I have always been a HUGE documenter. Some people may roll their eyes at this. But even if you are not one to always pull out your camera listen up.

You know when your baby is born… and everyone is taking pictures of the new baby.

Or you graduate and people take pictures, sing in a concert and get pictures.

These pictures are amazing, but someday you’ll want to look back on the every day stuff.

And kids have caught on, they know how special an event is if all the cameras are out. So why not channel that positive energy into something they do EVERYDAY.

So for my #xoplaychallenge, the prompt is

Put focus on PLAY today. Take a Picture.

When you put so much focus on PLAY and this time where you played together you are emphasizing what you value...and this means a LOT to them. When your kids see you take pictures of your dinner plate, or their baby sister… they realize what makes you excited. Today, point the camera at the little things.

Picture Taking Tips from the Pro @KyleeAnnStudios herself

Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography nearly 8 years ago at $35 a session, and have since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up!

So now, she not only shoots amazing commercial and family work, she gets to teach other professionals, other beginners and regular ol’ moms like you and me.

She’s my twin, and my personal life photographer… so her tips are implemented into my everyday already. They’ve made such a difference.

1. Focus on Your Child & Wait

I hold my focus on my kid’s faces and just wait. Wait, wait, wait.  Instead of clicking 100 times and hoping I got a good picture of the moment, I wait for a laugh, a sweet smile or a tear.

2. Get on Their Level

Getting on their level tells the full story. Here’s an example. Get up close, kneel down and be in their world.

3. Quality over Quantity

Don’t just snap snap snap and miss out on every memory.

4. Use Mobile Presets!

Mobile presets are so much fun for me to use. I just open my free Lightroom CC app on my phone and throw a preset on my pictures. It makes them look bright, crisp, fresh and just works with my style. I love the ones from Kylee Ann Photography. Check them out here.

Start taking better pictures today — With these affordable mobile presets you can turn everyday snapshots into masterpieces in ONE easy click and you don't have to be a photographer to use them! Download Lightroom CC (a professional editing app) for free on your phone and start today!

18 trendy presets for every occasion for just $29.

The Kylee Ann Mobile Preset pack features 18 different styles of edits. There are fun, trendy presetsfor every occasion (inside, outside, shade, sunshine, snow, etc.)  Select a preset then adjust white balance and exposure for each photo to fit your look. Play around with each preset to decide which style is your favorite for each occasion.

Here is my fave preset: Creamy

Lauren Pace, MS | Parenting Coach | Child Behavior Coach | Utah | WA