Travel, Kids, and the Best Photos You’ve Taken

Summer is approaching and many of us are starting to think about (or actually plan) travel with our families. With that in mind I will be featuring an “expert” travel series on this blog. A new topic and expert will be posted every Tuesday for the next 5 or 6 weeks. From making food part of your child’s travel experience to how to use music as a travel & language prep tool we’ll cover topics that will enrich and enhance your travel experience. I’ll be featuring experts & parents sharing their best tips and advice with you. Please come back every week and if you like the info share it on your social media and with friends. Happy Travels!

Social media, contrary to popular belief, does not alienate us but instead unites us. Recently a friend on Facebook introduced me to Lauren Aycock a fabulous area photographer who specializes in children's portraits. You have to visit her site and see for yourself. She also does high school senior portraits visit her Facebook page for more detail. I liked Lauren's work so much that I contacted her about sharing her expertise on this blog and was happy to find a new friend through social media.

Realistically, great (I mean truly great) pictures come not just from someone with technical knowledge but also with artistic talent. It takes a special eye and a little je ne sais quoi to frame the world through the camera lens not much different than that needed to frame it in a canvas. However, for the rest of us mortals who can't invent talent having a little technical knowledge can drastically improve our images. Read Lauren's tips and incorporate her suggestions next time you're on vacation or simply in the back yard with the kids.

"Photograph Your Child Like a Pro"

By Lauren Aycock

Do you want your vacation as well as everyday life photos of your children to be memories to last a lifetime? There are many tips that will help in that endeavor. Here are some of the most common questions put forth to me by inquiring parent photographers:

How do I avoid a fake, cheesy smile from my child?

Sit them down and amuse them. Ask questions, blow bubbles, or simply have another person entertain them while you snap away. Distractions from the photography process helps in creating an unforgettable look.

What about portrait angles?

A side angle combined with children's natural personalities makes for great photos. Let them play and just be themselves! Get up close and snap away while they're looking up at you. Whether far away or close try putting them in the first or last third of the frame; it makes a much more interesting picture.

What about that all important lighting?

It's always best to shoot in full shade. Keep the light behind and slightly off to the side of you. If you're lucky enough to have a second adult along as an entertainer, keep the sun behind them so that your child is facing the light. Use a flash to soften the blur of moving children.

How can I capture a landscape along with the subject?

This can be quite tricky. I recommend taking this type of portrait as early or as late in the day as possible when lighting is best. If the sun is behind the view with your child in the forefront make sure your flash is set to "on" instead of "auto". This ensures proper lighting on their face.

What if I only have a simple point and shoot camera?

These can be difficult to use with playing, running children because of the delay. You may want to take the big step of investing in camera equipment that guarantees better results. Invest in a digital SLR, such as a Canon Rebel, that lessens the delay. In order to allow you to follow your child with the lens instead of moving around with your child I recommend at least a 50 mm lens with a zoom up to 200mm. Purchase from a good camera shop with pro salesmen who are willing to answer any and all questions and give one-on-one instruction on the camera's use.

Now you're ready to capture your growing children both at home and on vacation. Act like a pro, and get great results! Have fun with your camera, creating memories that will be priceless heirlooms for you and your children. Most importantly just enjoy the process!

Lauren Aycock is the owner of Lauren Portrait Art based in Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, Texas. She specializes in whimsical and custom children's portraiture. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin in Studio Art, her photography has been published in multiple national magazines. You can find Lauren at www.laurenportraitart.com, 512-436-9200, and Lauren Portrait Art on Facebook.

Packing List for Trips with Kids

A few friends recently asked me to share my thoughts on what "should" be brought on a trip with kids. As I started to prepare a list for their use I realized that there are multiple factors that can alter the list such as mode of transportation, a child's age, and the number of children traveling, but there are some basics that apply regardless of these factors. With that in mind here are a few lists that I hope you find useful. Yes, first time parents will benefit most from these but even for those parents who have multiple kids and trips under their belts it is always nice to try to pack less and to compare lists to ensure you're not forgetting something.

RENT OR BUY ONCE YOU ARRIVE

Whether you are traveling by land or air some items are so bulky and awkward to carry that you should consider renting or buying them once you arrive at your destination. This will save you frustration and possibly money (no extra baggage fees, or less weight= less gas). What about borrowing? Well, if this is your only option due to finances then you have to make due but borrowing creates a lot of possible problems. The items may be recalled, damaged, or dirty or even worse you may damage the item during use and depending on who you borrowed from it can make for a very sticky situation so using a reputable service is always best. No feelings to hurt.

RENT	BUY (at location or through service)
Stroller / Pram Car Seat Portable Crib or Play Yard High Chair or booster CARES harness Carrier (front or back) or Framed back carrier	Diapers Wipes Formula Baby Food Bath items Reusable plates, & utensils

UNIVERSAL ITEMS

 Two outfits per day. (Regardless of age young kids are messier and more prone to food and potty accidents so it’s best to be prepared)
 Something to sleep in each night
 SUNBLOCK & Insect repellent
 If they're still in diapers: Enough for your travel time (minimum 1 days worth- more if your trip will be longer than 10 hours)
 A small bag with toys, books, stuffed animals. (these can be in your diaper bag for babies and a separate bag for toddlers & older
 Medicine for kids (gas drops, diaper cream, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, teething tablets or gel, Neosporin, band aids, allergy meds, nail clipper, hydrocortisone, Imodium, any prescriptions)
 Music (compilations of songs your child likes that are grouped by upbeat, slow, and favorites... these can be on each child's music player or CDs you play in the car)
 DVD player, video games, other electronic games (for the babies a DVD of their favorite like Mickey Mouse or Elmo can help settle them down... for the older kids any of these can entertain)
 A small digital camera and/or small video recorder are great to have. Hopefully they are small enough to fit in your diaper bag or purse.
 Light blanket & pillow (heavier if traveling in cold climate)
 A light sweater or long sleeve shirt and a few pairs of BabyLegs (even in hot climates most buildings can be very cold so being able to throw on an extra layer without having to re-dress will be very helpful)
 Weather appropriate items: coats, hats, gloves, rain coats, rain boots, flip-flops, bathing suits, etc.
 Shot records & passports (if traveling out of country)
 Hair accessories or hats for girls, hats / caps for boys

NEWBORN TO 12 MONTHS
With these little ones you will still be breastfeeding or bottle feeding formula; they may not be walking yet or be new walkers; if they are six months or older they will be eating some solids.


 If you're breastfeeding: nursing cover-up (or nursing shirts for mom); pump and storage bags; pads, nipple ointment, other nursing essentials such as pillow etc.


 Bottles, portable cooler, Powder or Ready to Feed Formula (enough for travel time) and distilled water for powder formula


 A cooler (buy or use hotel mini fridge) to store open RTF Formula


 Bottle warmer for the car if your child prefers liquids warm


 Pacifiers and/or teething toys


 Enough baby food for travel time (buy additional once you arrive or use a service to ship to your destination)


 Items for basic baby proofing if your baby is mobile (outlet covers, door pinch guards for interior doors) If you're staying for an extended period of time or will be in a vacation home you should try to include at least one gate, door knob locks, window locks, etc.)


 Changing Covers & Changing Pad (You want to place the disposable cover between the changing table and your pad)


1 TO 3 YRS OLD

These little ones are mobile, eating solids-usually table foods- and drinking cow's milk. They may be good talkers or just starting to talk. They appreciate having choices and anything that allows them to assert themselves. Imaginative games and LOTS of patience should be at the top of the list.


 Snacks for the trip. Healthy items like fruit (dried or fresh cut appropriately by age) peanut butter or almond butter sandwiches, dried cereal like cheerios, & other cookies, crackers, etc.


 Sippy cups or bottles & baby sized utensils


 Antibacterial wipes for hands


 Antibacterial wipes for surfaces


 If you're traveling by car: a cooler with ice or dry ice for milk & other perishables


 High Chair/ Shopping cart cover (nice to have so you don't have to bring your own chair to restaurant)


 Changing Covers & Changing Pad (You want to place the disposable cover between the changing table and your pad)


 Items for basic baby proofing (outlet covers, door pinch guards for interior doors) If you're staying for an extended period of time or will be in a vacation home you should try to include at least one gate, door knob locks, window locks, etc.)


 Night -extra absorbent- diapers (one per night you will be away)


 Paper towels or napkins


 Trash bags for car


For kids older than 3 years old your packing list shrinks as you need less specialty items so you can use the Universal list and consider their interest as well as your destination. Obviously you can add items that are for specific locations such as beach toys or ski gear but remember that less is more. You can wash items, buy when you arrive, and remember to interact with your kids and not solely rely on toys to entertain them. MOST importantly... pack at least 3 days prior. Last minute packing almost guarantees you will forget something. Trips allow us to learn and grow so make sure to "teach" your child at every opportunity and hold on for the ride.

Start Traveling... bring the kids!

If you are a new parent or if you are new to traveling with kids the mere thought or taking a trip with a little one (or little ones) seems overwhelming.  It can make the simplest weekend trip feel like a voyage and it can turn lots of us off to the whole idea... but it really doesn't have to be that way if you are prepared and use all the tools available to you.
My husband and I were avid travelers who loved to take a trip simply for the sake of taking a trip and then we decided that it was time to start a family and we welcomed our first child.  We both sincerely thought that she would only change that which we allowed her to change in our lives... how naive... she changed it ALL… mostly for the better but she changed it without our "permission".  
When we decided that we were ready to take our first trip as a family we were overwhelmed with all the extra stuff we needed to bring and all the extra stuff we needed to PLAN for.  As we struggled with how to make our trip fun and relaxing for everyone we realized we were not alone and this gave "birth" to our next child… www.MyTotsTravel.com
Through this site we hope to provide parents, grandparents, or anyone traveling with kids an easier way to travel. We also hope to be able to bring relevant tips and links that will help you plan and enjoy all your trips without having to leave the kids behind.
Check back frequently to find not only useful ideas and links but also cool products for travel.
Happy travels!