Ma·ma·raz·zi /mäməˈrätsi/ noun.
Mothers who frequently follow their children around with phones and/or cameras, snapping photos at each turn and documenting each milestone or event with at least two dozen photos and a video.
Here are a few tips to take great, meaningful pictures while still living in the moment – because it is possible!
1. Take “the pictures” before the actual event.
2. Don’t post to social media right away.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve posted pictures to Facebook or Instagram in “real time.” If you snap a picture, you can immediately set down your phone and continue to enjoy the moment. Posting pictures to social media or texting photos right away can lead to more time looking down than up…and trust me, our kids notice:
While watching my daughter’s swimming lessons last week, a little girl passed her level and got to ring the bell in front of everyone to celebrate. The mom was in the stands waving, ready with her camera, and the little girl was beaming. She rang the bell and everyone cheered and the then the mom immediately started uploading the pic to Facebook and captioning the post. I watched the girl trying to wave down her mom in excitement for so long, but the mom was just looking down.
3. Decide what you really want pictures of. Don’t watch life through your phone’s camera lens.
Whether you’re taking pictures of baby’s first haircut or photos during your child’s basketball game, we don’t really need pictures of every second throughout the whole event. I often tell myself a few main things I want pictures of, then I relax and don’t take any more. Maybe you want a picture of the kids lined up before the game and an action shot while they’re playing. Decide what you want as a keepsake and then just enjoy the rest in the moment.
4. Ask someone else to take the pics.
It’s not always an option, but if possible, try asking someone else to be in charge of photos. During birthday parties for our kids, I ask one of my sisters to take candid photos throughout the day. This is awesome because I don’t have to worry about taking pictures while also hosting a party and enjoying the special day AND I also get to be in some of the pictures with my kiddos.
Raise your hand if you’re a mamarazzi too! What are your favorite kinds of pictures to take of your kids? I love Halloween pics 🙂
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Great tips! I need to work on #4!