We’ve all been there. You’ve thrown the dinner party of dreams. Everything was flawless… from the pastries that didn’t burn, to the scented candles that transported your guests to Hawaii, to the dress that made you feel invincible. Your guests have begun to leave, reluctantly, as the music winds down and you give yourself a figurative and literal pat on the back. You are the hostess the mostess, people will be talking about your lemon posset for years, you could lead a seminar in how to throw the perfect dinner party. There’s just one nagging feeling. One single thing that consumes you as you retire to bed. You have not taken a single photograph.
We’ve all felt this same sinking feeling at the end of a holiday too, right? We all know that being in the moment means putting down our phones more but taking photographs (especially the old fashioned kind) really is a wonderful way to remember a holiday with the little ones, capture that togetherness, and show your adult children what they used to wear….
But it’s also challenging to get your family (who are we kidding…) kids, to sit still and smile at the same time. Here are our best tips on how to capture those perfect family moments which then allows you to create a photo book worth putting on display.
1. Get candid
We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but what do we really mean? It means stop worrying about having everyone in shot, or dragging people from the pool for picture time. You’re bound to have much more success if you simply see a moment that’s worth capturing, and go for it! Toddlers are tricky to pin down and babies are unpredictable, so it’s best to seize the moment when you get the chance.
Parents are forever chasing their little ones with the camera and rarely in shot. This has to change! Make sure to hand the camera to your partner, mum or friend and ask them to take a photo of you and your child when you least expect it.
3. Get close and personal
Babies and toddlers change every single day. From their eyelashes to their toes, every detail is something you will want to look back on. And a relaxing holiday is the perfect time to get out your camera and zoom in on these little features, whether they’re playing on the beach, or asleep at lunch.
Choose your moment well and you will reap the benefits. It’s no good trying to get a tired, hungry or fussy baby or toddler to sit still and look charming. Make sure you take pictures throughout the day, have your camera to hand at all times, so you can whip it out when the right moment strikes.
Instead of stopping the conversation and asking them to wait while you snap them, continue chatting away and talking to them as you take pictures. This way you engage them and encourage them to be as natural as possible without making them self-conscious in front of a camera.
We hope that helps! Most importantly enjoy all that precious time with your family and don’t stress. Once you return and collect your best images, it’s simple and enjoyable to transform them into a photo book with Bob Books.
We’re giving Holiday Tots’ customers a special £10 off photo books, visit http://www.bobbooks.co.uk/holidaytots to find out how to order your book today