How to Feel Confident Capturing Memories this Summer

 
A little boy helps his dad mow the lawn with his little mower in the candid photo by Jacquie Erickson. Father-son summer grass lawn mowing #candidkidsphoto #daddyshelper #mowingthelawn #summertime#georgiaphotographer
 

Summer is on its way! Get ready for sunshine, laughter, and endless moments begging to be captured. But as moms, let's be honest: between sunscreen reapplications, meltdowns over sandcastles, and the constant dance between relaxation and chaos, grabbing that camera can feel like another chore on a never-ending list. And when your photos are turning out blurry and dull, it doesn’t feel worth the effort.

However, the truth is that every mom deserves to remember this beautiful chaos. They deserve proof that they're creating a life full of joy, that they're strong, and that they're doing a really good job. This summer, let's ditch the self-doubt and embrace the power of photography as a tool to celebrate our families.

My new course, Mom-Tog: From Basic to Blow You Away, was written for this. AND, it has an entire section on capturing summer memories, so I’m sharing a few of my favorite tips with you!

Utilize the natural light.

No matter the time of year, you want to use as much natural light as possible in your photos. Focusing on getting as much outside light as you can will give you prettier colors in your final images.

Play in the water.

Most of my favorite summer memories involve water. From days on the beach to river floats to splash pads, water is gorgeous and also very tricky to photograph. Water is a natural and powerful reflector. To avoid too much light bouncing back onto your subject, try to move around so the sun is either directly behind or to the side of the person you’re photographing.

Capture action shots.

Our summers are full of sports and active play, and my kids LOVE to flip through the action shots that I take of them. The key to getting clear action shots is the speed of your shutter. I explain this further in the mom-tog course. You may want blur in some photos to emphasize the movement, so we talk about how to get this effect, too!

 

If you want to document your family with confidence this summer, my Mom-Tog course is made for you. Forget intimidating jargon and complicated settings. This 50+ page guide is designed by moms, for moms, packed with practical tips, actionable strategies, and loads of inspiration.

Here's what you'll discover:

  • Photography basics: Master the fundamentals of exposure, composition, and lighting, all explained in a clear, jargon-free way.

  • Art and Composition for Moms: Learn to see everyday moments with a fresh eye, crafting images that tell a story and evoke emotion.

  • DIY Magic: Capture milestones like newborn photos, first birthdays, and Christmas mornings without breaking the bank.

  • Action Heroes: Get those sports and playtime shots you've been dreaming of, even with wiggly little ones.

  • Posing for Real Life: Discover natural poses that capture your family's genuine connection; no awkward smiles are required.

  • Editing Magic: Learn basic editing techniques to enhance your photos without spending hours on complicated software.

  • Taming the Photo Beast: Say goodbye to digital clutter! Discover strategies for organizing, storing, and displaying your precious memories.

This summer, let's rewrite the narrative. Let's ditch the self-doubt and embrace the magic of capturing our families with confidence.

Remember, you are the heart of your family, and your perspective is irreplaceable. Grab your camera, embrace the sunshine, and start capturing the magic. You've got this, mama!

 
A little girl's birthday is celebrated with frosting covering her cute face during her cake smash. Summer birthday cake smash baby birthday  #candidkidsphoto #1stbirthday #cakesmashphotos #jacquieerickson #georgiaphotographer
A young baby reaches her chubby hand out from her dad to grasp some bright summer flowers. Baby girl chubby hand summer flowers hand photo  #closeupshot #chubbytoddler #toddlerface #jacquieerickson #youngkids #curiousbaby #georgiaphotographer
 

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