Lifestyle photographers give children permission to be themselves, a freedom that helps encapsulate the emotions and nostalgia of childhood. But capturing that play in the limited length of a photo session is often a challenge. This week, we asked four photographers for their best advice on capturing candid childhood photography. Find inspiration from these stunning Photos of the Week by Bethany Bee, Tara Graham, Liv van Leeuwen, and Jayme Lang.

Bethany Bee, Bethany Bee Photography

Childhood memories often include cherished toys, like the teddy bear in this beautiful image by Bethany Bee of Bethany Bee Photography. The image showcases the bear, the child’s delicate curls, and a quiet moment between the child and her toy. Bee says she was inspired by a moment that felt real and raw, taking the shot with a Nikon D750 and a 50mm prime lens.

“Advice I’d give to photographers on capturing genuine moments of childhood would be to avoid staged shots,” she says. “Authentic childhood moments are best captured when children have been left to play and have fun–especially when they’re with siblings or their own possessions, e.g., a treasured toy. They are most comfortable then, and shots, as a result, are natural and authentic.”

[Read: Tips for Taking Great Candid Pictures of Kids]

Tara Graham, Tara Graham Photography

Inspired by the bond between mother and daughter, Tara Graham of Tara Graham Photography asked the two to snuggle on the blanket. The way the mom started stroking her daughter’s hair and the expression on the girl’s face creates an image of childhood comfort. With a style somewhere between traditional and documentary, Graham uses prompts like, “Can you go find a yellow flower for Mom?” and “Tell Dad why you love him,” to help keep kids engaged. Graham captured the shot with the Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon EF 35mm L lens.

“I think the best thing we can do is make them forget we are photographers,” she says. “I like to get down on the kids’ level and ask them about what they’re playing with, or about their interests. I’ll play silly games and get them laughing with me (or at me). Some kids might need more time to warm up, so I just take things slow. I’ll also quietly document that shyness. As a mother myself, I love seeing all the different sides of my son in photos.”

Liv van Leeuwen, Liv van Leeuwen Photography

Liv van Leeuwen of Liv van Leeuwen Photography says that nostalgia often resides in the little moments. She captured that feeling eloquently in this shot of a mother and daughter in the water. The way the two mirror each other lifting their dresses and the way the little girl clings to her mother’s skirt creates an impactful close-up. She captured the image with the Canon 5D Mark IV and a 35mm prime lens.

“I think that often we want to focus on the big moments, but actually that feeling of nostalgia or poignancy is in the little things–the way a child’s hair is ruffled, the mannerisms, and little interactions that form the family as a whole,” she says. “I am also really drawn to those whimsical moments of childhood and using locations that allow a glimpse into this idea.”

[Read: Take Great Candid Kid Photos + Make 6 Figures in Your First Year of Business]

Jayme Lang

For this particular shot, Jayme Lang (@Jaymelang) was inspired by the exterior of the family’s home. She encouraged their son to get out his energy and just do his thing and run around. She captured the shot with the Nikon Z6 II and a 35mm lens.

“I think the biggest advice I could give for photographing children candidly would be to try and be a fly on the wall,” she says. “In my experience, kids don’t always have the attention span to follow direction, and I also think too much direction adds a lot of pressure. So, just letting kids be themselves, and allowing them to lead the session will produce the most authentic and candid images. I would also encourage you to get on their level. If they are low to the ground, get low. If they are running, feel free to run with them! Getting in there and playing, too, helps kids feel comfortable and also makes your sessions fun!”

Dig into our Photos of the Day Archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching portraits and wedding photos. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery (up to five images at a time) to: [email protected].

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