Movement does wonders for communicating mood. I personally use it to create joyful images of kids being kids. Photographing playing, running, or jumping all work to bring a happy energy to my sessions.

This is easy task with kids who are sure-footed and can’t sit still. But have a little one that is not moving confidently around or is shy? Hold that babe in the air and usually magic will happen!

Use movement to elicit natural expressions or poses. There is no such thing as stiff smiles while jumping on couches or beds! I love clicking the camera right after the fall. The exuberance of all that fun activity remains and their bodies fall into such effortless poses.

Also, getting them up and moving is the best way to capture their true personalities.

Using movement can help to create more artistic portraits. Anytime I photograph a girl, I shamelessly ask her to give a spin or shake out her hair. I’ve gotten so many cool results with this little trick. Also, slowing down your shutter speed is a wonderful creative tool for giving a cool effect when the moment asks for it.

Read more – 7 Tips to Show Movement with Slow Shutter Speed

I especially love when movement aids in telling a better story. This is such an important element in lifestyle photography. Here I had mom and big sister looking down at this little love, cooing at him to hush. But you can’t hear that in a photograph.

By suggesting we take a break for sister to help with a diaper change gave a whole new life to the image. The movement of that task makes the story clear and endearing.

Using movement consistently throughout a session helps to create a cohesive lifestyle gallery that tell a beautiful story from begin to end. So don’t be afraid to tell your subjects to get up and dance, walk, collect, jump, run, twirl, pick, touch…doing so will give your pictures life and interest! I would love to see what you can come up with!