During this time life feels crazy and out of whack. If you sit and think about things it may even feel overwhelming. Then there is the struggle of trying to juggle having kids home all day, homeschooling, keeping up with the house, and maybe even trying to get some work done yourself (while trying to keep the kids from interrupting your husband’s conference call for work in the other room all day too).
I completely understand the stress, worry, and chaos of life right now. With so much out of my control, I find doing something creative helps me let go and even focus on the good things.
Photography is a perfect creative outlet. By taking photos of this time you not only are giving yourself something to focus on, but you are documenting your family during a time unlike anything we have ever experienced.
If you aren’t regularly documenting your day to day, you may find it a little overwhelming. I’m here to offer you 5 photos you should take to document your quarantine.
#1. Take a classic portrait of each child in your home
Think of it like a “homeschool” portrait, or a spring portrait of your children. You do not need a fancy set up, professional lighting or a big backdrop. Instead, open the curtains of a window that provides nice natural light and have them stand near the window.
Bonus tip: Do not ask your kids to smile. Instead, talk to them. Ask them their favorite thing, their best friends name, or to laugh like a villain. This will lead to more natural smiles and let the pressure of you and your kids.
A simple set up with baby laid on the couch by the window. You can recreate this with any aged child.
#2. Take a photo of an activity you’re doing regularly now.
You want to tell the story of what your family did to fill time during a stay-at-home order. When you look back what will you remember? Are you baking together a lot? Planting a garden, or doing fun art projects? Capture these.
Bonus tip: Set a timer and tripod and jump in the frame. Or have your hubby take a “lunch break”’and capture you doing something with your kids.
Baking with children is messy and chaotic, allow yourself to capture and embrace the chaos.
#3. Take a photo showing how you’re homeschooling.
Things may not look like a regular school day, so show your kids working at the dinging room table, their hands writing or even them cured up with a book or even as they watch a video on the computer if their work.
In my house, my two year old joins in sitting with the big kids doing his “work.” This photo will always remind me of the time I “homeschooled” four kids.
Whether they work at the table, a desk, or on the couch, capture your kids new school routine.
#4 Take a photo of your kids playing together.
Again if they are in school all day normally it’s a unique time to be able to capture their bond, to highlight their relationship. If you catch them building legos together, putting together a puzzle, playing house, or even reading books together, photograph it. I promise it is a photo you won’t regret taking. It will also serve as a nice reminder that they do in fact love each other when everyone has reached their brink.
Bonus tip: Do not make them perform. Instead stealthily capture them as they build legos, play house, or color together.
My children playing cops and robbers, a favorite past time as we enjoy the sun.
#5 Take a photo of something that makes you smile
Whether it’s your morning coffee, your adorable dog, seeing your husband working, your baby’s ever growing cheeks (have you seen Cohen’s cheeks lately?! they sure bring a smile to my face) or something your family does, capture it. This not only will produce work you will cherish but help you find more to be grateful for. You may even surprise yourself with all of the things you find that bring a smile to your face.
Landscape photography intimidates me, but the sun shining down on the hills made me smile.
Now it’s your turn. Pick up your camera and document this time. I’d love to see what you create. Tag me and use #nlpshootandshare if you share what you captured from these prompts.
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