Unposed and Unforgettable

Capturing Candid Moments of Kids Playing


When it comes to photography, capturing candid moments can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the craft. Candid photography is all about capturing natural moments as they happen, without any posing or staging. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to photographing kids, as they are often constantly on the move and can be difficult to capture in a natural, unguarded moment. However, with a bit of patience and practice, it is possible to capture some truly magical candid moments. In this blog post, I will share with you my experience of capturing candid moments of my kids playing with recently cut grass mulch and turning it into a photo shoot. While the pictures I took may not be technically perfect, it was a valuable learning experience for me as a photographer, and I will treasure those memories forever. As photographers, our ultimate goal is to provide our clients with images that they will cherish for a lifetime.


Step 1: Get to know your camera:

Before you can start capturing great candid shots, it is important to know your camera inside and out (or at least enough to Kown where to make the adjustments). Take some time to watch some YouTube videos on your camera and learn about the different settings and features that your camera offers. Practice using your camera in different lighting conditions and experiment with different lenses to see what works best for your style of photography. Just as you will hear in most You Tube videos the camera is not a huge factor. There was a competition show called "Exposure" that consisted of professional photographers taking pictures with a smartphone. If the smartphone is what you have then use that. Lear now to take RAW images with it and see if it has a manual mode.


Step 2: Observe your kids:

To capture great candid shots, you need to be patient and observant. Watch my kids as they played with the recently cut grass mulch I was entertained and look for moments that capture their natural expressions and movements. Try to anticipate what they might do next, and position yourself in a way that will allow you to capture the moment as it happens. If your kids are anything like mine this will be difficult, because they move around so much


Step 3: Get down to their level:

When photographing kids, it is important to get down to their level to capture the world from their perspective. This can help you to capture more natural and engaging shots, as you will be able to see the world from their point of view. Try kneeling or lying down on the ground to get a better angle on the action.


Step 4: Shoot in burst mode:

When trying to capture candid shots of kids, it can be helpful to shoot in burst mode. This means that your camera will take a rapid series of shots in quick succession, giving you a better chance of capturing that perfect moment. Be aware, however, that shooting in burst mode can quickly fill up your memory card, so be sure to have plenty of space available.


Step 5: Use a fast shutter speed:

When shooting candid moments, you often have to act quickly to capture the moment as it happens. This means that you need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action and avoid motion blur. A shutter speed of at least 1/250th of a second should be sufficient to freeze most kid's movements.


Step 6: Experiment with composition

Candid photography doesn't necessarily have to be perfectly composed, but it is still important to consider the composition of your shots. Try experimenting with different angles, perspectives, and framing to see what works best for the moment you are trying to capture.


Step 7: Edit your shots:

Once you have captured your candid shots, it is time to edit them to bring out their full potential. Consider adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color balance to create a more dynamic and engaging image. Don't be afraid to experiment with different editing techniques and styles to find what works best for your shots.

In conclusion, capturing candid moments when your kids are playing with recently cut grass mulch can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a bit of patience, observation, and practice, you can create some truly magical images that capture the joy and wonder of childhood. So get out there with your camera, and start capturing those candid moments!