With most of our country being on some sort of “shelter in place” order and Easter coming up I know a lot of parents are upset that they can’t get Easter pictures taken. Being a photographer for the people I thought I’d take a moment and give everyone some easy to follow tips to take their own this year.

First things first, you do not need a fancy camera to get great pictures. I’ve seen some amazing photos that were taken with a cell phone so if you’ve got a cell phone, point and shoot camera, or a “fancy” camera you can do this! My first suggestion is to not over think it. A lot of people over think it and stress themselves out. There’s no need for that.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to use props I’d suggest keeping it simple. Maybe some cute chairs, any type of Easter eggs, and maybe some paper streamers. If you’re thinking to do the photos inside I’d suggest a room with lots of natural lighting. Once you’ve picked the room make sure to have the people in the picture sitting with the natural light to either their left or right. If they sit with their backs to the light it will cause them to look dark and if they’re facing the light it will cause them to look too bright and/or squint. If you’re wanting a cute back drop I found this cute idea online! All it takes is some paper streamers and tacks or tape to hold them up. To add a little extra Easter you can sprinkle the eggs around the floor too.

If you’re wanting to take them outside (in your backyard since we’re almost all on “quarantine”) using cute chairs for the kiddos to sit in is an adorable idea. As far lighting just follow the same suggestions for indoors. Don’t put anyone in shadows or your photos will be too dark, don’t have anyone stand in front of the sun or they’ll be too dark, and don’t have them look directly into the sunlight or they’ll be too bright and squinting. I found a cute idea online for using a chair. In the photo I found they have a branch held up by back drop stands with eggs hanging from the branch but since I know most people don’t have back drop stands laying around this would be a good time to have the other parent do what the stands are doing. By having the other parent hold the branch it will also help shy children look up at the parent and give you a photo that looks like the child is looking at the hanging eggs.

I also found other simple ideas for using chairs. Sometimes a cute outfit, cute chair, and a nice location will make a great simple photo. I know having more props and factors in the photo can cause more stress and make the photo too busy. So if you like the simpler photos this is a great option. I would like to take a moment to say that it’s best to use child size chairs for kids. If you put them in adult size chairs the photo may look unbalanced.

If you’re looking to do family photos the good news, again, is that you still don’t need a fancy camera. Most cell phones and camera have timers and that’s all you’ll need. Just find the location (following the previous lighting suggestions I already gave), pick the pose, put the camera on a flat surface, turn the timer on, and run to your spot! I would highly suggest getting all other family members in place before you start the timer. Fortunately, with family photos, props aren’t needed. They may cause more clutter than help. With family photos, often, less is more.

I hope some of you find these tips useful. If you end up taking your own Easter pictures I’d love to see them! I’m always here to help so let me know if you have any questions!