Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/37509
live with family PicturePerfect Want to transform ho-hum family snapshots into frame-worthy works of art? Heidi K. Moore, a Madison-area child and family photographer, tells us how Make it fun Photograph your kids in a relaxing environment. When they feel free to express themselves and play around, you’ll get the most genuine photos. Avoid the middle As you look through your camera, picture the screen divided into thirds. Placing faces in the outer thirds of the frame rather than smack dab in the middle creates a more interesting and emotionally dynamic picture. By Dr. Dana Johnson Th ough you may not want to think about school bells as you bask in the mid-sum- mer sun, taking a few simple steps over the summer to prepare can help ease the transi- tion to the upcoming school year, especial- ly for kindergartners. Whether your child will be embarking on their fi rst year or fourth, here are some pointers to get them ready for school when the time comes. Get excited. Remember that your child likes to follow your lead. If you provide re- assurance and show excitement, they are more likely to do the same. Convey a sense of optimism about the upcoming year and reassure them that you will help if any problems arise. Get checked. If your child hasn’t had a medical check-up in the last year, sched- ule one early before the late summer rush. Th is will allow their doctor to give im- munizations and screen for anything that may affect your child’s ability to do well in school. Get a routine. Start the school bedtime Get Even More Tips! Mamarazzi: Every Mom’s Guide to Photographing Kids By Stacy Wasmuch This easy-to-follow guide helps boost your photo-snapping skills and capture every memorable moment with an artistic eye. See eye to eye Photographing people is about angles. Instead of looking down on your kids, crouch to their level. You’ll fi nd their bodies look more in proportion as you capture them from their point of view. 22 BRAVA Magazine Choose the right light Indoors or out, avoid direct sunlight. When you’re inside, pose your subject near north- facing windows for softer lighting. If you’re shooting outdoors, pose under a tree, in a jungle gym or other fun places that offer a bit of shading. Go beyond the smiles Kids can run a gamut of emotions in a matter of sec- onds—so snap away as they play, and the moments you catch between smiles can often be the sweetest. July 2011 routine a month before school starts. You can scale back slowly by getting little ones to bed fi ve to 10 minutes earlier each night. Making the transition slow and steady helps prevent bedtime problems and en- sures your children will be well-rested as the school year starts. Get comfortable. If starting a new school, reach out to other families with children in the school so your child can get to know some of their new classmates. When opportunities to see the school and meet teachers arise, take advantage. Enjoy your summer and the fi rst day of school with as much excitement as you can! It’s OK to shed some tears when your child walks through those school doors for the fi rst time, but with a little preparation, you’ll both feel confi dent and ready for the journey ahead. Dana Johnson is a pediatrician with Meriter Medical Group and mother to a 5-year-old who will be starting kindergar- ten this fall. Ask Doctor Mom Getting set for school bells… now! Photos by Heidi K. Moore