Do A Photo-Shoot With Your BFF
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Plan and stage a fun photo-shoot with your BFF: choose outfits, make a simple backdrop, practice posing, lighting, and editing together.

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Step-by-step guide to Do A Photo-Shoot With Your BFF

What you need
Adult supervision required, basic photo-editing app or software, clothespins or tape, large sheet or blanket for backdrop, outfits, paper and coloring materials for signs, props and accessories, table lamp or two for lighting

Step 1

Pick a fun theme for your shoot like superheroes funky fashion or cozy tea party.

Step 2

Choose outfits that match your theme and lay them out on the bed or floor.

Step 3

Gather 3 to 5 props that go with your theme and place them in a basket nearby.

Step 4

Make a simple backdrop by spreading the sheet or blanket flat and smoothing out wrinkles.

Step 5

Attach the backdrop to a wall or door using clothespins or tape so it hangs straight.

Step 6

Set up a table lamp behind and to the side of the camera area to make soft light on your subjects.

Step 7

Stand where you will take photos and adjust the lamp angle until faces look bright and not shadowy.

Step 8

Practice 6 different poses with your BFF and pick your three favorites to use in the shoot.

Step 9

Take 5 quick test photos using your chosen poses and check them for lighting and background.

Step 10

Make any small changes to outfits props or lights if the test photos need improvement.

Step 11

Do the full photo-shoot and take lots of pictures trying your favorite poses and a few new ones.

Step 12

Pick your best photos edit them with your photo-editing app and add a fun caption.

Step 13

Share your finished photo-shoot creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have clothespins or tape to hang the sheet or blanket backdrop?

If you don't have clothespins or tape to hang the sheet or blanket backdrop, use binder clips, removable Command strips on a door or wall, or drape and secure the sheet over a chair and weigh the bottom with heavy books.

What should we do if our faces look shadowy even after adjusting the table lamp behind and to the side of the camera area?

If faces still look shadowy after adjusting the table lamp behind and to the side of the camera area, add a second lamp on the opposite side or hold a white poster board or sheet as a reflector to bounce soft light onto the subjects' faces.

How can we change the activity for different ages while following the steps like practicing poses and setting up the lamp and backdrop?

For younger kids, cut the pose practice to three easy poses, have an adult attach the sheet or blanket backdrop and handle the table lamp, while older kids can try six or more poses, more props, and advanced edits in the photo-editing app.

How can we extend or personalize the photo-shoot before sharing on DIY.org?

To personalize and extend the shoot, create themed DIY props, decorate or paint the sheet or blanket backdrop, use a smartphone timer or tripod for hands-free shots, and combine your best edits into a themed collage in the photo-editing app to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Do A Photo-Shoot With Your BFF

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How To Pose Families During a Photoshoot + Favorite Posing Prompts

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Facts about photography for kids

✂️ Simple edits like cropping and adjusting brightness can transform a photo, but the best results start with fun posing and good lighting — try 5 poses each and pick your favorites!

📸 "Photography" literally means "drawing with light" — from the Greek words photo (light) + graph (drawing).

👗 Complementary colors (like blue and orange) sit opposite on the color wheel and make outfits pop in photos — great for BFF matching or contrasting looks!

🤳 Oxford Dictionaries named "selfie" the Word of the Year in 2013 — posing became its own trend!

💡 Three-point lighting (key, fill, back) is a classic setup photographers use to make faces stand out — you can mimic it with a lamp, window, and small flashlight.

How do you plan and stage a fun photo-shoot with your BFF?

Plan a theme and mood with your BFF, choose coordinated outfits, and pick or make a simple backdrop (a sheet, fairy lights, or paper). Set up camera on a tripod or steady surface, use natural window light or lamps to avoid harsh shadows. Practice posing and expressions together, take many shots from different angles, then review and edit favorite photos with a simple app. Finish by printing or sharing and tidying up the set.

What materials and props do I need for a BFF photo-shoot?

You’ll need a camera or smartphone with a charged battery, a tripod or stack of books to steady the camera, a plain sheet or large paper for a backdrop, and fun props like hats or signs. Use natural light or inexpensive lamps, a mirror to practice poses, basic craft supplies (tape, clips, scissors) and a simple photo-editing app. Optional: fairy lights, Bluetooth remote, and outfits you love.

What ages is a BFF photo-shoot suitable for?

Suitable for ages 4 and up with adult supervision. Preschoolers (4–6) enjoy simple dress-up, basic poses and help with set-up; school-age kids (7–10) can plan themes, choose outfits, and learn basic lighting; tweens and teens (11–16+) handle styling, posing, and editing independently. Adjust complexity, camera equipment, and screen-time limits for younger children, and always supervise near electrical equipment or outdoor locations.

What are the benefits of doing a photo-shoot with my BFF?

Doing a photo-shoot with your BFF builds creativity, teamwork, and communication as kids plan themes and poses together. It boosts confidence and self-expression while teaching basic photography, lighting, and editing skills. The activity encourages problem-solving, patience, and memory-making through keepsake photos. It’s also screen-positive when used for learning, but balance with offline play and ensure respectful sharing and privacy settings when posting images.
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