Ask an Alum: Maddie Olling

Be Spontaneous 

“I personally think the best photos capture your real life. The kids don’t have to be in matching outfits or looking at the camera. Those spontaneous photos are the ones that are documenting the way your life is now. And if you focus on that, you have the ability to get a lot more really good photos because there are so many beautiful moments. We all have phones in our pockets, and phones are really powerful tools for getting great pictures. Don’t be too concerned about what everybody looks like or if they have food on their faces; that’s the season you’re in, so document that.

Use a Familiar Face

 “If you’re going to have someone else take your pictures, ask somebody who knows your family, somebody your kids feel comfortable with. That always makes it way easier. Even if it’s just your mom, they tend to get the best photos because all the kids want to look at them and spend time with them. … One bonus tip. Instead of having light on your face, it’s better to have light behind your face — to have the sun behind the person being photographed. That’s better for kids because then they won’t be closing their eyes or squinting into the sun.