Sunny days are photo ops waiting to happen. Snap to it with the help of Edenhurst Studio’s Dana and Spencer Rogers. Before photographing kids, the husband-and-wife team shot rock stars — so they’re used to feisty ones.

Here, they spill their secrets for taking great outdoor shots.

Let there be just enough light.
Early-morning or late-afternoon shoots are best, because a high, midday sun can cast weird shadows and come off too harshly on the skin, revealing imperfections. Make sure sunlight is behind your child and use a flash to create light from the front for a bright day look.

Capture your urban environment.
Have only a front stoop or patch of sidewalk to work with? Get creative with angles; snap from above with cement filling the background. Solid-color garages and painted brick walls are also great backdrops. Or head to the playground, especially if you have a telephoto lens and can capture your manimal midleap.

Be smart with your smartphone.
There are lots of apps for jazzing up photos. For the iPhone, try Hipstamatic, which gives images the vintage feel of having been taken with a decades-old plastic toy camera.

Tell a story.
In addition to portraits, create a narrative and sense of place with detail shots: a favorite pair of shoes next to the sandbox, a hairy caterpillar found on your nature walk, or bare feet on tricycle pedals.

Good to have focus, right?

Edenhurst Studio (773-293-7284 or edenhurststudio.com). Studio shoots are $260; location shoots are $450. DailyCandy Kids readers receive 50 percent off sitting fees through May 31; mention code DCchicago25684 when calling.

SEE
CircEsteem Spring Circus
What: Juggling, aerial acrobatics, clowning, gym wheel stunts, and other acts of derring-do performed by children.
Why: DailyCandy Kids readers get half off their purchase of two tickets (good only when buying in increments of two); use code candy at checkout.
When: May 13, 7:30 p.m.; May 14, 2 & 6 p.m.
Where: Francis W. Parker School, 2233 N. Clark St., at Webster Ave. Info at 312-731-4242. Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com. Advance tickets, adults, $16; children, $11. Door tickets, adults, $18; children, $13.

SHOP
Odile Mother’s Day Event
What: Spend $50 at the downtown children’s boutique and mamas get their own present — a free By Erin Gordon semiprecious gemstone bracelet.
Why: Blooming-good spring discoveries, like Baroni gingham sundresses, Stella Cove bathing suits, and Chupeta leather sandals.
When: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 710 N. Wabash St., at Huron St. (312-255-0800).

UNWIND
Moms, Mimosas, and Manicures
What: Take a break from parentdom with mini manis and spiked OJ.
Why: It’s just $10. Though you can’t put a price on relaxation.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: W Chicago - Lakeshore, Living Room, 644 N. Lake Shore Dr., at Ontario St. Reservations (recommended) to 312-943-9200.

Photo: Courtesy of Edenhurst Studio