Teala Ward -Central Illinois wedding and family photographer

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10 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR KIDS THIS FALL

In this crazy wold we live in, just about everyone has a phone which means just about everyone has a camera as well. If you are anything like me, mine is filled with photos of the eventful and the uneventful moments that fill my life. I have a couple of tips coming from a someone who takes a lot of photos on my phone and professionally for anyone looking to take great fall photos of their kids!

The fall season is filled with the typical pumpkin spice, pumpkin patches and all things pumpkin but my suggestion is to look for things out of the typical fall hustle and bustle.

Look for that yummy fall light with deep golden tones

Fall lighting is beautiful. There is a reason those orange, yellow and red colors look so good, its how the light hits them and warms even those crisp nights. Try to capture that light in your photos especially just before the sun sinks behind the horizon.

Include foliage as it changes color

Sometimes it can be hard to catch that very short window between green and brown leaves but if you time your photos right, it is worth it! Fall leaves can still be on the trees when you photograph them with your kids or they can be on the ground. Either way, they make for the perfect backdrop!

Use the transitional weather to let your kids play

The shift from summer to fall can be hard for some people to adjust to as it can bring some unpredictable weather. Luckily, you have the opportunity to take advantage of those rain puddles and storm clouds with a couple of accessories from your mud room like rain boots and umbrellas.

Look for warm colors

The colors of the leaves aren't the only things that change during the fall season. Grass is slowly changing color during this time and wood piles help remind people that the cold weather isn't too far away. Looking for the warmth here can help bring life back into these elements!

Get in close for the details

Kids provide the best up close feature photos. From those tiny hands to those amazing eyelashes, getting photos of these details will help you remember each piece of your little ones during this time in their lives.

Play with shadows

This one sounds like it takes a whole lot of creativity but its really quite easy. Try to catch how the light bends around your little ones and where the shadows rest as they play.

Let them play, it is the perfect time to be outside

One thing I love to bring out while kids play is bubbles. Letting kids enjoy the great outdoors allows them to explore and be curious with their surroundings and adding bubbles gives them a little magic to play with.

Include things that only happen during fall season

The fair comes to town only once a year here and it is the kick off to all things fall. Making events like these part of your photos will help document what happens around this time and gives context to your photos.

Include pets in these seasonal moments

Documenting your kids is of course important but don't forget about your that furry family member! Some people are closer to their pets than others but if you consider them part of your family, make sure they are in a couple of photos and document the love your kids have for them. Time goes faster than we all plan!

Dress with photos in mind

If you are going out on a hike or somewhere you know you want photos taken, make sure to dress you kids in colors that complement the scenery or dress them in solid, "plain" patterns. Bright neon colors do not photograph well and by keeping the attire simple, you can capture the seasons busy changing!

No matter where or how you take your photos, at least you are taking them. Saving them somewhere safe or printing them out is equally important so don't forget those steps! Hopefully you will be able to take wonderful photos of your kids this fall!