You know how it goes… you have a baby then all of a sudden you have to have a nice big DSLR camera but you have no idea how to use it. It actually happened to me a few years before having kids so I had a tiny bit of practice :) I am by no means anywhere close to a photographer, I just have a few lenses that are “ok” and I practice a lot. I did take one class in person which I highly recommend if you have access to that but the internet is the next best thing. If you are anything like me you think your own kids are the cutest thing on the planet so you have to get everything documented and you have to do it now. Here are a few tips that I’ve learned for the Amateur mom (or dad) so you can be a total Paparazzi and follow your kids everywhere with your big ole camera.

1. Lighting – my absolute favorite time of day is the “golden hour” as the fancy photographers call it :) It is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset when the sun looks magical… or golden. Trust me, during this time everything looks pretty. My kids are not morning people so waking up at when the sun rises is usually not an option but I do try to take pics in the afternoon if I can. I like to use this website HERE to find out when that time is going to be for my area… it knows when the sun will set and tells you when to go take your photos, couldn’t be easier!

You also want to look for areas that have a lot of light around them but aren’t in the direct light. See this clearing, it’s perfect because it’s very warm and sunny but the shadows won’t be harsh on anyones face. Ideally you want to be close to that light line without being in it.

2. Location and Background – If you start to look around your area there are plenty of places to take photos that you didn’t notice before! This road is only about 1/2 mile from my house and has a huge open field with tall trees behind it. You want a background that is somewhat neutral or uniform… I usually go for trees or greenery, I live in Houston so our scenery isn’t too exciting ha! As we were driving I saw this open field and right behind it was the prettiest red barn, which was so perfect for Bee and her adorable dress.

3. Cute clothes and accessories!- This dress from Little Skye Kids Boutique from the Paper Wings Clothing line is so perfect for an easy Holiday Photo shoot and how cute would it be on a holiday card?! It’s super soft and flowy… Bee loves anything she can twirl in! Little Skye is a one-of-a-kind children’s boutique that embraces the beauty, joy, innocence, and artful wonder of childhood. Classic but whimsical… It’s the perfect holiday dress for all little girls and all their holiday functions :)  Bee is wearing the Winter Wonderland Bustle Dress in a 2T because with a timeless piece like this I wanted her to be able to wear it for a few years. She is kind of short so it looks long on her but I love the maxi look she is giving it. That’s the great thing about girls dresses, they can keep growing and eventually it’s a tunic haha!

Lastly, don’t forget to take pictures of all the little details like the ruffles or the shoes! Also, at this age I like to give them something to hold to keep their little hands occupied. And most importantly… let them have fun and run wild! It’s the only way to get the real faces you want!

And I have an awesome deal for anyone little girls who need some fun and unique Boutique clothing!:  All Paper Wings for Little Skye and Blu Pony Vintage for Little Skye purchases through 12/15/2015 receive a Free Shipping & a $25 gift card valid on future purchases for every $100 spent when you use code BLGLS2015.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Little Skye Boutique, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #embracechildhood http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV