I often get parents telling me that they feel their family photographs are boring. Just simple snapshots with not a lot of artistry to them. With all that we have to document in life, I completely get this feeling. I think we sometimes slip into “easy mode” – a moment is happening that we know we need to photograph so we grab the camera, snap the picture and can rest easy knowing it was documented. I think we do this because the thought of creating more artistic imagery seems out of reach or overwhelming, but in reality, there are very simple things we can do as parents from behind the camera to tell the story. One of these things is the use of angles. When I am documenting my children at home as well as clients, I look to three angles to tell the story. Let me break them down.

ANGLE 1: From their point of view

I always aim for creating images that will allow my children to truly remember their childhood and what it was like being a kid. The best way to do this is from their point of view. From the image above, you can see that I am following behind my daughter as she climbs the stairs. This is an exercise that she loves all too well right now and I wanted to make sure and document it. I could have simply stood at the foot of the stairs and snapped the picture and you would see her face, the entire stairway and probably more of the house, but do you remember those “boring” family photographs? This is where it starts! By not worrying about getting her face in the picture, I lower myself to her level and it allows me to document her tiny feet (not to mention that cute bum!) working hard to get up the stairs. This is an image that she can look at later and get a pretty good idea at what being a baby was all about. It allows her to tell her story.

ANGLE 2: From A Parent’s Point of View

This next angle is going to be from our point of view as the parent. We all know how quickly raising kids happens and we want to make sure we our documenting our story, from our point of view as well. From the picture above, you can see that I adjusted my position to be at the top of the stairs this time. This angle allows me to document my version of this moment and also gives a completely different look to the entire series of images.

ANGLE 3: Straight Forward

And, of course, nothing beats the classic portrait. This is an opportunity to document their essence. You get a clear look at the eyes which allows the viewer to be pulled in and this angle, while simple, is still a strong piece in telling story. In looking at the image above, you get a clear sense of my daughter’s personality and happiness. It documents her as an individual and gives us that traditional picture that everyone will love to see.

As you go throughout your daily life and find those moments to pull the camera out for, remember these three angles: from below, from above and straight forward. These three simple angles will give your daily photographs more of an edge. They will blend beautifully not only in telling the entire story, but each individual one as well. They will be photographs that both you as the parent and your child can connect with. They will be photographs that instantly pull you back into that moment.

Remember that documenting daily life is so much more than documenting the “big picture”. It’s about the smaller pieces that create beautiful photographs. Remember to keep documenting and telling your story.