Zephy, from Scotland, talks to us about getting us lovely mum’s in our family photos. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
After sharing my photographs recently and my feelings on how I feel taking my photograph now compared to before having children, I started the #mumsgetinthephotograph project. Since then I have been interviewed on BBC Radio and so many other mums are getting involved. Now I don’t have a quick fix on how to make you feel better about your body or how you feel about having a photograph taken, but I do know photography and maybe I can share some of my skills to help ease you getting into the photographs more.
Here are just a few ways to just get you in the photograph, now remember nobody actually has to see them so why be scared? The best thing I ever did was just start getting in the photographs (and not just selfies) I started to look at myself more, understand how to pose to make myself feel better and once I started sharing my honest photographs, I have received nothing but positivity and I really feel by doing so I am helping others change their mindset over having their photograph too.
Here are just 6 simple ways to take a portrait with your loved ones!
1. Self-Timer
Most of us have smart phones or cameras which have a self timer mode, usually this can be set to about 3 or 10 seconds which is enough time to place the camera somewhere steady and get in place. Go for the 10 second timer until you have got the hang of it, you’ll need more time than you think!
Pros – These can be done without asking anybody else, perfect for those who want to be a bit more discrete.
Cons – It can take a few attempts to get it right, and depending on distance you may have to run to your spot!
TOP TIP – Look through your camera settings before doing the shoot as sometimes the self timer can be hidden or can reset after shooting.
2. Ask your partner/family member/friend to take a photograph
Now this isn’t everyones first choice especially if you are not particurly comfortable in front of the camera. The action of having a viewer can sometimes create an effect that automatically makes you tense up (remember the good old days of saying ‘cheese’ for the awkward school photographs). By using a loved one can help you feel more comfortable.
Pros – The person taking the photograph will be able to get the compostion right and tailor the image to suit you.
Cons – You can’t see the photograph straight away so may revert to old photography habits tensing up etc.
TOP TIP – Get whoever is taking the photograph to make you laugh, talk about what you’re going to have for dinner or even just play a word game to put you at ease.
3. Tripod
Tripod’s don’t have to cost much, you can get them for both cameraphones and cameras and they can just be set up where the photographer would stand. These can be used both indoors and outdoors!
Pros – These again are great for those who want to be more discrete, but people who have little more confidence in carrying a tripod around!
Cons – They can cost a bit depending on what you want and they can be quite heavy to get to your destination. Also depending if you have a lightweight one, if there are fairly strong winds you may need some weights to put at the bottom.
TOP TIP – I find this easier to take a practice shot with the rest of the subjects in the photograph first to see if the composition looks good and then I can slot into place once the timer is set.
4. Remote Trigger
Remote triggers are really useful because they allow you to photograph straight away without having to wait around, you can buy them on Amazon for your camera or even an find app from your phone.
Pros – Gives you control of when you release the shutter, and means you can take the photographs without anybody else.
Cons – Getting focus can be tricky sometimes but this can again come with practicing.
TOP TIP – Practice, practice, practice and stock up on batteries!
5. Selfie
We all take selfies with the kids, they are still photographs of moments at the end of the day!
Pros – They are super quick and ready to hand.
Cons – This can be pretty limited, and not always get the backdrop as well as your faces in.
TOP TIP – Invest in a selfie stick to give your photographs a bit more atmosphere.
6. Hire A Professional
Now again you may be thinking gosh I don’t want anybody to photograph me, but this is what professionals are meant for. It’s not all just about the editing, it’s about the photographer’s people skills too. I spend my life photographing couples and families who tell me they are a little bit uncomfortable with the camera and it’s your photographer’s job to put you at ease! Just talk to them and explain your concerns, perhaps more candid, natural photographs are your thing which a good photographer will be able to capture no problem!
Pros – This takes the pressure off, you don’t have to think and you can pick up tips for posing in future. By investing that little bit extra you’ll get amazing professional photographs.
Cons – You have to set aside a time to do this, some photographs can be quite booked up so book early in advance!
TOP TIP – Think about styling and flattering clothes for your images, if you feel good then this will come across in your images.
There is something really empowering about owning your body and really embracing all that you are, getting in the photographs with your kids isn’t just about yourself it’s about what those photographs will mean to somebody one day.
I know that I will always appear in the memories with my loved ones, and they simply don’t care what you look like they just matter that you’re in them!
Do you have any other projects planned?
Expanding this project further I think, with the idea of supporting mums in mind!
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
I am a mum of two girls, a 10 month old and a 9 year old and based in Scotland. I am a wedding photographer but currently on maternity leave.
@mumsgetinthephotograph
Do you have any tips for other parents?
There are so many ways of getting creative, and because of Lockdown even as a photographer taking images was limited so I found different ways of taking those images. Follow blogs, follow communities and keep staying creative!
What are your family’s favourite board game(s)/card game(s)?
What are your children’s favourite books?
My 9 year old loves everything by David Walliams and my 10 month old loves oldschool Postman Pat!
What toys would you recommend to other parents?
Anything wooden or secondhand.
Has this website and community helped you?
This has been such a great little community to be part of for sharing ideas and discovering new things to do with my kids.
