Capturing Joy Everyday
Photography Tips for Mums and Families
Ever wish you could freeze those beautiful, everyday moments? As a mum of four, I know that life can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s filled with countless moments of beauty. Whether it’s the soft morning light streaming through the windows or my kids playing in the garden, these fleeting moments are the ones we cherish the most.
That’s the magic of photography. It helps us capture and celebrate those everyday glimpses of joy, turning the mundane into the magical. But you don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture these moments. With a few simple tips, you can transform your everyday life into a visual story filled with warmth, beauty, and joy.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
As a mum and photographer, I’ve learned that life is full of seasons, some joyful, some challenging, but all filled with beauty. Whether it’s capturing the vibrant colours of autumn leaves or the quiet tranquility of a snowy winter’s day, photography helps us appreciate each season for what it is.
And you don’t need to be a professional to capture these moments. With a bit of thought and creativity, you can turn everyday life into something special through your lens, whether that’s a camera or your phone. Whether you’re a busy mum, a small business owner, or simply someone who loves capturing the magic of life, photography is a powerful tool for embracing joy.
Tips for Capturing Everyday Moments
If you’re new to photography or just looking to improve your family photos, here are a few simple tips to help you capture life’s everyday magic:
1. Focus on Natural Light
Lighting is one of the most important elements of photography, and natural light is your best friend. Whether you’re snapping photos of the kids indoors or capturing moments outside, pay attention to how the light hits your subject. When inside, position your subject near a window for soft, flattering light. Outdoors, early mornings or late afternoons, the “golden hour” offer the best natural light.
When indoors, try to avoid overhead lights that can cast harsh shadows. Instead, position your subject near a large window with indirect sunlight. Play around with angles, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering.
Some of my favorite family photos are taken in Autumn in the early evening or late afternoon, just as the sun is starting to set. There’s something magical about capturing my kids when they are bathed in the soft, warm light. I think I will always be obsessed with gentle glow that brings the photo to life.
2. Composition Matters
Think about what you want to capture in your photo. The way you frame your subject can make a huge difference in the overall impact of the image. Using simple techniques like the rule of thirds, where your subject is placed off-centre, or finding leading lines (like a path or row of trees) to guide the eye, can make your photos more dynamic.
If you’re photographing your family, try to avoid placing your subjects dead-center in the frame. Instead, think about balancing the photo by placing your subjects slightly off to the side or using natural surroundings like a window frame, a tree, or even the edge of a table to create a visually interesting shot.
Don’t be afraid to change your perspective. Get down to your child’s level, shoot from above, or use reflections in windows or mirrors to add depth to your images. When I photograph my kids playing in the garden, I like to crouch down to their level and capture their expressions as they explore. This shift in perspective helps tell the story from their point of view and makes the photo feel more intimate.
3. Capture the Details
Life’s magic is often found in the details, the way your child’s hand rests on their favourite toy, or the way the light dances across a cup of tea in the morning. These small, often overlooked details tell the bigger story of your day-to-day life.
Zoom in on these little moments, whether it’s your child’s tiny hands covered in flour as they help you bake, or the close-up of autumn leaves scattered on the ground. It’s these small details that bring warmth and depth to your photos.
I remember capturing a photo of my son, Theo, clutching his favourite stuffed animal on a rainy afternoon. His tiny fingers holding onto it so tightly, combined with the soft light from the window, made the shot so powerful in its simplicity. That’s the beauty of focusing on the details they carry the emotional weight of a moment.
4. Use Storytelling in Your Photography
Great photography is more than just pretty pictures; it’s about telling a story. Think about what you want to convey in each photo. Is it a peaceful morning spent with your family, a fun-filled afternoon of play, or a quiet moment of reflection? Let the setting, lighting, and composition work together to tell the story.
Use the environment to support your story. If it’s an autumn walk, capture the fallen leaves, the kids kicking through the piles, and the warm hats and scarves. If it’s a morning breakfast, focus on the steam rising from your tea or the crumbs left on the plate after your child’s snack.
When I want to capture the joy of an autumn picnic, I make sure the details of the season are in the frame, golden leaves, cosy blankets, and the warmth of our seasonal treats like my Autumn Apple Tart with Cinnamon. These little details enhance the story and transport you right back to that moment.
Common Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While photography can be fun and creative, there are a few common mistakes that beginners often make. Here are a few to watch out for and how to avoid them:
• Too Much Clutter in the Background: A busy background can distract from your subject. To fix this, try to keep your background simple or use a shallow depth of field (blurring the background) to keep the focus on your subject.
• Not Paying Attention to Light Direction: Lighting can make or break a shot. Ensure your subject is facing the light source to avoid dark shadows or unflattering lighting.
• Over-Editing Photos: While editing can enhance your photos, overdoing it with filters can make the image look unnatural. Aim for subtle edits that enhance, rather than overpower, the original shot.
Photography not only helps us document these moments but also encourages us to shift our perspective. It’s a reminder to focus on what’s present rather than what’s missing. When we take a moment each day to appreciate and capture something that brings us joy, no matter how small, we invite more joy into our lives.
Whether you’re a busy mum or simply someone who loves capturing everyday magic, photography gives us a way to freeze these moments in time. With a few simple techniques, natural lighting, thoughtful composition, attention to detail, and storytelling, you can turn the everyday into something extraordinary.
So grab your camera (or your phone), embrace the beauty of the present moment, and let’s capture some joy together. The world is waiting, one photograph at a time.
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What’s your favourite everyday moment to capture? Whether it’s your morning coffee or your children playing in the garden, I’d love to hear what brings you joy through your lens. Share your moments with me on Instagram using #EverydayJoyCaptured.
Love Gemma xx
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Ever wish you could freeze those beautiful, everyday moments? As a mum of four, I know that life can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s filled with countless moments of beauty. Whether it’s the soft morning light streaming through the windows or my kids playing in the garden, these fleeting moments are the ones we cherish the most.