outdoor photography

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER
The Ultimate Summer Challenge
- June 10, 2020
Are you looking for new ways to improve your photography AND make memories with your kids this summer? Do you want to combine your passion for photos with fun outdoor activities your kids will love? If so, we have the answer! The Ultimate Outdoor Summer Challenge is my way of combining two of my biggest passions (photography and outdoor adventures). Join me as we create some fun memories with your kids and beautifully capture them this summer!

The Ultimate Summer Challenge

Run Wild My Child is partnering with Hello Storyteller (an online photography community) to bring you a unique and inspiring summer full of fun outdoor activities and creative photography tips! Whether you’re a newbie photographer looking to learn or an experienced photographer looking for ways to get inspired while making memories with your kids, this challenge will help fuel YOUR creative outlet during your kids’ fun!

Photo credit: @aspoonfulofwhimsy

8 weeks of fun!

Each week (for 8 weeks total), you’ll receive a fully-detailed 4-page PDF containing 2 pages from Run Wild My Child on each outdoor activity and 2 pages from Hello Storyteller filled with photography tips, advice, and inspiration. I’m handling the activity side and we’ve selected 8 simple, yet fun activities designed to get you and your kids outside, exploring and playing together. Paired with each activity, a HelloStoryteller Mentor or Pro will provide instruction and insight on how to photograph and document each of your adventures. From camera settings and creative angles, to the best time of day and location to shoot, to helpful editing suggestions!

Photo credit: @melindamaephotography

Activities for the kids

Each week of our course we roll out a new activity. You don’t need a ton of prep time or planning to pull these activities off. Just a sense of adventure and a desire to have fun and make memories. All the activities are budget-friendly, open-ended, appropriate for all ages, and safe for social distancing. You’ll get creative ways to make each activity fun for your kids (no matter what age), as well as thoughtful tips, gear/packing lists, and suggestions for you as the parent.

Our summer activities include: blowing bubbles, nature hike, pool time, bike riding, and more! (We’re not going to ruin the surprise by giving them all away!)

Our activities were designed to be applicable no matter where you live and can easily be adjusted to fit your schedule, location and comfort level. If you can’t do one of the activities, no worries! We’ll be available in an exclusive Facebook group to help you come up with alternatives or find an activity that will work for your family.

Photo credit: @jenniferconnellyphotography

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for any parent that wants to spend time with their kids this summer, have fun outdoor activities planned for them and wants to learn how to take better photos of their kids. Here are few of the most common questions I’ve received so far…
- What if I’m not “outdoorsy”? – While these activities are designed to get you outside as a family, they don’t require you to climb a mountain or hike the Appalachian Trail. We’ll meet you at your comfort level and hopefully gently encourage you to expand your horizons. We’re not going to make you do anything you don’t want to, but I think you’ll be really excited about the activities we have planned.
- What if I live in the city? – You don’t need access to mountains or rolling farmland – a city park or a backyard will suffice for most of these activities.
- What if I don’t have a fancy camera? – You don’t need a fancy DSLR to take great photos. Most phones are equipped with amazing cameras and there are tons of simple editing apps that will take your phone photos to the next level! We’ll show you how.
- What if I know nothing about taking photos or editing them? – That’s ok! In order to get good (or even get better) you have to start somewhere. We’re here to help hold your hand through the process and answer your questions!
- What if I’m already a good (or even amazing) photographer? – Please join us! This challenge will be fun for even expert photographers because it’s all about spending quality time with your kids outside and capturing beautiful moments. You’ll still get a lot out of the activity descriptions and will hopefully get inspired to try some new things. We’d love to have all skill levels represented and would welcome your expertise, feedback and encouragement for our newbies just getting started in their photography career.
- What if we’re still socially distancing? – 100% fine! We chose activities that were safe to do distant from others. Some areas are more “open” than others, but we know everyone has a different comfort level. If there are any activities you’re uncomfortable doing, we’ll help come up with alternatives.
Photo credit: @aspoonfulofwhimsy

When and where?

If the Ultimate Outdoor Summer Challenge sounds like just the inspiration you need to pick up your camera and get outside with your kids, sign up today! Our course is open for pre-sale right now and the first email will go out June 22nd. All adventures will be rolled out weekly after that. The course wraps up mid-August, just in time for back to school.

Photo credit: @jenniferconnellyphotography

Who’s involved?

Well, me! Do you need more than that? 😉 Just kidding! Run Wild My Child is handling the outdoor activity side of the challenge and a team of Hello Storyteller photographers will be handing the photography side and doing the teaching. Here are the amazing mamas (and their Instagram handles so you can swoon over their images) that will be putting together the materials for each activity and coaching you through the photography lessons:
- Kristen Ryan – @kristcx
- Melinda McIntyre – @melindamaephotography
- Chelsea Wert – @aspoonfulofwhimsy
- Jennifer Connelly – @jenniferconnellyphotography
Photo credit: @melindamaephotography

What’s included?
- 2-page detailed Activity PDF for each week (8 weeks total)
- 2-page in-depth Photography PDF for each week (8 weeks total)
- Membership in an exclusive Facebook Group where you can ask all your summer activity and photography questions, as well as take part in a Live Q&A video with me (Run Wild My Child) and a Hello Storyteller photographer each week!
- Opportunities to be featured on both Hello Storyteller (@hellostoryteller) and Run Wild My Child’s (@runwild.mychild) Instagram feeds
- All participants that complete activities all 8 weeks will be entered to win a prize pack of goodies! It’s going to be an awesome prize!
Photo credit: @kristcx

Sign up today

The pre-order period for The Ultimate Summer Challenge is open NOW!! Whether you’re a newbie photographer wanting to learn or are an experienced photographer wanting fresh inspiration, this challenge has something for everyone. Sign up NOW so you don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity. I can’t wait for you to join us!

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More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!
HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Tips for Photographing Family Hikes
- April 29, 2020
Hiking is one of our family’s favorite ways to spend time together outdoors. Along with our traditional outdoor hiking gear (backpack, water, snacks, etc.), I always bring my camera along to document our adventure. Some of my favorite photographs of my kids are from family hikes, as they explore and play. Today, we have the amazingly talented Kristen Ryan, Oklahoma mom of 2 and photographer extraordinaire, here to give us some tips, tricks, and advice for photographing family hikes. Whether you’re shooting with a big fancy camera or your iPhone, these tips will help you capture some incredible moments outdoors with your kids and take your hiking photography to the next level.

Hiking with kids
Setting out on a hike with the family can be a great way to get outdoors and explore together. It can be a way of getting exercise while also enjoying some great views. Sometimes we need to get a little creative to keep the little ones enjoying the moment and pushing forward, there are so many fun activities to keep kids entertained and engaged while hiking. The Run Wild My Child website has some great resources for doing just that, check out some of these great articles:
Family hiking photography tips

When it comes to taking hiking photos, sometimes it’s at the top of my to-do list and sometimes it takes a back seat to just keeping my kids going. Hiking with kids tends to be all over the place and you never know what each day and hike will bring. I try to keep my expectations low and go into our hike armed with my camera, but willing to wait for the right moment. Today, I want to share with you some tips for easily capturing beautiful photos from the day and still allowing everyone to enjoy the hike uninterrupted.

1. Let everyone forget you have a camera

If your family is like mine, they don’t want to have to keep stopping for photo ops. In fact, the more you ask for pictures the less likely they will be willing to pose for you. My way to work around this is by letting them forget I have a camera. I try to set myself up for candid photos so that they don’t have to be moved or directed or interrupted from what they’re doing.

To get the shot I want without interrupting, I will pause a moment on a winding trail and wait for them to spread out along the turn to capture them in a line. If they stop to enjoy a view I will make sure I’m ready to capture the moment quickly before enjoying it with them. I will run up a little further on the trail to be ready for them to pass by then join in at the tail. My family is much more tolerant of my photo-taking if they don’t have to be interrupted during their hike.

2. Take advantage of the breaks

The next best trick for capturing great family hiking photos is to take advantage of your breaks. Need to stop for a water break or did you find a beautiful view? Use these pauses to capture the full scene. If we find a beautiful view I love to stop and take a water break at these spots. It gives the kids a moment to rest and it gives me some time to capture the beautiful surroundings as they enjoy and explore. I will have the kids sit in a safe spot where they can sit and have a drink and I will walk around them snapping a few photos with the beautiful scenery in the background.

3. Use nature as a leading line to your subject

Getting a great family hiking shot is all about the perspective and the angles. You can change so much just by changing your own position or using the natural elements around you to frame your subject. There are lots of opportunities to do this when you’re hiking. I just love how nature can so easily frame my subjects and that trails make great leading lines. Using natural elements is an easy way to draw your eye straight to your family even with a busy background.

When capturing your family, let the trail be a natural leading line through your photograph. I love to get low and allow the trail to guide my viewer’s eye through the frame right to my family and the story I’m wanting to tell. If you are in a tree-covered trail, try using branches and logs to help to frame your subjects. When having a scene full of similar colors and patterns, your family will stand out among the crowd just by contrast.

4. Stand out with color

Another way to get great photos of your family hikes is to have them stand out from the background. I don’t mean physically, but visually, with bright pops of color. This takes a little forethought, but it can be really helpful in photos. When we’re getting ready to go hiking, I try to keep my kids in bright solid colors. This helps them stand out a bit from the trees and bushes along the trails and brings your eye to them in a photograph. It is also a bonus when my kids like to run further up along the trail away from me. They still stand out and helps me to keep an eye on them while also giving them some freedom. This lets them enjoy the hike even more, because they feel like they are in charge of it.

5. Let them climb

If your kids are like mine, then they love to climb. They’re fearless and I sometimes have to regulate what they want to take on. 🙂 But climbing, even the smallest of rocks, is actually a great photo opportunity. I love it when we come across a place for them to try it. This is another great way to get them to stand out from the background and set them apart from the scene. You can do this by allowing them to get higher than the horizon. This doesn’t necessarily mean letting them go rock climbing up a cliff, but even a small little hill or boulder will do the trick.

You can make any hill or incline look much bigger by bringing your camera all the way to the ground and tilting your camera up to them. This will bring your horizon line down and make them appear higher. It also makes them stand out from the background! This is a great family hiking photography tip because they’ll be so proud of themselves and impressed when you show them the photo later.
Family hiking photography

I hope these tips and tricks will inspire you to get outside and go for a hike with your family. Don’t forget to take your camera along and try taking some images of your kids while you’re out and about. Not only will you capture moments in time you’ll want to remember forever, but you will get a little better with your photography skills with every photo you take! So grab your camera and hit the trails!

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

Do you take photos of your family hikes?

About the author

Hello, I am Kristen. I am a wife and mother to two kids and three dogs. We love to be outside as much as we can. Our family loves to go camping together and have made it a goal to visit all of the Oklahoma state parks. We are over halfway there! I am a hobbyist photographer who enjoys documenting my family in creative ways. You can find me on Instagram at @kristcx.
INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHY, SPRING
Tips For Capturing Puddle Jumping Pictures
- April 6, 2020
April is here and that means rain showers! Part of being a kid is getting to experience the joy of jumping in puddles! There aren’t too many kids that can resist a good messy puddle! We want to give you permission to let your kids get messy, muddy and have fun! And while they’re enjoying all the stomping and splashing, your mission is to capture some photos of all that puddlicious joy! Today, Brandi Rondinelli, professional photographer and mom of 2, is here sharing 5 tips for capturing awesome puddle jumping pictures of your kids. These tips are great and applicable whether you’re using a fancy DSLR or the camera on your phone. So get ready and let’s jump in!

Splash season
It’s that time of the year!!! Rain, more rain and PUDDLES!! I don’t know about you, but I love puddle jumping season (I mean, spring). We get a ton of rain in the spring and watching my kids’ faces fill with joy while they splash in every puddle they see is priceless! Not to mention, it keeps them busy outside for at least an hour. Sure, they get wet and messy, but that’s actually good for them! Letting your kids get dirty has proven health benefits.

As parents, we see mud and only see a mess. But to children, mud is an abundant and attractive medium for creation, exploration and adventure. Mud is fun! Playing with mud engages all the senses, encourages creativity and creates long-lasting childhood memories. Mud play has also been associated with a range of benefits including increased happiness, improved well-being, stronger immunity and a connection with nature.

Benefits of getting dirty

Recent research has shown that dirt contains microscopic bacteria called Mycobacterium Vaccae which stimulates the immune system and increases the levels of serotonin in our brains, an endorphin that soothes, calms, and helps us to relax. Science also shows that today’s sanitized world is actually contributing to increased levels of childhood allergies and asthma. Exposure to dirt and germs works to prime a child’s immune system to prevent allergies. Yes, mud can actually improve your child’s physical and mental health!

Healthy immune systems – Dirt is filled with all sorts of healthy microbes, and when kids are exposed to them it strengthens their immune systems which helps to prevent chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, diabetes and obesity.

Happiness – When kids spend time outside they are less stressed, anxious and depressed. In fact, within minutes of being outside around nature kids start feeling relaxed.

Active – Outdoor play, with all it’s dirt and mud, keeps kids moving. It’s been shown that kids run, climb and jump outside much more than they do inside, even compared to indoor sports. All this movement helps kids maintain a healthier body weight which prevent chronic health issues like diabetes.

Healthy sensory systems – As kids spend more and more time indoors, sensory processing issues are skyrocketing. Many children are developing over or under-sensitive senses. When kids go outside all of their senses are stimulated. There’s so much for them to see, touch, smell and hear outdoors which helps their brain grow and make connections.

Smarts – Kids that play outside and get dirty are better at solving problems and are more creative too. Time outside not only improves children’s memory, concentration and attention span it also helps them develop emotional and social intelligence.

Let them splash

So often kids are asked to refrain from getting wet and muddy. Give them the gift of freedom to explore and get as messy as they want for a day. Dress them in their rain boots and whatever else you don’t care getting wet (plenty of layers if it’s still cold) and encourage them to splash! They’ll be so excited about the opportunity and will remember this for a lifetime. If you’re in need of recommendations on good rain gear, here’s our favorite rain gear for outdoorsy kids.

5 tips for capturing perfect puddle jumping pictures

Now that you know how important and beneficial it is to let your kids get dirty, it’s time to capture the fun! While they’re jumping and splashing away, I want to be sure to preserve those sweet smiles and laughs. So, today I’m sharing 5 tips for capturing awesome puddle jumping photos of your kids that you can implement whether you’re shooting with a phone or a camera.

1. Mix up your perspective

Getting low to the ground and closer to the puddle lets the puddle be the focus of your attention. This is perfect for catching those wowing puddle shots of water splashing up and around your kids feet. But be sure to mix it up a bit so they don’t all look the same. Get some lower shots, some far away full-framed shots and some close-up shots. Get creative by adding a pop of color, umbrella, flowers, a friend or sibling, dissolved sidewalk chalk, etc. Or mix up the times you shoot your puddle splashing photos – morning, dreary mid-day, at golden hour (1 hour prior to sunset), etc.

2. Don’t be afraid to get wet

Getting close up puddle jumping pictures might result in a little (or a big) splash coming your way. For the most part, that’s ok! Be sure to keep a little towel on hand or put a plastic bag over your camera to protect it. I promise the up-close shots will be worth all the mud in your hair and on your face! (Remember, it’s good for you, too!)

3. Nail your settings

In order to get the best and sharpest puddle jumping pictures, if you are using a DSLR, make sure your shutter speed is high and your aperture (f-stop) is not too shallow. The high shutter speed (anything above 250) will help you capture those fast-moving water droplets. That that deeper aperture (f-stop at or above f/3.2) will ensure everything is in focus, especially when shooting up-close shots.

If you are using a cell phone, the more light you can have, the better. Try pressing and holding while taking a picture, this will do a continuous shoot capturing more pictures faster. Hopefully, this will give you a nice still water shot.

4. Have fun!!

Careful!!!! Mud play and puddle jumping may cause a tremendous amount of fun and laughter, try at your own risk! Let those kids get as messy and wet as they can. Nothing a bath/shower can’t fix.

Want to get extra crazy and give them a memory they’ll never forget…jump in with them!!! Don’t worry about having the right gear! Barefoot or rain boots, rain suit or shorts, it doesn’t matter, just have fun!

5. Enhance colors and details in post-editing

Editing your puddle jumping pictures will take them from good to GREAT! Editing doesn’t have to be hard or take a lot of time or skill. It can be done with iPhone pictures or photos taken on your DSLR.

If you don’t already, download the Lightroom app on your phone (it’s free!). When editing in Lightroom, turn up that clarity! Play around with the other settings to see what you like best. I usually bump up my shadows a little to make the moodier. I tone down the highlights to get rid of overexposed spots. Also, I turn up the dehazer slider and lower the black point a tad. You could also add contrast, sharpen and saturate to make the image exactly how you want it!

If you want tones like the pictures in this post, check out my Lightroom mobile Presets.

Get shooting!

I hope that helps inspire you to get outside with your kids while capturing some awesome puddle jumping pictures this spring! Let me know if you have any questions!

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

Do you love capturing puddle jumping pictures?

About the author

Brandi Rondinelli. I’m a wife, published photographer & mother of two little wolfs. We are a homesteading family & love everything about the outdoors. We have traveled all around Wisconsin and hiked 21 state parks in just 2 years. From raising chickens, kids, having a full garden & a photography business, you could say we stay busy but we always have time for an adventure and new memories.

You can find me online in the following locations:
Instagram: @soulshinephotographer
Client work: @motherhenshomestead
Website: http://www.soulshinephotographer.com
Facebook: @soulshinephotographer
FRIDAY FEATURES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday Feature: Kristen Ryan
- May 10, 2019
Hello Friday! I’m excited to start a new series on here called “Friday Features.” Every other Friday I’ll be featuring a member of our online Instagram community and the inspiration behind their gorgeous photos! I’m hoping this series will not only help inspire you to get outdoors more with your kids, but to also pick up that camera and document your adventures!

Photography is something that I’m incredibly passionate about. I’m not a professional photographer (or even all that good), but every time I pick up my camera, I get a little better, so I keep at it! We’re really lucky to have such an incredibly talented community of outdoorsy moms that have a lot of great advice and tips to share. If you have any questions or if there’s anything, in particular, you’d like to know/learn, please ask in the comments!

@kristcx

Our first Friday Feature is all about Kristen Ryan! She’s a mom of 2 kids (and 3 dogs) in Oklahoma. She’s a hobbyist photographer (Click Pro) and one of our amazing Instagram moderators. Kristen is also one of the sweetest people in the world (I’m convinced) and I’m honored to have her here and as a part of our community.

Here’s a bit more about Kristen’s images, style, and outdoor adventures in her own words…

Favorite place to photograph your kids?

I don’t think I have one specific place. I love to photograph our adventures together. No matter how big or small the adventure, those moments are my favorite. I love watching my children explore the world around them. Even if it is just going on a walk at a nearby park. Those moments inspire me to create and see the world how they see it — big, beautiful and ready for anything. I love watching their imaginations and how the simplest of moments can be so magical. It reminds me to be the same way. To enjoy the little moments, take them in and not get so caught up in all the bad that can fill our lives so easily. I love getting creative in my photographs and trying to bring that feeling to my final print. It has pushed me as a photographer and it is such a wonderful outlet for me at the same time.

How would you describe your photography style and Instagram feed?

I have such a hard time describing my photography style. I have always felt like I didn’t quite fit into any particular style. That used to bother me, but now I embrace it. I create what I feel and sometimes that means I’m all over the place. Usually, my style is colorful and bright. That is how I see my world, full of color. I like to find ordinary moments and search for the extraordinary in it. It pushes me creatively, but honestly, the image I produce is usually what is in my head and what I am seeing. I have never been really great with words and sometimes I have a hard time communicating my thoughts and feelings. But, photography has allowed me to do that. It has been so wonderful to express myself without feeling like I’m not getting across what I intended.

My Instagram feed is just a journal. It is not cohesive or organized. I have no intention of it being anything amazing. It is just my little piece of the world in an art gallery. It’s there for people to enjoy or to scroll on past. I am always grateful for the love that people give me, but that is not why I do it. My photos are for myself and for my family. I create because it is my outlet. I know my kids will grow up before I know it and I want these photos to be the legacy that I leave for them one day.

What would people not realize about you from only seeing your Instagram photos?

People may not realize that I am extremely introverted. I won’t even pull my camera out in public if there are a lot of people around. I have been working on my 365 project for the last 5 years and I have tried my hardest to get braver about taking pictures in public, but I haven’t come very far. It’s funny really, I completely know how silly it is and that 99% of the people do not care what I am doing. But, for whatever reason, I can’t get over it. Ha! I do not like drawing attention to myself and am completely ok with being a fly on the wall.

Have you made any “real life” connections through social media?

When I first decided to start a 365 project, I saw a call out on a photography forum to start a group dedicated to finishing a 365 project. I decided to join, anxiety and all. It was the best decision I could have made. I ended up not only finishing my project and going on to complete 4 more years of it, but I also made such wonderful friendships with many of these ladies. Just last year we all met up in Nashville, TN for a weekend of all things photography. It was so much fun getting to meet these ladies in real life and putting voices and personalities to these pictures that I was seeing of them. I am grateful for the push they have given me and I know I would not be where I am in my photography journey without them.

Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?

There are so many reasons that I want to raise my children to love nature. For one, the tranquility that can come from nature is something that cannot be found elsewhere. As adults, we know how overwhelming life can get and we need to be able to refuel our souls on occasion. Getting out of our normal routines and camping out under the stars can be such good medicine. Nature and everything that can be found outside can be scary to kids if they aren’t comfortable or familiar with it. But teaching them to be aware of nature and to also have fun with it can be so good for them, even into adulthood. I also want to teach them to be respectful and care for nature, that we can’t take it for granted. Nature is something that has to be treasured so that it can be passed down to future generations. I hope that they will have a passion for nature and the beauty it offers. I want them to realize that even the choices they make at home can have an effect on the world around them.

You can follow Kristen on Instagram at @kristcx

For more features on our online Instagram community, check out our Favorite Outdoorsy Instagramers, Part 1 and Favorite Outdoorsy Instagramers, Part 2.