How To Photograph Your Kids: The Candid Guide
Everything you need to capture primo-quality, unposed photos of your children that will last generations. Written by professional photographer Ian Taylor.
Why I Wrote This Guide
During COVID I set out to write the "Ultimate Guide to Kids Photography," because everything on the market was old, packed with confusing technical detail, or focused entirely on posing. You can't pose 50% of kids.
Over the next few months I'll be improving this site with lots of photo examples complete with settings, but I just wanted to get a start by uploading an abridged version here. If you follow my method, you can't not become a better candid photographer.
My Method: Light, Frame, Moment
My whole method comes down to three words. Look for the light, find your frame, and wait for the moment.
In the meantime, if you'd like the full 228-page e-book, you can download it completely free — just follow this link.
August 2026
Table of Contents
1. Seeing & Mindset
Why candid photography is about seeing light and moments rather than buying expensive gear.
2. Camera Basics & The 4 Magic Numbers
Demystifying aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation for parents.
3. Aperture & Depth of Field
How to get blurry portrait backgrounds using Aperture Priority mode.
4. Freezing Action & Sports Mode
Selecting the right shutter speed to freeze active toddlers and sports motion.
5. Focusing & The Closest Eye Rule
Mastering single-shot AF, continuous focus tracking, and burst mode for sharp eyes.
6. Exposure & RAW vs. JPG
Metering modes, exposure compensation, white balance, and when to shoot RAW.
7. Prime Lenses for Family Photos
Why prime lenses outperform zooms, and comparing 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm.
8. The Nifty 50 & Telephoto Zooms
Why the $125 50mm lens is essential, and avoiding the #1 shutter speed mistake.
9. Finding & Using Open Shade
Locating soft natural lighting outdoors and getting lively catchlights in the eyes.
10. Light Tunnels, Overcast & Backlight
Working in doorway archways, high overcast skies, window light, and backlit mist.
11. Composition & Eye-Level Framing
Why sitting flat on the ground changes child portraits, plus varying distances.
12. Best Wide-Angle Lens for Family Portraits
Choosing between 24mm and 35mm, avoiding distortion in group photos, plus details and background compression.
13. Locations: Beach, Parks & Urban
Lighting strategies for sandy beaches, green park spaces, and city architecture.
14. Working With Kids (No Cheese!)
Why you should never say cheese, removing yourself, and wardrobe choices.
15. Activities, Groups & File Archiving
Shooting jumps, swings, running pets, stopping down for groups, and file naming.