photography

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Friday Feature: Murielle Cascone
- July 26, 2019
Every other Friday we feature a favorite member of the @runwild.mychild Instagram community and give you a little sneak peek of the inspiration and motivation behind the pretty pictures. Today, we’re featuring the absolutely amazing Murielle Cascone (@muriellecascone), a New York mom and family photographer. I’ve fallen in love with the beautiful simplicity of Murielle’s gorgeous photos. The incredible light, the pops of color, the creative focus, and all the dreamy bokeh make me swoon. Here’s a little bit more about Murielle in her own words…

Favorite place to photograph your kids?

I love water and light! Some of my favorite places to take photos are at the beach and in the pool. I also love parks with beautiful trees, a body of water and a playground for my daughter to have fun in the end.

Describe your photography style & Instagram feed

Gosh, I often think I’m all over the place. I love to shoot portraits, document my daughter’s different activities and also nature. I can have moody shots as well as happy ones, colors and black and whites. It really depends for me. I also shoot when I can, due to my very limited schedule. When I have time, I go for full-sun and golden hour. Golden hour is definitely my favorite type of light to shoot in.

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

I’m not just a photographer; I also have a full-time job that I commute to for a total of four hours a day. Mainly, I shoot for fun on weekends and post different photos from that series. I also moderate a hub, the Unraveled Academy FB group, and have a part-time photography business. And if that wasn’t enough, I’m also currently writing a photography course for Unraveled Academy and taking a federal tax class online! My life is crazy!

List three bucket list destinations you’re dying to see?
- Africa
- Hawaii
- Australia
What’s in your camera bag and what do you use most often?

My 24-70mm L f2.8, 85mm L f1.4 and Lensbaby Sol 45 lenses. I try to use all three at different points in my adventure if I can, but the 24-70mm is the most versatile lens, which allows me to also capture the sky.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I think now more than ever, there’s so much information out there about anything on the internet, photography included. That is how I start with photography; googling and YouTubing things. In addition, I love taking online photography courses. I just love to learn; there’s always something new to learn in my opinion.

Lessons learned from outdoor adventures?

When adventuring with kids, always bring snacks, a potty, and take breaks. Don’t try to do too much in one day!

For more from Murielle Cascone,
find her online in the following locations:

Instagram: @muriellecascone
Website: http://www.muriellecascone.com

For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER
Must-Have Photos to Capture this Summer
- June 27, 2019
Summer is officially here! It’s time to get outside, enjoy some fun in the sun and make new memories. One of my favorite parts of making summer memories with my children (besides the quality time spent with them, of course!) is being able to photograph the details that I don’t want to forget. What better way to remember childhood than to have photos to show it? Today, Brandi Markham, photographer, teacher and mom of three is sharing the list she created of must-have photos to capture this summer, as well as some helpful tips to make your images stand out. Enjoy!

Must-have photos to capture this summer

Summer is ripe with wonderful outdoor activities for kids. With so much sunshine and beautiful light, it’s also the perfect time to get out your camera and document your days. Whether you’re a newbie photographer with an iPhone, a professional photographer with a DSLR, or somewhere in between, you’ll never regret taking more photos of your kids. I love going into a new season with an idea of a few shots I’d like to get. After that, anything is a bonus. Here’s the list of my must-have photos to capture this summer. These are the shots I want to capture year-after-year of my kids. Feel free to add to the list and make it your own!

1. Ice cream

Number one on my family’s list for summer is ice cream! My kids cannot wait until those warm summer months arrive and we get to enjoy our ice cream outside. When capturing your children enjoying their summer ice cream, focus on those details. Nothing says childhood like ice cream melting down a tiny little hand or smeared across a sweet little face. Get close and snap a few shots of the dirt under their fingernails or the sprinkles stuck to their nose. Pull back and capture the whole scene! Just don’t forget to embrace the mess!

2. Popsicles

Holding close to the yummy treat theme, popsicles are another favorite in our family. Often our summer nights are spent enjoying a yummy popsicle on our front porch watching the neighbors go by. Whether it’s store-bought popsicles or ones you made yourself with fruit you picked, you cannot go wrong with popsicles! This popsicle photo is special to me, because I capture one just like it, in this exact same spot, each summer. It’s a great way to document my children’s growth. If you don’t already have a photo that you capture each year, go ahead and start now! It’s never too late to start a new tradition.

3. Sidewalk chalk

Another summer favorite around here is sidewalk chalk. It won’t be long before our children are too grown up to enjoy this creative activity, so get out there and document it! Find some fun angles to capture the details and the messiness involved with sidewalk chalk. Have kids cover the entire sidewalk with scenes from a favorite movie or book. Have them practice their writing and counting skills. Draw hopscotch board or tic tac toe and turn it into a game. Add some water and create a paint effect. There are so many fun ways to get creative with sidewalk chalk.

4. Swimming pool

When it comes to the hot summer days, one of the best ways to cool down is the swimming pool. There are so many great photo opportunities at the pool. One of my favorite captures at the pool is one of my daughter relaxing on the beach entry section of our neighborhood pool. Shooting from above is probably my favorite perspective in photography. So when I caught my daughter relaxing like this, I knew I had to capture it. My 35 mm is my go-to lens for shots from above.

Of course, when you’re spending your day at the pool, you must capture those action shots of your children splashing and jumping. These are classic childhood moments. But, I also love to capture the slow moments. Another favorite pool image of mine was when I saw my son sitting at the deep end in his floaties watching his big sister jump off the diving board.

5. Bike riding

What is summer without some bike and scooter riding? Make sure to get out there and capture your kids riding those little bikes and scooters before they get too big! Get a full shot of them on their bike and get closer for some detail shots of their little hands gripping the handlebars and the way their ears stick out of their helmet. When capturing the photo below, I wanted to make sure I included the little stuffed dog that my son insisted on taking on his bike ride with him. Those are the details to remember!

6. Playground adventures

We spend a lot of our summer at the playground, so it’s important to me that I capture my children there. For a while, I was unsure how to photograph my kids at the playground without every photo being the same. So, a few things I’ve learned to get creative with photos at the playground are to change your perspective! Take a step back to get the whole scene. Or climb the slide and shoot down. Lay under the swing and shoot up! Different angles tell a different story. You can also get creative with the fun light by looking for shadows and sun bursts! Below are some of my favorite summer playground photos where I’ve done just that!

7. Sand

If you spend your time at the beach during the summer, don’t forget to capture those memories too. Sand can be messy, but it is a childhood must! Kids covered in sand are definitely one of the must-have photos to capture this summer. Get some shots of your kids making a sandcastle or completely covered in sand. Get a shot of them surrounded by their toys, shovels and buckets. However, make sure you are taking good care of your phone or camera here to protect it from the elements. Sand and salt water are not good for your camera.

8. Bubbles

Bubbles are another summertime favorite around here. Bubbles can be so much fun to try to photograph! Make sure to capture the joy your children have when playing with them. In the photo below, I wanted to try something different than my typical bubble photos, so I purposely focused on the bubble and caught the movement and joy of my daughter in the background.

9. The ocean

If you’re lucky enough to live near the ocean, make sure to take advantage of capturing your children there. We don’t get there often, but some of my favorite summer photos are of my children at the ocean shore just enjoying nature. This is another place where you’ll want to change your perspective to avoid taking the same shot over and over. Get up close and capture the details, get creative with your focus and depth of field, look for interesting light and shadows, get back and set the scene.

10. Summer details

This has probably been evident in many of the photos above, but I simply adore capturing the simple summer details. These are the little things that I’m likely to forget as I grow older. I love shooting sweet details like my daughter’s summer ponytail and sandy feet at the beach. Get photos of the band-aids on their knees and the paint stuck to their skin. Get a shot of the freckles on their nose and their sweaty helmet head after biking. These little details will mean so much to you as the years go by, so be sure to snap some detail shots of this summer!

11. Bare feet

Nothing says summer like bare feet! I love to capture my children’s feet during the summer. I love the painted toenails, the chalky feet and the dirt-covered feet bottoms. I love to see feet popping out of the hammock, encased in sandals and covered in grass. Get creative and capture those little piggies in as many creative ways as you can!

12. Summer treasures

All children love to collect treasures, so don’t forget to document their finds this summer. My favorite way to document my children’s treasures is to shoot from above. I love seeing their little hands holding their treasures, whether it be crabs, bugs, seashells, rocks or any other exciting things they find! And while some of these treasures may not seem like much to us as adults, they mean the world to a kid. Showing your interest and taking the shot lets them know they’re important.

13. Dirt

With all the time spent outdoors during the summer, there will be dirt! And lots of it! This is the time to embrace the mess and capture the dirt. You definitely don’t want to miss out on documenting this childhood detail.

14. Rainy days

Of course with summer, you also get rainy days. Take advantage of the rainy days and get creative when shooting indoors. One of my favorite indoor summer photos is of my daughter in her bathing suit watching the rain out the window. We were about to head to the pool when the rain began and she was super bummed. Get shots of your kids reading on rainy days or playing board games. You can also take the camera with you on indoor field trips, like to the library or museums. If you don’t want to lug around your real camera, grab that cell phone and capture the memory that way.

15. Water play

If you can’t get to the pool, you can still enjoy water play at home. Pull out that water table, water balloons or even water guns and let your kids have at it! I captured the water table photo from above because I wanted to show the fun colored water that the kids were playing in.

16. Shades

A super important summer staple are sunglasses. Make sure to capture your kids rocking their adorable little shades (or yours!).

17. Goggles

Of course you must also snap a photo of your child in their goggles. If not at the pool, throw them on in a bubble bath! Why not?

18. Summer milestones

A lot of kids join the swim team during the summer. Make sure to capture these moments to remember. Capture the race and the practices, but also the big moments. The photos below are of my son showing off his pre-team swim trophy and the joy my daughter felt when she officially made the swim team. These are moments I don’t want to forget!

19. Summer sports

Do your children participate in summer sports? Make sure to capture those memories too…even if they are just standing distracted at the soccer goal. This is real life folks!

20. Summer reading

Do you have a little book lover? If so, this is another must-have photo. I love that my daughter enjoys reading so much. I want to be able to remember these quiet moments as well. Capture your kids reading their favorite books, both indoors and out! Encourage them to read in a hammock, under a shady tree or bathed in the light of a window in the comfort of the air-conditioned house.

21. Special events

Last summer our family was lucky enough to experience the solar eclipse while visiting family in Kentucky. If there are any special events happening near you, don’t forget to document them, especially if they are once in a lifetime.

22. Road trips

Summer road trip photos are a must! We all know how stressful these trips can be, but I promise you won’t regret looking back at the photos you capture of the craziness that comes with travel. Get the shot of the packed car with the kids sticking out! Get a shot of the mess in their car seats at the end of the journey. Capture the moments along the way of them reading or singing songs.

23. Bath time

The last of my must-have photos to capture your summer is bath time! With all the dirtiness that comes with summer, baths are a huge part of it. Might as well document that too! Get a shot of ALL the bubbles! Give them mohawks! Let them splash!

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!

What summer adventures are you looking forward to documenting?
Share your must-have photos to capture this summer in the comments below!

Brandi
Maryland
@brandimarkham

Hello, I’m Brandi! My husband & I live just outside of Washington, DC with our three littles. They are my favorite people in the world & my biggest inspiration. I am a full-time elementary teacher & a part-time photographer, but mostly I enjoy photography as a hobby. I love chocolate, animals, & nature! Summer is my favorite because we get to spend all of our time outdoors!
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.
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:

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