You know Murphy’s Law? I think it should be renamed “Mom’s law of photography.” Because… because… well, anyone who’s ever taken pictures of their own children know… if there’s something that could go wrong… well — get ready, partner. 🙂

My children don’t love when I take their picture. They love seeing themselves on the wall, but the hesitation and reasons for refusal start even before I put on their socks. We took the boys out for a quick shoot in the bluebonnets (my favorite pictures of them all year! Those sweet little faces back lit by the sun and surrounded by color do me in) and I took a few notes offered my by 4 year old for the benefit of my pals. Also, I’m going to include some technical info for all you mommas out there who have bravely moved past the green square and are shooting your DSLR on manual. (Go, you!) Some of these tips are specific to bluebonnets and some are just overall photography advice for small children.

First tip: safety. I love you, and I love your littles. Pick a safe place for your bluebonnet pictures — not on the side of a highway. You want room for your little people to be able to run, this cannot happen near a road. Also, before you set your kids free to explore, check for ants, stinging nettle and snakes. *Shudder*

OK! Now that that’s understood– let’s keep going!

Location

The best spot is going to be a patch with a hill or treeline right behind it. Dark backgrounds help keep your focus on the important parts of your photo. See how in this picture below the sky is white? All of that bright negative space takes your eye away from that super cute little guy. 🙂 If there’s absolutely no dark background at your bluebonnet patch, you can shoot slightly downward at them so the bluebonnets are your background. 🙂

 Where does your eye go? Is it to that white sky? Me, too!

 

The bluebonnet patch doesn’t have to be expansive, either! You’re going to be shooting low among the flowers, so crouch down and see what different locations look like from that angle. Tip: use a small aperture number (like f 2.
8) and sit your child down among the flowers. This will soften the edges of the bluebonnet patch and make it look like the bluebonnets keep going and going.  (With multiple kids, make sure they sit shoulder to shoulder so their faces are on the same plane.  This will keep everyone in focus.) If you have a long lens, back up and zoom all the way in. This helps compress your background giving it that creamy look.

Where to place your kiddos in the patch

You’re going to want to be taking these photos around an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset. This will give you even lighting with a lovely glow. Out of respect for your fellow Texans, you might want to use a bald spot already trampled by previous picture-takers. If the sun is setting, you want to put your kiddos in the glow of the sun, but not where the sun will be streaming directly into your lens. The best way to do this is for your kids to be in the streaming sun (which makes them stand out from the background), but you move your body until the sun is where you want it. Tip: if you are in a spot where you can’t get the sun out of your lens and you don’t want to move, have someone else shade your lens for you. Cardboard, a book, even a hand — anything can be used as shade! Another tip: When backlighting, you need to overexpose your image by around +1.

How to get smiles

If your kids are like mine, they don’t want to sit and smile. They want to run and explore. Take the sitting still photos first. Let them know that if they cooperate now, they will get to play sooner!  And, it never hurts to add a little after-the-shoot-incentive like a trip for ice cream or their favorite snack.  (Also, a little instant motivation like Smarties — which don’t stain mouths or clothes — are a good bet. 🙂 )

Think of the pictures you treasure most. Do they have plastic smile? Rigid shoulders? No way. You want pictures that show your littles as they really are. So, be silly and play games. Tell them to talk like a dinosaur, to make the loudest sound they can on the count of three, to see if there’s a ladybug in brother’s ear.  Often the best and genuine smiles come right on the heels of their silliness.  Be ready!

Or, if they’re still sitting like stones, pull out the big gun. Potty humor. This was taken after a toot joke. No shame. 🙂

Time to play!

Move out of the thickest bluebonnets so you’re not stomping them in your play, and direct your kids toward the best light. You want them to have their back toward the strongest light so as to not get highlights on their faces. Below is an example of highlighting.

See those bright spots on his face? Those are highlights. This is what you’re avoiding by placing them with the sun at their back.

 

Give them jobs to do in their play. Run down a hill together. Play ring-around-the-rosy. Jump up and down. Smell a flower. Explore whatever makes your child curious. Tip: don’t forget to check your shutter speed. For you who are shooting with your camera in manual mode go for the highest shutter speed you can (400 is preferable).  There is a little trade-off here.  You may  need to raise your camera’s ISO (sensitivity).

So, get out there and make some memories!!

Happy bluebonnet season, friends!