10 Times You'll Want to Take Candid Photos of Your Family

Everyone loves a posed family photo where parents and kids are all smiling, everyone's eyes are twinkling, and we can see everyone in the photo. But candid pictures often do a better job of showing kids in their natural states. Me Ra Koh, a mom and photographer who's known for her ability to "capture the perfectly imperfect joy of family life," has a few tips to help even the most amateur photographer take better photos. Here, an excerpt from her guide, Your Family in Pictures

Everyone loves the family milestone photos at birthdays, the first day of school, or holidays. But there are favorite candid family moments that I love capturing even more. At these times, the photo's story is often relaxed, filled with genuine emotion, and more about the moment we've experienced rather than the event that happened. These are my top 10 favorite times for taking candid family photos. Be on the lookout for them in your everyday life. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Kelli Kalish

Cuddle Time

Cuddle Time

There isn’t a sweeter moment than siblings cuddling or little ones snuggling with Mom or Dad. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh

Tickle Time

Tickle Time

We never forget those family memories of Dad tickling us silly or favorite uncles forcing us to call, “Uncle!” Perfect photo moment! Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh

Alone Time

Alone Time

All of a sudden, you notice the house is super quiet. Grab your camera, and peek around the corner for some great, natural moments when little ones are caught up in their play. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Jill Ann Melton

Learning

Learning

Whenever Brian is teaching the kids something new, or the kids are engaged with a new activity on their own, I love to capture their experience and intense focus. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh

Wide-Open Scenery

Wide-Open Scenery

The scale of how small we are to how large the landscape or scenery can be is a wonderful photo moment. But you want to make sure that the scenery complements the size of the figures and what your family is doing in the photo’s story, otherwise the background will become more distracting than accentuating. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh

Late Afternoon at the Beach (or Anywhere)

Late Afternoon at the Beach (or Anywhere)

No other light beats golden, yummy late-afternoon sunlight. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh

Eating Ice Cream

Eating Ice Cream

Kids (and often parents, too!) are so engaged with their yummy treat that the camera becomes invisible. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Kelli Kalish

Beginning of a Family Event
When family members first arrive, smiles are wide, and the energy is high. Capturing the genuine sweetness of family members reuniting becomes almost effortless.

Sunrise
When traveling, my family often takes a day to be awake before sunrise for family photos that can’t compare to those made at any other time of day.

Silhouettes
This family favorite causes time to stand still. Source: Reprinted with permission from Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Amphoto Books, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Photography (c) 2014 by Me Ra Koh