Because our children are living out their memories in a variety of lighting situations, we are encouraged to learn how to use light creatively.  While it is great when our children are doing things in perfect light, most of the time the best moments occur when our light isn’t ideal, forcing us to learn more about how we can manipulate our camera settings to still achieve great photos, no matter the setting we are in.

Children encourage us to see things in a new way, as we cherish the moments that they first experience something.  Their first experiences encourage us to view the world through their eyes, which leads us to seeing things differently.  In turn, we are motivated to pick up our camera and capture the awe and wonderment that is childhood within the frame.

Children are always learning something new and experiencing, experiencing, experiencing.  As they discover the world around them, we notice the little things they do that encourage us to photograph even the smallest of things.  Whether it is grabbing sheets with tiny fingers or learning how to read for the first time, it is in these moments that we learn to photograph the little details.

As we try to photograph the experiences of our children, we are encouraged to portray the experience through their eyes.  Getting creative with angles is a wonderful way to create a story through your image, by giving the viewer a unique view.  It’s amazing how taking photographs as you are getting lower, higher, close up and further away can all tell a different story.

One of my favorite angles is photographing from above, as it offers a bird’s eye view.  I love using my Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4 lens as it makes photographing from above so easy with the wide angle.  By using the tilt screen on my Nikon D750, I am able to see my image while extending my camera away from my body.

Note: Always wear a camera strap when photographing from above for safety.

Children are fast!  How do they have the energy!?  Their quick movement can inspire our photography in many ways, as we can tell a different story by either slowing down our shutter speed to create motion blur or use a fast shutter speed to stop their movements in a crisp image.

Read more: 5 Tips for Freezing Motion in Photographs

Children encourage our photography by reminding us that it’s all in the details.  While photos of our entire child within the frame are a must, taking the time to photograph their hands, feet, and sweet features is just as important.  Children definitely encourage our photography by reminding us that detail photos are important when photographing a story, just as stepping further away to capture the scene is equally as important.