Recently I took the kids  to Muscatatuck Park in North Vernon, Indiana. I got to thinking about all the moms who have kids and struggle to take good pictures of them having fun.  I wanted to pop on here and give you a few tips for doing that, and the park is a perfect place! What could be better than kids having a great time and completely unaware of the camera! It is a recipe for genuine smiles and fun interactions.

Tip 1: Take note of what it feels like for your child. 

Try to really portray what the park is like for your child.  What are they experiencing? Are they climbing the tallest slide ever?  Is your child conquering their fears? Is your child recovering after being plowed down by a swing? Is your child hiding and spying on other kids? This is the perfect opportunity to change your point of view to really reflect how your child is interacting with their environment.  If your kid is afraid of heights but is working hard to climb something without fear, then get low and shoot up to really reflect how high that playground equipment really is. Shoot down to emphasize their innocence when they are hurt.  Use layering when they are hiding to really emphasize how they are spying on others and you are spying on them.  

Tip 2: Children repeat their behavior. 

If you miss something, don’t worry they will come back to it, and when they do you will be ready. Your kid will likely do that jump several more times before they get tired of it.  Or perhaps they will bring in a friend and then repeat the fun.  Be patient, and work for that shot that you want.   

Tip 3: Remember the details.

I always forget this. I am a big picture person, so I have to work at what doesn’t come naturally to me. Details are one of those things.  The details really help to tell the story of what is happening! Is your kid gripping those swings so tightly their little knuckles are white? Are your child’s feet in the air when they come down the slide? Are they bouncing from activity to activity? Try to get in close and capture those little things.

Tip 4: Look for shapes

There are tons of shapes at a playground.  Circles, squares, triangles! Use these shapes for framing or incorporating some other kind of composition.  Don’t forget about your composition! It is important. To read more about composition go here.

Tip 5: Friends and Interactions

I don’t know about your kids, but mine pick up like 10 new friends every time they go to the park.  Make sure to get those cute little interactions with siblings and new found friends. Did they share their snacks? Did they swing simultaneously? Of course it goes without saying that it’s always a good idea to check with other moms before you start photographing another kid.

Happy shooting! Thanks for reading!