photography advice

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
BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER
10 Tips for Taking Amazing Photos of Your Kids at the Beach
- April 18, 2019
Summer will be here before we know it and I know lots of you are already planning your upcoming beach adventures. Today, we have the amazing Jeanni from JKutz Photography sharing all the tips, tricks and advice you need to know for capturing amazing photos of your kids on the beach. Make sure you read this awesome tutorial on beach photography before your trip and keep all these things in mind when capturing your cuties in the sand this summer.

The mountains or the sea? Where does your photographer’s heart call you to go? While I love the mountain views, there is something about those ocean waves that keep me coming back over and over again. The beach is truly a magical place and a great one for photographers. One of my most favorite things to do while sitting on the sandy shores is to capture images of my crew. I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and what not to do) when photographing kids on the beach. Here are my top 10 tips for capturing beautiful beachy images of your family.

10. Avoid high mid-day sun

I know, you have heard this a thousand times, but there is a reason photographers avoid the super-bright mid-day sun. That harsh bright sun creates harsh bright photos. And although we (as beach-goers) hate those overcast beach days, they’re much more photograph-friendly. If you are looking to create softer light airy beach photos, try photographing on a slightly overcast day. Beautiful beach photos happen when the bright sun is a bit muted by some cloud cover.

9. Be patient

Sit back, relax and wait for the right moment. Some of my favorite beach photos were taken when no one realized the camera was around. I like to sit a distance away from my children and watch them play. Forcing a cute playful moment often ends in frustration, tears and resentment of the camera. Try sitting back from the action and observing. You are guaranteed to see the magic moments unfold before your eyes and will be better prepared to grab the camera when the time is right.

8. Small can be mighty

Like every mom out there, I think my littles are the star of the show. I often fill the entire frame with their sweet beach babe bodies. Although these images are adorable, over time they can all look the same. I have to remind myself to mix up my shots by stepping back and capturing the entire scene. Try making your littles a small part of the shot by filling the frame with more of the beach. This is a great way to capture the entire experience of your beach trip.

7. Find the path less taken

Half the fun is getting there, am I right? The path leading to the beach might just have as much charm and beauty as the sandy shore itself. Take time to look around for that dreamy spot just before you reach the shores. You will end up with great views of the sea in your background.

6. Get cheesy

Getting that creative praise-worthy photo is every mom/photographer dreams. Candid images that tell a story are all the rage, which means cheesy posed images get a bad rep. However, sometimes a good old-fashioned stand there and smile photo is so worth it. Especially if you have young children that are always on the move because it can be really difficult to capture their sweet face. There is nothing wrong with a classic stand there and say “cheese” at the camera kind of photo.

5. Find the small details

As much as I love capturing the entire scene, I really love zooming in on the small details of the beach. Not only will the detailed pictures help you remember the way the sand felt in-between your toes, it will also give a good amount of variety of your gallery of beach images. Pay attention to those details and be sure to capture the tiny little details you never want to forget.

4. Sunrise can equal sunset

There’s a reason you see so many classic beach sunset photos – sunsets can be epic. We all love the pastel colors that paint the sky and we’ve all tried to capture that beauty as our kids frolic and play. But, depending on the direction the beach faces, the sunrise can actually create better images than the sunset. If the beach looks out towards the West, try photographing the “sunset” photo in the morning. When the sun is low, the landscape can block some of the harsh sun that is often found on open beaches.

3. Look for the quiet moments

The best beach moments don’t always happen on the beach with a sand shovel in hand or while the littles are jumping in the waves. Napping on the beach often results in a frame-worthy photo. As do beach picnics, snack breaks and all the little moments in between the action when the kids are resting and refueling.

2. Get directional

Do you have a perfect beach photo in your mind that you desperately want to create? Me too! Help your children create that image by positioning them where you want them and letting them know just what you would like them to do. Use gentle encouraging directions to get the shot you envision. Start by pointing out a perfect spot on the beach where the light is just right. Then suggest that your crew build a sand castle there or have them pick up that super cute floaty. Need them to turn and face the ocean? Ask if they see any dolphins jumping in the waves. Get creative and they’ll never know that this is all part of a plan.

1. Keep it simple

Cutting out the clutter of a beach trip will absolutely give your images a more editorial and stylized look. I am in no way suggesting not to pack all the coolers and bags. You need those! However, when it comes time to capture that perfect beach image, leave them out of the shot. Try having all the beach chairs, towels, and fun floats behind you or off to the side so they’re not in all your images. Move the kids away from the gear, for a few shots. If you have a lens with a longer focal lens, try zooming in or moving closer to cut out that clutter. One or two cute beach toys might be just perfect, but three or more is definitely a crowd.

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!

Jeanni, originally born and raised in St. Paul MN, has traveled the country and world searching for a place to call home. She is a mom to a crew of 4 littles; 1 boy and 3 girls. After a 7 year career as an early childhood teacher, Jeanni is now proud to be working as a full-time mom. The bittersweet emotions of watching her children grow motivated her to pick up a camera and become a photographer. Photography is her heart’s work and she loves to capture joyful, natural moments. As a lover of natural light, Jeanni strives for fresh and airy images. She also has a deep love for her husband, a strong cup of coffee, the color white, and all things vintage. It is truly her great joy to share her work with you at jkutzphotography.com.
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER, WATER
Tips for Capturing Amazing Sprinkler Photos
- July 20, 2017
I am absolutely thrilled to bring you today’s guest post from Kristie of L Photographie on how to take amazing sprinkler photos of your kids this summer. Kristie is a great friend, a former sorority sister, and my family’s personal photographer. She’s also a wonderful teacher and has become one of my go-to resources for all things photography-related. Since it’s a million degrees outside, I thought this would be the perfect time to share this post with you. Kristie’s sharing some really great tips and advice on things you can do to capture some truly adorable and classic summer fun of your kids running, jumping, and dancing through the sprinkler. Give it a read, then set up that sprinkler in your yard, grab your camera and let the kids run wild!

Classic summer fun with the sprinkler

Warm sunshine, carefree laughter, and the unmistakable sounds of children’s glee—summer is a season that brims with cherished moments. The joy of playing in the sprinkler is an exhilarating burst of unrestrained laughter and unbridled excitement for kids. As water jets and arcs in sparkling patterns, their eyes light up with sheer delight, toes eagerly touching the refreshing splashes that cool the summer heat. With carefree abandon, they dart in and out of the water’s path, their giggles echoing through the air as they leap through shimmering curtains of droplets, creating a symphony of radiant smiles and unforgettable memories.

And what better way to freeze those timeless memories than by capturing your kids in the midst of their exuberant summer fun? From the sheer delight of running through the sprinklers to the unbridled joy of jumping and dancing, these heartwarming scenes are the essence of childhood. As a parent armed with a camera, you have the power to immortalize these fleeting moments, creating a treasure trove of photographs that will warm your heart for years to come.

Tips for taking adorable sprinkler photos of your kids

In this post, we delve into the art of photographing kids as they revel in the magic of summer and the splendor of sprinklers. We understand that these moments are both spontaneous and ephemeral, making them a delightful challenge to capture. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who simply loves documenting family moments, I hope these tips will empower you to freeze those candid instances of pure happiness.

Today, we’ll explore various techniques to not only preserve the vivid colors and playful expressions but also to convey the sheer energy and unfiltered emotions that define these summer escapades. From understanding the best camera settings for action-packed scenes to mastering the art of timing and composition, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, we’ll delve into the world of post-processing, providing insights into how you can enhance the vibrancy and charm of your photos without sacrificing their authentic essence.

1) Sunset is best (consider your light)

If you have the chance to shoot closer to sunset, do! The sun sets late in summer, which can be difficult with many kids’ bedtimes, but even two hours before the sunset is going to give you much better results than the harsh midday sun. Plan a post-dinner run around the yard for the kids (consider it their bath!). You’ll want to take a few minutes to get everything set up before the kids are running laps around you screaming for the sprinkler to be on (at least that’s what happens at my house), so plan accordingly.

2) Backlight your subject

Set up the sprinkler where you can “backlight” your subject – this means you want the sun hitting your subject’s back. You and your camera should face the sun. If you’re in the shade, look for little streaks of light hitting the ground – that’s where you’ll want to place your sprinkler – right in the sunlight. You’ll get some amazing light hitting the water that will help bring your photo to life! If you and your camera can be in a spot where your camera is in shade, even better – you’ll avoid lens flair and get better contrast in your image.

3) Be aware of your background

Keep an eye on what is in the background of your photos. Although you want to generally point your camera West, towards the sun, you can cheat a bit and go at an angle to get the best background with the fewest distractions. With water being a big part of your image, you’ll want to find a darker background (dark trees, bushes, a fence, dark color house). If the sky is your background, the water flying around will blend right into it and go unnoticed.

4) Lens choice

Choose the longest lens and focal length you have and scoot waaaaay back! This will help for two reasons: (i) A longer focal length will compress your photo and help the background blur out, so that the water and your kiddos are the focus, and (ii) you won’t get wet! Well, no promises on that one! I like to shoot with my Canon 135mm lens for sprinkler action.

5) Shutter speed choice

This is a big one! Especially because of those fast kids you’re about to capture and the water flow! For running through water, I would suggest keeping your shutter speed around 1/1000 or higher to freeze the action. Once you start to dip down into those 100s, you won’t be able to stay as tact sharp and may end up with blurry photos. If you’re not yet shooting in Manual Mode, you can switch to “shutter speed priority” mode – which will read “TV” on your camera dial. Make sure to also choose a higher ISO (to let more light into your camera, as the high shutter speed will take light away).

1/1250 sec, f/3.2 135mm, ISO 800

1/5000 sec, f/2.2 135mm, ISO 1000

1/500 sec, f/3.5 135mm, ISO 1600

6) Get creative

If you would like to play with some creative blurry water, you can dip your shutter speed to a very low number. I’d suggest not hand-holding the camera – set it on a table or lawn chair (or a tripod, if you’re feeling fancy) – then capture your kiddos from behind. Since they will be moving, their faces will not be sharp, which is a distraction in your final image. If you capture them running away from you, it can be a fun creative blur with your water.

You can also get creative with different camera angles. Get down to the kids’ eye level or even lower to capture the scene from their perspective. This angle can make the water arcs and droplets appear larger and more immersive, showcasing the excitement from their point of view. Alternatively, try shooting from a higher vantage point, looking down on the kids as they move through the water. This angle can capture the overall layout of the scene, showing the patterns created by the water and the kids’ paths.

Focus on details by capturing close-up shots of wet hands, bare feet splashing in puddles, or the water droplets on their skin. These shots can evoke a strong sensory connection to the moment. Frame the kids through the streams of water or the spray of the sprinkler itself. This can add a playful and dynamic element to your photos.

1/8 sec, f/13 135mm, ISO 250

7) Shoot through for sharp photos

Of course, with kids running excited through water, they are going to be moving FAST. Even with a quick shutter speed to freeze the action, you might have trouble nailing the focus with lightening fast kids. If you’re having issues finding that exact focus sweet spot as they run around, try to “shoot through” the action. Here’s a quick explanation of how to do that to get the sharpest results.

Switch your lens to manual focus and set your focus on the center of the sprinkler stream. Wait for your kiddo to come close to running through and press and hold your shutter to take multiple shots. Make sure your camera is on it’s continuous shooting mode, so you can fire off more than one shot.

At some point during that run through the sprinkler, your kiddo will run right into your perfect focus! Yes, you’ll end up with a lot of out-of-focus photos to dump in that series, but it is worth a few rounds of trying this if your Auto Focus finger isn’t keeping up with your kid.

8) Enjoy the fun!

Give the kids some distance and just observe the fun! Kids are naturally going to be silly and active and smile when the water excitement starts. Nothing is worse than trying to play while your parents bark orders at you about how to do it. (Am I right?) Just pick the best spot for you and your lens and wait. Watch how their little personalities just shine!

Remember, the goal is to capture the genuine joy and playfulness of the moment. Both camera angles and any fun props should enhance the story rather than overshadow it. Be open to spontaneous moments and let the kids’ natural interactions guide your creative choices. Be patient and enjoy!

9) Super simple post-processing

If you want to take your images to the next level, here are a few simple post-processing tips to enhance your photos of kids playing in the sprinkler:
1. Adjust exposure and contrast: Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast levels. Increase the exposure slightly to bring out the vibrant colors and details, and then fine-tune the contrast to ensure a dynamic range between the highlights and shadows, giving your photos depth and dimension.
2. Boost vibrancy and saturation: You can try to increase the vibrancy and saturation of the colors to make the water droplets and summer hues pop. Be cautious not to overdo it, as you want the colors to look lively and natural, not super saturated or neon.
3. Crop and straighten: Use cropping to improve the composition and remove any distractions from the edges of the frame. Straighten the horizon if necessary to ensure the photo’s balance and alignment.
4. Enhance sharpness: Apply subtle sharpening to bring out the finer details, such as the water droplets on the kids’ skin or the textures of their clothing. Use a light touch to avoid introducing noise.
5. Selective editing: If your photo editing software allows for selective editing, consider darkening or blurring the background slightly to draw more attention to the kids and the action in the sprinkler.
6. Remove distractions: If there are any unwanted elements in the background that detract from the main subject, use the clone or healing tool to remove them discreetly.
7. Add a touch of warmth: If you need to, you can adjust the white balance to add a touch of warmth to your photos, capturing the sunlit essence of the summer day. This can help convey the inviting and cheerful ambiance of the scene.
8. Fine-tune skin tones: If capturing close-up shots of the kids, pay attention to their skin tones. Adjust the color balance to ensure natural and flattering skin tones, avoiding any unwanted color casts.
9. Consider black and white: Removing the color completely for a black-and-white image can sometimes really make the image pop. Play around with this option and pick a few to convert to b/w.
10) Share your images with us!

Now, please tell me you’ll set up the sprinkler in the yard this weekend and capture some fun shots of the kids! And if you do, please post them and tag us on Instagram (use our hashtag #runwildmychild) to be featured on our page. If you have any questions about camera settings, equipment or anything else, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to answer your 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!

About the author

Kristie Cromie is the owner and portrait side of L Photographie, a fine art boutique photography studio in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri consisting of four amazing photographers. Kristie has a background in journalism and graphic design, specializes in family and newborn sessions, helps run the business and teaches a Camera Love class for parents that want to take better photos of their children. When she’s not behind the camera or computer, she’s chasing her two-year-old daughter, keeping up with her seven-year-old son, plus renovating a house from the seventies that was covered in blue shag carpet.

You can find Kristie and the rest of the L Photographie crew around the web at the following spots:

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY
Tips for Taking Great Photos on Stone Mountain
- June 29, 2017
We’re bringing you a great guest post today from Holly Davis of SunshineAndHolly.com. Holly lives in the Atlanta area and is sharing her tips, advice and recommendations for taking great photos at the top of Stone Mountain. If you have a kid-friendly outdoor adventure, outing, trip or activity that you’d like to share on our site, click that CONTRIBUTE button at the top of the page for more details.

If you’ve been to Atlanta, chances are you’ve heard of Stone Mountain, the largest exposed mass of granite in the world. Stone Mountain is a quartz dome with an elevation of 1,686 feet. The top of the mountain is a landscape of bare rock and rock pools, and it provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Stone Mountain is more than 5 miles in circumference at its base and the summit can be reached by a walk-up trail on the west side of the mountain or by the Skyride aerial tram.

We live pretty close to Stone Mountain and visit often to enjoy the park attractions and climb the mountain. One thing we love to do while visiting is to take a ton of pictures on top of the mountain. The blue sky and white clouds make a beautiful backdrop, and on clear days you can even see the downtown Atlanta skyline! Over the years I’ve taken lots of photos of my kids and family members on top of the mountain, and have learned a few tips and techniques that I’d like to share with you today for getting the best possible photos.

Take the Skyride

There are two ways to get to the top of Stone Mountain. The first is hiking up the 1 mile trail to the top. But be warned – it’s a good workout! The trail isn’t stroller friendly, so if you’ve got little ones, I suggest riding the Summit Skyride instead. It’s a high speed Swiss cable car that will zip you up to the top of the mountain (825 feet up) in minutes. It’s fast and really fun for little kids, too. So if you’ve got littles that are too small to hike or if you don’t want to be dripping sweat in your pictures, the Skyride is the way to go!

Bring Sunglasses

On sunny days, it’s super bright up at the top of the mountain. We forgot to bring sunglasses for the kiddos once, and they were squinting or closing their eyes in every picture. Do yourself and your eyes a favor, bring some sunglasses.

Watch for Fences in the Background

We’ve taken some pictures that would be beautiful if it weren’t for the darn fences and powerlines in the background. Yes – it’s a good thing the fences are there so people don’t get too close to the edge, but they can ruin an otherwise beautiful picture. If you don’t want fences and poles in the background, make sure you position your subjects high up on the mountain and away from them. Sometimes a small pole or fence can be Photoshopped out, but there are plenty of places to take photos where the background is nice and clear.

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Even if you’re taking the tram up and not hiking, the top of Stone Mountain is not the place for heels, flip flops or wedges. It’s a huge mass of granite – there are craters, boulders, loose gravel, and giant pools of water. Don’t risk anyone falling and getting hurt – make sure you wear good solid sturdy shoes.

Get off the Trail

Since most of the people are either hiking up the mountain on the trail or riding the Skyride, the middle of the top of the mountain can get crowded. To avoid getting photos with people resting, snacking, and taking their own pictures, get off the trail. Walk slightly to the left or the right of the hiking trail and you can find great spots with beautiful views that aren’t overrun with hikers and selfie-takers.

Consider Wearing Your Hair Up

It can be very windy at the top of the mountain, so unless you want to be constantly pushing your hair back out of your face, consider a ponytail or braid. I learned this lesson the hard way!

If you find yourself in the Atlanta area on a beautiful day, consider checking out Stone Mountain. Pack a picnic lunch and your camera, hop on the Skyride, and go take some amazing photos on the top of Stone Mountain!

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!

About the author

Holly Davis is an Atlanta-based blogger, wife, and mother of two wild children. As a self-proclaimed “on the go mom,” she’s happiest when she’s outside soaking up the sun and exploring new places with her family. You might say adventure and entertainment are in her blood, because before becoming a mother, she spent 15 years working for a company that owns and operates theme parks. These days, when she’s not traveling and exploring, you can find her trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, listening to Dolly Parton, blogging about motherhood, or planning her family’s next big adventure! Follow along at SunshineAndHolly.com.

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