As parents, we’re constantly snapping photos of messy faces, tickle fights, or a quiet cuddle on the couch. These everyday moments matter. As a professional photographer, I understand the importance of capturing memories, especially in the first few formative years of your child’s life. When my daughter was born, I took at least a few thousand images – and this was only the first month of her life! I am sure most of you can relate!

 

But let’s be honest: sometimes the photos stay in our phones, a little blurry or unflattering, never quite capturing the magic we felt in the moment.

 

The good news? With a little intention, you can create meaningful family photos right at home, just with your phone, without any complicated equipment. Here are some practical tips to help you do just that, and a gentle reminder of when it’s worth calling in a professional.

 

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

Lighting makes or breaks a photo. Try taking pictures near a large window, and experiment how the light and shadows look from different angles. A simple go-to rule would be to face your subject towards the window, or keep the window to the side. Every home is different, and the lighting will look different in the morning compared to the afternoon.

 

Soft natural light makes skin tones look gorgeous and eliminates harsh shadows. When the sun is directly casting strong shadows into your room, you will notice a similar harsh light on your child’s face. You can make the light softer by drawing the curtain sheers to diffuse the light. Avoid overhead lighting or fluorescent lights whenever possible.

 

Try this: Gather the kids on a weekend morning near a window, and have a little reading or snack time there while you quietly snap away.

 

2. Keep the Background Simple

Declutter the space behind your subjects. A plain wall, a tidy corner of the living room, or even the bed with a plain cover makes a great backdrop. The simpler the background, the more your family stands out.

 

When you photograph your child, look at what is distracting in the frame. Is there a lamp “growing” out of their heads? Could you move the rubbish bin out of the shot by adjusting your position or by simply moving it away?

 

Try this: Choose the portrait mode on the phone to blur the background – this minimizes distractions by helping our eyes focus on what is sharp.

 

 

 

3. Let the Kids Be Kids

Some of the best photos happen in between poses. Forget “smile for the camera!” and encourage natural interaction—hugging, laughing, or telling each other silly jokes.

Most natural photos happen when children are playing. The genuine laughter you see on their faces are so precious. If you really want to have a photo of them looking at the camera, change the order of your instructions. Start with a tickle fight and then while their smiles are still genuine just call their name – they will usually glance at you. This is when you need to anticipate the moment and be ready to snap away!

 

Try this: Ask your husband to make a funny sound in your child’s ear and capture the reaction. You’ll get a genuine moment filled with joy.

 

4. Change the composition of your shot.

When you want to take a family photo from your tripod, experiment with different image compositions. Instead of just standing in a row, try lying down on the bed, with your faces close together.

Try using this triangle shape rule – position each person at the edge of each triangle – one parent at the back, another in front and the child at the side. Instantaneously, your shot gets elevated!

 

Try this: When the grandparents come to visit, see how you can add even more triangles into your composition!

 

5. Recreate a “Then and Now” Photo

Dig up an old family photo – maybe when you were a child with your mom. Then, recreate it in the same pose or location, but with your child instead. It is a role reversal, and it’s a fun, nostalgic way to celebrate how you have grown.

 

Another interesting activity to try would be to take the same photo every year at the same location. Annie (Hsiao‑Ching) Wang, a Taiwanese artist created a very interesting self-portrait series with her son. In her first image, she posed alone, her pregnant belly signed and dated like a canvas. In subsequent years, she layered the previous portrait into each new photograph – eventually standing beside her growing son, creating what she describes as a “time‑tunnel” that beautifully captures physical growth and emotional connection.

 

Try this: Find a photo of you holding your baby from years ago. Now do the same pose—with your child (even if they’re way too big to be carried the same way!). It’ll spark laughter and sentiment.

 

When to Hire a Pro

DIY is perfect for capturing everyday life. But when it comes to milestones—a new baby, birthdays, multi-generational reunions, or that once-in-a-year full-family gathering—it’s worth investing in someone who knows how to tell your story beautifully.

 

Instead of worrying about lighting, composition, posing and camera angles, why not let a professional photographer handle it? We can take the pressure off you so that you can remain present in the moment.

 

When you’re in the frame, your kids will look back one day and remember that you were there too, not just the one holding the phone.