The Fourth of July is packed with stories perfect for crafting- but if you’re like me, and you scroll through your photo library of early July- you may find your photos tend to be of pretty much the same ol’-same ol’.  Here are some ideas to help shake up your photo documenting and add a little depth to your stories of the day:

1. Morning Reflection:  Looking around as you start your day, what are the little blessings that make up your “American Dream?  Is it your home, the faces around your breakfast table, the shoes piled at the door?  Open your front door- do you see a block lined with flags, fluttering in the calm morning breeze?
2. Weather Check: Capture the day’s sky, whether it’s a clear blue, dotted with fluffy clouds, or a dramatic sunrise. Weather shots always provide a terrific frame for the story of this specific day.
3. Patriotic Shadows: Look for interesting shadows cast by flags, families, crowds, balloons or other decorations.
4. Prep in Action: Get those shots of chopping veggies, marinating meat, or mixing up a patriotic cocktail.
5. Tiny Details: Zoom in on the texture of a flag, the decorations on a parade bike, the stitching on a patriotic costume, or the intricate pattern on your picnic blanket.
6. Unpacking the Fun: Document the excitement of unpacking supplies, decorations, and those must-have fireworks. Peeks “behind the scenes” always help capture the mood of the day! Show the hustle and bustle of setting up games or lighting fireworks.  The excitement of running away from the freshly lit bottle rocket is so much more fun that the photo of the burst it gives off!
7. Road Trip Vibes: Capture the journey on the way to a parade or fireworks show. Think road signs, scenic views, and the excitement inside the car. Screen shot your playlist.
8. Patriotic Footwear: Get a fun shot of everyone’s red, white, and blue sneakers, flip-flops, or even bare feet in the grass. Capture running in races, standing in line for ice cream, gathered on the pool deck or legs crossed in lawn chairs.
9. Faces of Awe: Instead of looking up at the sky of fireworks, turn your camera towards the faces of your tribe,. Capture those priceless expressions as fireworks light up the sky. Pure wonder and joy!
10. Furry Friends: Don’t forget the pets! Snap them dressed up or just enjoying the festivities. (or all the work you need to do to keep the poor guys calm during the fireworks!)
11. Sunglass Reflections: Catch the celebration reflected in someone’s sunglasses for a cool, unique perspective.
12. Flag Close-Ups: Focus on the small details of flags around your home or yard. Or, use the flag as a foreground for shots of the fun going on.
13. Cooling Off: Get shots of kids playing in sprinklers, adults lounging with cold drinks, or anyone enjoying a cool treat.
14. Crafting Fun: Document the making of DIY crafts or homemade decorations. It’s all part of the celebration!
15. Post-Party Scenes: The aftermath can be nostalgic too – a table full of empty plates, leftover decorations, or sparklers in the grass.
16. Feet in Action: Capture feet running in races, standing in line for ice cream, or playing games.
17. Water Fun: Snap moments of splashing in a pool, running through a sprinkler, or having a water balloon fight.
18. Heirloom Moments: Include any family heirlooms or traditions, like a special tablecloth or a passed-down recipe in action.
19. Unexpected Angles: Experiment with fun angles – look up at a flag from below or capture the view from the ground.
20. Nighttime Magic: Think beyond the fireworks! Capture the glow of string lights, the warmth of a bonfire, or sparklers lighting up the night.

Keep in mind- you’re looking to document a vibe- and there are so many little details that go into that. Instead of a layout about “Fourth of July”, aim for THIS Fourth of July.  The story changes every year- and if you focus on the right stuff- your layouts will tell that important story as well.