One thing I absolutely love is seeing mothers in pictures with their children. But at times, even the most well-intentioned partners aren’t… the best behind the lens. Therefore! Collaborating with Aura Frames — just in time for Mother’s Day — here are 12 pieces of advice for taking stunning shots of the moms in your life…
1. Watch for genuine moments. Becoming a great photographer quickly means just watching for tender moments. Kids move fast, so don’t wait: reach for your phone and click.
2. Faces aren’t always necessary. Pictures of feet or hands or people from behind can be so delightful and narrate their own story.
3. Snap many photos. Honestly, shoot 30. Surely one will turn out great, and then she can select a favorite. “Live photo” mode is also an option. It captures several seconds before and after the shot. Later, you can select the best still — aka the one without closed eyes.
4. Photograph views. If there’s a view, take that camera out. Every. Single. Time.
5. Adjust the camera position. Holding your camera above eye level is almost always more flattering than capturing an extra chin from below. Furthermore, shift positions while snapping photos. Various angles can make a significant impact!
6. Don’t forget the cuddles. “When I lost my mom, it struck me that I had a finite amount of photos with her,” my friend Liz Libré once shared. “I wish for images of my arms around my children, my body connecting with them. I strive to be depicted in my camera roll.” Likewise, oh gosh.
7. Document the everyday routine, too. Snapping pictures of things she routinely does — running errands, walking a kid to school, helping tie shoelaces — can appear genuine and beautiful.
8. Experiment with light. Golden hour — in the morning or evening — is perpetually soft and magical. Inside, turn off overhead lights and shift toward natural light by windows.
9. Try black and white. If lighting is uneven or the colors feel strange, switch to black and white — it appears classic instantly. We frequently make this switch for night-time pictures.
10. Offer to capture moments with mom friends. Parenting really takes a village, and looking back on periods when you were raising kids together is wonderful.
11. Perfection isn’t required. Even a blurry image can become an all-time favorite.
12. Savor the photos! Don’t allow them to remain on your phone, enjoy the splendor with her. I highly suggest Aura digital frames, which enable simple photo sharing from multiple phones (friends and relatives can be invited via the app) and display them in a dynamic carousel. My mom, my dad, my sister, my aunt, my cousin, and I all have Aura frames at home, which help us remain part of each other’s lives daily. The joy these frames bring is immense, and they’d make a truly meaningful Mother’s Day present, don’t you think? xoxo
Special for all readers: Enjoy $25 off this Aura frame using code CUPOFJO, available until May 13th.
What else would you suggest? We’d love to hear your photography advice. Thank you, Aura! xo
(Pictures in this post by Joanna Goddard, Alison Piepmeyer, Jannelle Sanchez, Selena Ma, Erin Jang, Julia Robbs, Merie Subryan, Leah Fink, and Jenny Rosenstrach. Aura frame photos at the conclusion by Julia Robbs. This post was supported by Aura Frames, whose digital picture frames we’ve cherished and used for years. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
**Dad’s Guide: Taking Better Photos of Moms**
Capturing treasured moments of motherhood wonderfully celebrates the bond between a mother and her children. As a dad, your perspective and chances to capture these moments genuinely are unique. Here are tips to help you take improved photos of the moms in your life:
1. **Emphasize Natural Light:**
Natural light can add beauty to any photo. Take photos during golden hour—just after sunrise or just before sunset—when the light is gentle and warm. If inside, position your subject near a window to utilize natural light.
2. **Snap Candid Moments:**
Many of the finest photos occur when the subject is unaware. Capture scenes of mom engaging with her children, laughing, or merely savoring a tranquil moment. These candid shots often reveal true emotions and narrate a more engaging story.
3. **Mind the Composition:**
Utilize the rule of thirds to create balanced and appealing compositions. Visualize the frame split into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Align the subject along these lines or their intersections for a more compelling picture.
4. **Get Up Close and Personal:**
Don’t hesitate to approach your subject. Close-up shots capture details and emotions that may be overlooked in wider frames. Concentrate on expressions, hands, or small gestures that convey feelings.
5. **Consider the Setting:**
A messy background can detract from the subject. Before snapping, check the surroundings to ensure the background complements the subject. A simple, tidy background usually works best.
6. **Promote Interaction:**
Encourage mom to interact with her children or her surroundings. Whether playing, reading, or simply holding hands, these interactions can yield beautiful, heartfelt photographs.
7. **Use Props Sensibly:**
Props can introduce an interesting aspect to your photos. Think about items meaningful to mom or the family, like a favorite book, a beloved toy, or a family heirloom.
8. **Play with Angles:**
Explore various angles fearlessly. Shoot from above, below, or from the side for an unusual viewpoint. Altering your angle can give depth and intrigue to your pictures.
9. **Capture the Nuances:**
Sometimes, tiny details narrate the biggest stories. Snap close-ups of mom’s hands holding her child’s, a gentle touch, or a shared grin. These details can evoke intense emotions.
10. **Edit Thoughtfully:**
Post-processing can refine your photos, but careful editing is vital. Use editing tools to adjust lighting, contrast, and color balance, but avoid over-editing. The goal is to enhance the picture while preserving its natural appearance.
11. **Practice Patience and Observation:**
Great photos often call for patience. Stay vigilant and ready to capture unplanned moments. At times, the most remarkable shots occur when least expected.
12. **Engage and Cooperate:**
Discuss the photo visions with mom. Collaborative efforts can result in more meaningful images that reflect her personality and style.
Applying these tips, you can create admirable, lasting photos of the moms in your life, honoring their personal journey and the unique moments shared with their children.
