Some of my favourite memories from the last thirteen years are of celebrating Easter with our boys. The bright colours, adventures outside (without snowsuits!), and signs of Spring, always leave me in eager anticipation of what the warm weather will bring.
I’ve learned a lot over the past decade about capturing my own family’s memories. Today I’m sharing some of my favourite tips for photographing your little ones this Easter!
Spread out the fun.
I would encourage you to spread out your photo taking over the week leading up to Easter. It’s much easier than trying to take all the important photos on the Easter weekend. Extending the celebrations give you time to enjoy the crafts, special outfits, and time with family. It will also mean more opportunities to take photos of your little one without them feeling tired or overwhelmed.
Easter crafts.
You can set up your toddler at your kitchen table or near a window. The goal is to have the light coming from the side or in front of them!. You can then photograph them as they paint, colour, or glue together a craft. If your little one is too young for crafting, you can still plan craft activities and photograph the process. Hand and footprint crafts are my favourite for babies 6 months and under because you get an adorable keepsake of how big their hands and feet were at that age. I’ve created a Pinterest board with some of my favourite crafts for babies & toddlers!
Head outside.
Even if there’s still snow on the ground, head outside and take photos of you and your family enjoying the Spring sun. Avoid taking photos when the sun is shining directly onto your little one’s face or when there are both shadows and bright light on their face. You can take photos of them exploring the puddles, buds, and even the mud! If you baby is not yet walking, you can take them out in their stroller or carrier. It’s a great opportunity for photos of them with a family member, showing them signs of Spring.
Backdrops.
I would encourage you to use a neutral wall in your home or a piece of furniture. DIY backdrops tend to wrinkle easily and don’t say in place as your child moves. If you focus your on finding fun props and accessories and using whatever neutral backdrops you have in your home, you’ll have more opportunities for timeless photos.
Sweet treats.
Easter is a fun opportunity to introduce Spring themed treats or new foods (e.g., fruits, special baked goods). Make sure you get photos of your little ones enjoying their treats. Photographing their their exploration and all the facial expressions they make is fun for both of you!
The 80/20 rule. Remember that 80% of the time it’s important to focus on taking candid photos. Candid photos are of moments as they unfold rather than staged moments like someone looking at the camera and smiling. This is a great chance to get photos of your child’s current interests without having to worry about getting their attention. When you are taking photos and want them to look at you and the camera, try singing and making funny noises.
Bunny ears.
If your little one doesn’t like having things on their head, give them a book or toy to hold while you take the photo. It’ll give you a better chance of getting a photo of them with the ears still on their head. Having a family member put them on their head just before you take the photo will also give you a bigger window for a successful bunny photo!
Colourful Easter eggs.
If you baby is not yet sitting on their own, spread the eggs around them while they lay on the floor. For curious toddlers, fill up a basket or pretty bowl with colourful eggs. If you really want to get their interest, you can put small treasures inside the eggs. The treasures will help keep them in the same place for longer but also give you the chance to capture the wonder and excitement on their face.
Cuddly friends.
It’s the perfect time of year to gather up all their baby animals, forest creatures, and other “Spring” stuffed animals. You can arrange them and take a photo of your little one with their stuffed friends
