St. Patrick's Day Photo Ideas

As a mom, you take your fair share of the photos. With all of the updates in technology these days it's really easy to get great photos with just a phone. But are you ever in the photos?

Of course, I think it's important to hire a photographer for the occasional family photo - but do you need one for every occasion, holiday and birthday? NO! Some of my most loved photos come from a simple snap I've taken. But the problem becomes - mom is always taking the photo and never IN the photo.

So here's the challenge - get IN a photo.

MY BEST TIPS TO GET MOM IN EVERY DAY PHOTOS:

Tip 1 to get great photos at home with a smart phone, iphone or android phone:

My number one tip - order a tripod! You can find super affordable ones for a table or the telescopic kind like the ones I've linked below from Amazon but you can certainly use a phone propped up on a chair or table.

Tip number 2 to get great photos at home:

Flip your camera and take a timed selfie. OR - take a video and a few screen shots from the video (word of advice - move slowly - act like your getting a picture taken - so when it comes time for a screen shot you don't have blurry images). Here's the thing - you'll probably have more that you delete than keep but that's ok - the goal is 1 or 2.

Tip number 3 for great photos at home:

These photos I took with my youngest are such a treasure to me. We used simple props and a barn door we have in our kitchen as a backdrop. A simple background is great but not necessary.

Tip number 4 for great photos at home using a phone camera:

Using a photo editing app is also a great idea. I use Lightroom to brighten up my photos. There are presets you can purchase, but I love being able to customize each photo by playing around in the app on my own.

Tip number 5:

Let your personality shine. Most of us aren't used to being in front of the camera and we get stiff and akward (#guilty). Loosen up, giggle, tickle, have something in your hand, and my best advice - tell them a fart joke (mom of boys here) - that'll get the best and natural smiles from all of you and if you're taking a video - the video becomes a treasure too.

XOXO,

Kimberly Marie