Tips for capturing your family during the quarantine

Capturing those moments of your family throughout this time, when we are brought together with our loved ones will create lasting family memories for generations. And more often than not, we only have the camera on our phones handy during those beautiful, spontaneous moments.

I love nothing more than capturing brand-new babies and families in my studio. But, being a mother myself to 3 amazing kids, some of my most treasured images have been captured on my phone. Images that show their personality, the mess that they make, and the everyday craziness I never want to forget. Of course, know that your photos are not going to look the same as professional photos, and that’s ok! But you are capturing some precious memories, and that is all that matters.

Some quick tips to keep in mind…

Equipment

Don’t worry if you don’t have a DSLR – try putting your phone on portrait mode if you have it to get some yummy blur. Make sure your lens is clean! And since you will keep things simple – you don’t need any props.

What to wear

Have the family wear comfortable, simple, neutral-colored clothing. Stay away from logos, words, and characters on shirts, and neon colors.

Light

Try to take your photos in the rooms that get the best gentle window light (not direct sunlight). North/south-facing windows are great! If there’s enough window light, turn off your overhead lights. When positioning your family close to the window, or venture out to the backyard or patio.

Editing

Take loads of images so you can choose the best of the best. On your phone, VSCO is a great app for editing your family images.

Photography Tips

On the floor

Spread a blanket, swaddle wrap or sheet on the floor near a window. Best choice: a neutral color like white, cream or grey, or with an interesting pattern (arrows, stars, polka dots, etc.) Position family members with light coming from the side or top of the heads. Take photos looking straight down – do not take photos up nose.

For fun shots ask your quarantine buddies to tickle each other.

On the bed

Use a large bed (usually in the master bedroom). Simple and neutral bedding looks best (tip: use white duvet inner) Position your whole family together and use a timer for this.

For fun and playful shots bounce on the bed with your kids or initiate a pillow fight.

In the kitchen

Bake or cook something together and photograph the process. It’s ok to get a little messy and touch each other faces with flour or tomato sauce hands. Turn on some music and dance around. Mom`s don’t forget to hand your phone over to another family member or set a timer. EXIST in photos, it would not matter in a few months or years that you weren`t wearing a bra or makeup. (Ask me how I know 🙂 )

In the bathtub

Give your kiddos a bath with lots of bubbles or maybe even jump in with them and ask your partner to capture these beautiful intimate moments.

In the playroom

Photograph your children engaged in imaginative play, building blocks, rolling toy cars, playing a video game or assembling puzzles. Get down on the floor and capture these images from your child’s hight.

In the backyard

Go outside in the morning or evening hours, for the best lighting, to capture your family playing outdoors. Spread a blanket on the ground and have a picnic together. Don`t forget to use a timer to capture the whole family.

The details

Focus on just one body part at a time, and make the whole photo just about that body part. Take photos of your child’s hands and fingers, feet and toes, nose, lips, belly button, and wisps of hair. Don’t forget the little rolls!