Take Outdoor Children's Photography to the Next Level: Tips & Inspiration

Children’s photography is one of the most rewarding types of photography, especially when it’s done outdoors. The natural light, vibrant scenery, and candid moments can all come together to create stunning photos that are both beautiful and meaningful. If you're a parent, a photographer, or someone who enjoys capturing special memories, outdoor children's photography offers endless opportunities to snap priceless moments.

If you’re looking for a way to display these moments, consider turning your favorite photographs into photo canvas prints. Photo canvas prints offer a timeless and durable way to showcase your photos. Whether you're decorating your home or giving a personalized gift, Custom Canvas Online is an excellent place to start. Their high-quality canvas prints ensure your images stay vibrant for years, and their simple online ordering process makes it easy to transform your outdoor children's photos into cherished memories.

In this blog, we’ll explore tips and techniques to help you take your outdoor children’s photography to the next level, from choosing the best locations to capturing the perfect shot.

1. Choose the Right Location

The first step in outdoor children's photography is choosing the right location. Natural settings like parks, gardens, beaches, and forests provide endless opportunities for beautiful backdrops. Think about the vibe you want to capture. Do you want something playful, whimsical, or serene? Each location offers a different feel, so take the time to find a spot that reflects the personality of the child you’re photographing.

For a more vibrant look, try to find places with colorful flowers, trees, or murals. If you’re after something more peaceful, a forest or lakeside setting can provide a calm and serene atmosphere. The key is to find a location that complements the child's energy and the type of portrait you're aiming to create.

2. Use Natural Light

One of the advantages of outdoor photography is the abundance of natural light. Unlike studio settings where lighting can be controlled artificially, outdoor photos benefit from natural sunlight, which adds warmth and life to your images. However, you’ll want to pay attention to the time of day to ensure the lighting is flattering.

Golden hour—the hour right after sunrise or before sunset—offers the best light for outdoor portraits. The soft, warm glow during this time will help to create stunning images without harsh shadows. Avoid shooting during midday, as the sun can be too intense and result in squinting or harsh shadows.

3. Capture Genuine Moments

Children are naturally playful, curious, and full of energy, so your goal is to capture their personality in an authentic way. The best photos are often the ones where the child is engaged with their surroundings or doing something they love. Let the child run, play, explore, and be themselves. Candid moments are often more powerful than posed ones, and they help bring out the true essence of the child.

Try to photograph the child while they’re engaged in activities like running, jumping, or playing with a pet. These kinds of shots tend to be full of emotion and can result in some truly magical images.

4. Get Down to Their Level

When photographing children, it’s important to get down to their level. This means crouching or kneeling so that you're shooting from their perspective. This helps create more intimate and dynamic photos, as the images will feel more personal and connected.

Getting on the same level as the child also allows you to capture their expressions more effectively. Instead of shooting from above, which can create a distant and less engaging image, photographing from their height makes the picture feel more immediate and real.

5. Focus on the Details

In addition to capturing wide shots, make sure to focus on the small details that tell the story. Close-up shots of tiny hands, feet, or a child's smile can add depth and variety to your outdoor children’s photography session. These details help highlight the innocence and beauty of childhood, and they give your photo series more texture and emotional depth.

6. Encourage Interaction with Nature

Children are naturally curious about the world around them, so encourage them to interact with nature. Have them pick flowers, chase butterflies, or simply sit and enjoy the surroundings. These moments can lead to genuine expressions and playful actions that will make your photos stand out.

If you’re photographing siblings or friends, encourage them to interact with one another. Whether they’re sharing a laugh or holding hands, moments of connection often result in beautiful, heartwarming images.

7. Be Patient and Flexible

Outdoor photography often requires patience, especially when photographing young children. They may not always be cooperative, and the weather might not cooperate either. Be prepared for unexpected moments and go with the flow. Sometimes, the best shots happen when you least expect them. Allow the children to explore, take breaks when necessary, and keep the mood light and fun.

Flexibility also means being open to changing locations or trying different angles. Don’t be afraid to experiment to get the shot you want.

8. Post-Processing: Enhance Your Photos

Once you’ve captured your outdoor children’s photography, the work doesn’t stop there. Post-processing can make a huge difference in bringing your photos to life. Use editing software to enhance the colors, adjust lighting, and sharpen details. Be sure to maintain a natural look, especially with children's portraits. You want to enhance the natural beauty of the image, not over-edit it.

Adding subtle touches like brightening the eyes or softening the background can make a world of difference without making the photo look too artificial.

9. Display Your Photographs

After putting so much effort into capturing the perfect outdoor children's photographs, it’s time to display them. The best way to showcase your photos is by printing them on acrylic prints. Acrylic prints give your photos a sleek and modern look while preserving their quality. Acrylic prints are especially great for vibrant outdoor photos, as the glossy finish enhances the colors and adds depth.

Whether you choose photo canvas prints or acrylic prints, Custom Canvas Online offers an easy and affordable way to turn your favorite moments into works of art. Their high-quality prints ensure your photos remain stunning for years, allowing you to display your children’s photographs in a way that’s both beautiful and lasting.