So many of us are sitting at home, wondering what to do with all this free time that was thrusted upon us.  

We are thinking and worrying and enjoying and the list goes on... we weren't supposed to be home today. We were supposed to be at work, although work goes on for MANY (and we are so very grateful for all of their selflessness and dedication to their jobs to serve and protect us)!  This time isn't much different for myself and my kiddos.  We miss visiting our friends and family.  Today we finally took a drive to get them out of the house.  We talked on the way about how we didn't remember the last time we all left the house as a family... I honestly think it was 3/7 when we went to my nephew's birthday party! I hope you are getting out, yet social distancing. I hope you are able to find some fun as a family, or couple, or individual person.  We don't want to be stuck inside <3

So I am going to share some tips to help you document this time on your own.  I wanted to do a class this winter, and my business got busy.  What a good reason to not be able to, right? These are just simple tips and suggestions of some things to do with your family, though.  Maybe more on the in depth tips later.

1.  Look for the light.  [What a metaphor, right?]

Where does the light shine into your home? Does it beam in through your side windows in the morning or afternoon? Does it come in through your door? Place your kiddos there. Turn off all your other lights. Capture their smiles and giggles.  Back up and capture how small they are in your room... this is the season of life you are in right now.  Or, are they big? Is your teenage son almost as tall as the door? Use that self timer on your camera and jump in the photos, too! 

You can also use that same light to create silhouettes.  This is easier if you understand how to use manual controls on your camera, but if you have a simple phone editor you can bring the exposure down, bump your blacks up, and add contrast to do the same thing.

2.  Go outdoors.

Of course there is the 'ideal' light outside, but don't let the noon time sun scare you away.  Look for the shade. Turn them so the sun is hitting their back and block it with their bodies or something in the environment.  Chase them around the yard.  Draw a scene with sidewalk chalk and take the photos from above.  Catch them as they jump off the swing. Go for a walk in the woods and look at all the new spring growth sprouting from the still cold soil.  Plant seeds to keep indoors. Draw messages on the sidewalk.  Draw letters and shapes in the sandbox. JUMP. IN. PUDDLES- and then come in to get warm. 

Do you want the "creamy" background? Don't place your kiddos right next to something.  Leave distance between them and the background.  The focus will fall more on them and leave whatever is behind them slightly [or more depending on your camera/knowledge] out of focus. 

Look for bold colored buildings, old weathered wood, murals... all these things could make a fun background for impromptu photoshoots on a walk.  Watch the shadows on their faces.  If there are shadows, turn them around until there aren't.  

3.  You don't have to dress perfect. They are perfect how they are.

Your hair is a mess and their clothes are un-matched... but that just further documents how crazy this time is, right? We have to find the joy in a time that is causing anxious thoughts.  Remember the fun playclothes that have been passed down, the crazy bold jackets and the dirty shoes.  It is playtime at home.  

4.  Get on their level. 

Really. Squat down and take photos directly in front of them, or get on your tip toes if they are taller ;) Angle really is everything and photographers move about during sessions to get different perspectives all the time. Make it a game.  Give them something to sit on (if they are younger toddlers) so they have a more defined space.  My mini chairs are magic for my sessions for the kiddos that just won't stay still. 

5.  Don't worry if things aren't perfect!

The point is just to document your family during this time so these memories can be shared for generations.  You were stuck in your house, on your porch, in your yard, etc.  If your house wasn't clean? So what. Shove stuff out of the way if you want to! ;) 

I have hope you can find something that brightens your day when things seem dim. I have hope you'll stay safe.

-Kim