People tell me I take good pictures. Sheesh, that sounds kinda braggy but I don’t mean to be. It’s just I think people sell themselves short when they break out the camera. They think it’s because they don’t have a fancy camera or that they don’t know what words like aperture or depth-of-field mean.

Well, I’m here to tell you my biggest secret: TAKE MORE PICTURES.

You’re probably like, “DUH! Of course I should take more pictures!”

But really, taking lots of pictures gives you lots of chances to capture the perfect shot. Most of you have a digital camera, right? Well, what do you have to lose? Take tons of pictures then keep only the best and delete the others after you upload them to your computer.

I broke out the kiddie splash pool yesterday. It was so sunny out though, making it hard to see my pictures on the camera’s screen. So I took lots. Like 40 pictures in five minutes. Here are three examples of why taking so many pictures pays off.

The “meh” pic:

I didn’t like this picture much because it’s focused on the pail and Trajan’s face is in the shadow.

The awesome pic:

Much better. The picture is focused on Trajan and Little Roo is nicely blurred in the background. The dog is in the light more, too. The best part? His expression. A true sun dog, with squinty eyes soaking up the sun.

The “meh” pic:

While it’s hard to say ANY pic with Little Roo in it is “meh,” I was really trying to get him looking at the camera WITH the hat on. Given he was taking the hat off within two seconds of me putting it on his head, this one took lots of tries.

The awesome pic:

Success! He’s not smiling, but he has a cute expression on his face. Notice he’s trying to take off the hat AGAIN. I snapped it just in time.

The “meh” pic:

Little Roo is enjoying the water but his hand’s out of focus, his arm is blown out and his face is shadowed.

The awesome pic:

This shot is one of my faves of Little Roo… ever! I managed to get his face in focus and the water and hand blurred. The picture captures his curiosity beautifully.

Do you take lots of pictures? Do you delete the “meh” ones once they hit your computer, delete only the worst ones or keep them all?

Where can your kids make a mess, giggle endlessly and expend all their energy with little to no effort on your part? Children’s museums, of course!

There are few things more fun than watching your kid go wild at places like this. Bringing a camera is a must so you can capture them doing what they do best- exploring, learning and laughing.

So, what kinds of shots should you try to get at a children’s museum? Here are seven to get you started:

(Let me first say that these definitely aren’t the best photos I’ve ever taken. But they capture the moments and that’s really what matters.)

1. Go Under the Action.

Most children’s museums have some sort of climbing structure. Whether they climb ropes, scale a rock wall or something else, get under your child and snap a picture while looking up.

While I didn’t get a visible face in this one, I like the silhouette effect, especially since Big Roo is climbing on these really cool, clear platforms.

2. Use the Mirrors.

My favorite trick is using any and every mirror you can. Children’s museums are full of interesting mirrors so make good use of them.

3. Get Down on their Level.

It’s so much easier to stand up and take pictures of your kids. But you can rarely get to the heart of the fun that way. Squat down to their level. Heck, get on your belly if the moment calls for it. Capture their curiosity, their excitement, their amusement.

4. Dress Them Up.

Children’s museums are all about role playing – hats, uniforms and a lot of accessories. Like Halloween but better ’cause they aren’t getting hopped up on sugar.

Don’t forget the little ones, too. They may not be able to dress themselves but it doesn’t mean they won’t get a smile out of them.

5. Close In on Cool Stuff.

Every children’s museum I’ve been to has some exhibit that knocks your socks off. Capture the details of something really nifty, like this creature made from all sorts of recycled kids’ toys.

6. Take Their Point-of-View

It’s one thing to take pictures of the kids. But what about the way they see the world? Get behind them and get a sense of how they are experiencing the moment. I love how Big Roo is curiously peeking over the edge of this car ramp.

Although my next picture is as blurry as can be, this ramp is what kept my son entertained for over 20 minutes that day so I’m glad I captured it.

7. Don’t Forget the In-Between Time

Sometimes it’s fun to just get a picture of in-between time – the time between the car and getting inside (I’m sure they’re excited), grabbing a snack to refuel or even walking from exhibit to exhibit.

So what are your favorite shots to take?

These shots were taken at Raleigh’s Marbles Kid’s Museum and Greenville, SC’s The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. To find a museum in your area, visit the Association of Children’s Museums.

By the way, this post is part of a sorta-series of Must Have Photography Shots. I say “sorta-series” but I’ve only done like three of them but maybe I’ll do more. Or maybe I’ll be too lazy. How’s THAT for dedication? Regardless, here are the others: Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Beach Trip, Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Family Hike and Seven Great Moments to Capture This Easter.

Beach bound this summer? Well, forgive me if you’ve already taken your beach trip for the year. I’m a little late. But for all us crazies who like to sweat it out in July and August, this post is for you!

Even the rare picture taker lets the camera make an appearance during a beach vacation. Blue water, sandy beaches, kids having a blast… it’s photography magic! We all get the basic beach vacation shots – a picture of the ocean, kids making sandcastles, kids burying Daddy in the sand, kids eating sand (ha), a seagull or other wildlife, maybe some seashells. Round out your beach photos with these five must-have shots…

1. Where you stayed

I’m not gonna lie. This picture is NOT one that you will blow up to 22 x 28 and frame above your fireplace. But it IS one you’ll enjoy looking back on over the years. Whether it’s a hotel, beach house or tent, make sure to snap a picture to remember it by (bonus points if you get actual PEOPLE in the shot like I neglected to do).

2. Sandy feet

Nothing says carefree beach time more than sandy little feet. Last year, I captured the whole family’s sandy toes, not just the little guy. Do this- even if you have flat Fred Flinstone feet like me (see right set of feet). I can’t wait to get the boys’ feet together this year. It’s gonna be total cuteness.

3. Shadows on the sand

Whoa whoa- now we’re getting all artsy-fartsy aren’t we? But sun and sand epitomize the beach so why not capture them both like this? Sure beats taking a picture staring into the sun!

4. Eating those yummy beach snacks

Or in this case, squirting juice onto the sand. I really dig capturing the “everydayness” of our beach trips and eating, well, it’s just one of those things we need to do, right? When your kids take a break from playing around, snap some shots of those sandy, unsanitary little hands reaching into the Goldfish bag and stuffing their faces full of cheese and sand bits. Or of them downing the contents of their juice box.

5. Get down low.

So often, we take our pictures looking down on our kids. Change the perspective and get down in the sand with them. I often get on my belly to take beach shots. It’s a new little world down in their space. Also, notice how I shot the picture below facing the water. It weeds out a lot of the other people around and you capture what you came there for– the ocean!

So, what are your favorite shots to take at the beach?

By the way, this post is part of a sorta-series of Must Have Photography Shots. I say “sorta-series” but I’ve only done like two of them but maybe I’ll do more. Or maybe I’ll be too lazy. How’s THAT for dedication?Regardless, here are the others: Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Family Hike and Seven Great Moments to Capture This Easter.

I’m a photo-holic. I’m always the one holding the camera and snapping a zillion shots at each little move (then I delete, delete, delete and only save the best thankyouverymuch).

Looking back on pics from the past few Easters, I compiled some of the best moments to capture for Easter. Even if your camera is collecting dust, holiday photos are a must so it’s time to get snapping!

Ready to capture the best of the best this Easter? Try these 7 great snapshot ideas:

1. Dying eggs
Sure it gets messy and requires supervision, but step back for a second and snap some pictures of your little ones learning dye-the-eggs 101.

2. Solo shot of the Easter basket(s)
It’ll be kinda fun to look back and see what you filled the baskets with.

3. Kids digging into the Easter basket goodness.
To get the best shot, think about your background. Are there toys or other clutter in the background? Is the TV on in the background?

Try to set-up the baskets in a place where the background is rather neutral- in front of windows, near the couch, on the stairs. The focus should be on the kids and cluttered backgrounds distract from that.

Obviously, I failed taking this advice when Big Roo was 14 months old. I had the neutral background but I ended up with a furry “distraction,” ready to pounce!

4.The Easter egg hunt: before the madness
Big Roo’s preschool had an egg hunt on Thursday. I loved seeing the kids all crowding in, ready to run and find some eggs. If you’re in a little less chaotic environment with fewer kids, you could probably get in front of them to capture the excitement on their faces (just be sure to get out of the way when the hunt begins)!

5. The thrill of the hunt
Be sure to get up close but not too close. You want to be able to see some of the surroundings to convey the sense that your child is searching far and wide for eggs.

6. Finding eggs
Don’t just stand there and shoot downward. Get down to their level and snap away.

7. Yum yum eat ‘em up
Of course this is probably Big Roo’s favorite part. The messier the better.

Some other ideas:

• Close-up of colored eggs
• Posed picture of kids surrounded by Easter eggs
• The family walking into church (or standing outside of church)
• Close-up of the Easter feast
• Each kid with a toy from their Easter basket (a stuffed bunny or chick is extra adorable for babies)

If you liked this post, check out my post Five Must-Have Shots to Take on Your Next Family Hike.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

For the longest time, whenever we’d go hiking I’d take snapshots of just scenery and more scenery. But then, I’d get home, upload my pics and wonder, were we even there? I started realizing I could have just bought a postcard for the same effect.

So, I’ve gotten more creative over the years with my snap-happy self, especially now that we’re hiking as a family. I want shots that make those hiking memories all the more vivid.

Here are my five top pictures to snap next time you go hiking:

1. Take Nature Shots at a Different Angle
We can all appreciate the shots where we stand and click, turn right, stand and click, turn right and make our way in a circle to capture all the beautiful scenery. But why not take it a step further? Kneel down to what the forest critters see. Look up and capture the sun peeking through the trees. Tilt the camera slightly to capture a more dynamic view. You may be surprised at what nature shows you, even for something as ordinary as trees.

Looking up at the trees- Holly Point at Falls Lake, NC

2. Get a Picture of the Sign
I started this trend a few years ago on our first hike in the Grand Canyon. I was in such awe that we were actually IN the Canyon at THE Indian Gardens (which at the top of the Canyon, the trees here look like little pieces of broccoli). Now I make it a point to capture a directional sign somewhere along the trip. It can be the trailhead sign, the park entrance sign, whatever! Just snap a pic. It just may come in handy later when you wonder what the heck the trail was named.

Trail Marker- Indian Gardens within the Grand Canyon, AZ

3. Capture actually hiking.
When we go hiking, why do we forget to take pictures of us actually hiking? Instead it’s typically a posed, static shot of the hikers (if you even got shots of people at all). So, walk ahead and get the family moving along the trail. Or stay behind and get them hiking away from you. If it’s a place that’s particularly steep, capture your family trudging up the hill (you’ll get a nice breather). Or coming down off a summit. Whatever the case, just capture movement.

Daddy Roo and a younger Big Roo- Umstead Park, NC

4. Snap a close-up shot of nature.
While I dig the panoramic shots so I remember what a place actually looked like, there’s also beauty in the finer parts of nature. Maybe it’s the spring flowers that just started to bloom or the dead roots of a fallen tree. Maybe it’s some interesting moss or an unusual rock. Get close and capture a close-up of a little piece of nature.

Splash "fossils" on rock from Colorado River- bottom of the Grand Canyon, AZ

5. Make sure YOU (yeah, you) are in at least one picture
I mean it. Step away from the camera and hand it to someone else. As a mom, I’m always the one with a camera strap around my neck. And I definitely could use a little nudge here and there to actually remember to do this. It’s SO important to capture ourselves in these family moments. While you may hate seeing yourself in pictures (make-up, hair or outfit isn’t perfect), I bet your kids love it. So, ask someone (your spouse, a hiker, one of your kids) to take your picture too. At least ONE pic of you per hike. That’s not too much to ask for, right?

Me and Big Roo (as Baby Roo)- somewhere near Prescott, AZ

Any other shots that you love to take while hiking?