7 Tips to Get Better Photos of Your Kids With Your Cell Phone

Majestic Beasts

1. You don't need fancy gear

Let me preface this by saying I do not have one of these latest and greatest smart phones where the default camera comes with portrait mode. I have a cheap LG, Boost Mobile phone. Use what you have! You can take interesting, decent quality photographs with anything! I mean, you could use most of these tips with a disposable camera, save the one about taking a ton of photos and not wasting film. All of the photos in this post were taken by me with my phone.

Parking Lot Sunset

2. Be ready

Clean the lens. You can use a microfiber cloth or any lens-safe cleansing cloth, but avoid using tissues because they could scratch your lens.There are few things worse than thinking you've lined up the best shot only to see its a hazy mess from a dirty lens.Cute happens fast so be prepared! Anticipate moments and have your camera ready.

3. Find the light

Porch Pumpkin Preparation

I love to head outside to photograph my kids. Natural light galore!

Illuminate faces. Look for alternate light sources in the dark. Electronic devices like cell phones and tablets are great light sources in the dark for little faces. The same goes for night lights, flashlights, glow sticks, car headlights or brake lights... get creative! For the best selfies with your kids, face the light!

Flashlight Ruby

Stand Still

4. Plan for the lighting you have

Kids are always on the move. Blur happens. Especially in lower light situations. Steady your phone by sitting it on a hard surface like a table, or on your opposite arm. You are also at your stillest at the beginning of an exhale. Take a deep breath, and click to take the picture right as you start to breath out. Or you could simply embrace the blur! I also love a good picture of a sleeping baby, which totally helps that whole staying still thing. I only have about five million of those.

5. Don't limit the number of photos you take in a given situation

There's no limit as to how many photos you can take with the tiny digital camera in your phone. There's no film to waste, so click away to your heart's content and choose your favorites. My 18-month old hardly stays still, so by shooting in bursts I usually get at least one still, in focus moment. When it comes to photography, you learn by doing. Take all the photos!

6. Consider your composition

Most smart phone cameras allow you to select a point of focus by tapping on the screen. Faces, specifically the eyes, are usually your ideal focal point.

Think about the composition of your photo, use the rule of thirds. You've probably noticed a grid that pops up on your smart phone. The rule of thirds is the idea that you should aim to put your subjects where the lines intersect on that grid. You absolutely do not have to do this (break the rules!) but it can give you a starting point, and potentially a photo you might not have looked for before. Look for interesting visuals like reflections or symmetry. Try turning your phone sideways to include more of the scene and get a fresh view.

7. Download a photo editor

There's only so much a person can do with Instagram filters and adjustments. There are many free editing apps so download one or two and see what you like! I'm a career-long Adobe software user, so it's no surprise that I love the free Adobe Photoshop Express app.

Share!

Like I mentioned before, you can take great photos with any camera, especially your phone. I'd love to see some of your snaps! Let me know which tips you found the most helpful and share your favorite shots in the comments!