I’ve been in a mama funk the last few days. You know, when you just feel SO tired and disconnected? Today I decided to actually do something about it, and pick up my camera! I love using my camera to focus on my life (crappy pun intended). It really does help me to slow down, find gratitude, and shake off crappy days like this! My Manual Mode for Moms students actually get photography prompts once a week for their full year of course access, so I decided to borrow one today. The photography prompts are designed to get at the heart of my mission: connecting families. I want photography to help you connect to your life and the people in it. Here are a few of my favorite prompts, which you could do over a week!
1. Complete your favorite seasonal activity together
Pending what season it is where you are, think of your favorite memory from last year at this time! Were you somewhere special or doing something special? what is your happiest memory from that season? Would recreating that moment make you feel more connected? Then, document it! Ideas (pending the season) include: bubble party, swimming, picnics, splashing in puddles, snuggling up to a movie, playing in the snow, visiting the zoo, etc.
2. Ask your children what they want to do
If you can’t think of what activity you want to photograph, just ask your children what they want to do! Give them a solid amount of your undivided attention with your camera as you play with them or observe.
3. Play outside for one hour today, and document it
Head to your favorite park and set the timer for an hour (or so, you know how long your kids will last, lol). You probably have to monitor them along the big play structures anyways, so why not have your camera with you, too. 😊
3. Help your SO take a photo of you
This is an awesome one because you get to practice your exposure skills AND end up in the photo at the end! The better your spouse gets at being your human tripod, the more memories you’ll have with YOU in them! Use them as a placeholder to get your exposure settings and composition right, then swap places! For more on self-portraits, click here.
4. Take a nature walk
Try out this scavenger hunt I made for a nature walk, and bring your camera along! Nothing like a walk AND photography to get you out of a slump!
5. Photograph something that makes you smile
This could be anything. Think about a moment coming up in your day that puts a smile on your face, and make sure you have your camera ready later.
6. Make a mixed-up portrait
What the heck is a mixed-up portrait? Well, it is one of my favorite photography prompts! It is this super fun activity from my blog. Each family member impersonates another family member! You can do this simply, by taking a normal portrait but asking everyone to make an expression like another family member, or, you can take it to the next level (like I made us do above), and have people dress and pose like the person.
7. Photograph reflections
I love this prompt because there are so many directions you can take it! Reflections in mirrors, puddles, and other water, or reflections like reflections of the past and other woo-woo stuff. Everyone needs a little more woo-woo in their life, right? 😂
More practice
If you’re just learning photography, and still a little lost on what all the settings mean, check this post to learn about shutter speed, and this one to learn about aperture! If you want to conquer manual mode, check our course, Manual Mode for Moms!