We didn't get to see the entire cemetery (someone got tired) but its a beautiful place with an old chapel, museum and fun swing. We are hoping to go back in some warmer weather and see the rose garden (the largest collection of antique roses in VA) in full bloom as well as swing on the swing. Enjoy some of our pictures and get out and enjoy the sunshine today! 

 

If you ever find yourself in Lyncburg, VA, check out the Old City Cemetery and stay tuned for pictures of the antique roses! Have a great day! 

-Sarah

 

A little throwback...

Here is the fun swing at the park. This is pre-husband and pre-baby! 

Here is the fun swing at the park. This is pre-husband and pre-baby! 

5 tips to get better pictures of your kids

You've got this great space in your entry way or the perfect spot on the mantle. You've picked out the greatest frames or you got some for Christmas! Now its time to fill those frames and who better to adorn your walls and mantles than your kiddos? However, Christmas just was here a month ago, so money is a bit tighter and you don't have the time to hire a professional....Whats a mom to do? 

No worries. Today I'll be offering some tips on how to get great pictures of your kids! I love photography and taking pictures of my own little one and find that taking pictures and having them to look back on is one of the greatest memories. 

 

Here we go!

Tip #1 : Know your kiddos.

This kinda goes without saying but I often mistake this rule too. Know your kids. Know what is the best time for them to get pictures taken. The best time of day to take pictures outdoors is usually before 10am and about an hour before sunset. However, in my personal experience Eleanor just isn't up for having pictures at that time. So we go on her schedule. Sure, it may not be the ideal time but if we are going outside we find a nice shaded area and take some shots there! 

Obviously....not a good time. 

Obviously....not a good time. 

Tip #2: Be prepared and have a friend!

So you've got the right time and the kids are ready to go. However, they aren't looking at the camera...they've decided to start eating grass, run to the tree and try to climb it etc. A majority of my pictures of Eleanor or of other children aren't picture perfect. A lot of times they are crying or fussing or just blankly staring at the camera. It's always great to have someone else help out when you're trying to take pictures of kids. They can help reel them in and look at the camera and help with crowd control. Taking pictures of kids is really hard but if you are patient and ready you can capture those sweet smiles and fun moments.

Tip #3: Get Down

The best pictures you can get of your kids is the ones at their eye level. See how they see the world. Maybe you're just taking snapshots of them on your iphone one day...get on their level, see life through their perspective! :) 

 

Tip# 4 Get outside and watch your backgrounds

The best lighting is outdoors. So if possible try and get outside to take pictures. Try to avoid areas where harsh sunlight casts shadows on faces, such as an area where there are a bunch of trees with sunlight coming through. Find a nice fully shaded area if its in the middle of the day. That also helps so that the kids aren't squinting in pictures and you don't get weird shadows on their faces. Right now it is winter here in Virginia and a bit chilly. To try and take pictures outside just isn't ideal right now. So if you cant get outside find the best natural light in your home. 

No matter where you are...inside or out be sure to check your backgrounds! This is a key element in getting some great pictures. A great background is one that does't have a lot going on. It's simple and doesn't take away from the main subjects you are taking pictures of. It could be a blank wall, a field, the side of a building, a wooded area...etc. 

Eleanor was unimpressed by snow.

Eleanor was unimpressed by snow.

Tip #5 Be silly and Have fun!

The best part of taking pictures is having fun and being silly with your kids. Don't worry if the pictures aren't coming out how you planned. Some of the best parts of taking pictures of Eleanor is the fun I have with my husband to try and make her smile. It would be pretty hilarious if a random person saw us doing it. Having fun and showing the kids it's not all serious allows them to open up and be themselves too. If the pictures you take aren't to your satisfaction try again in a couple of days. Maybe today wasn't the best for your kids and another day will be better! Sometimes the best pictures are the unplanned and un-staged ones. They capture true everyday life. Remember, don't stress, have fun making memories together! 

Have fun. Use your iphone, point and shoot, DSLR....whatever, it doesn't matter you can get great pictures with any one of those tools. Get out and take some pictures today!