Taking photos with your kids doesn’t always require a professional. Hear me out! I think annual family photos are an important tradition and it’s beneficial to have a photographer taking photos of your kids where you don’t have to worry about a thing.

That said, I don’t think that is the only time you should be taking photos with your kids. I think you should be taking photos with your kids regularly whether it’s on a special family trip, Mother’s Day, or it’s a random moment you decide is worth capturing.

Whatever the reason that gets you in the spirit to take photos of your family, here are a few tips to make capturing those photos a little easier and have the photos turn out nicely.

Clean off your lens

Make sure your camera lens (phone or otherwise) is clean. It takes two seconds and it makes a huge difference in the clarity of your final photo. I think you’d be surprised how dirty your camera lens is, especially if you’ve got sticky fingers sharing your phone.

Use natural light

Natural light is always a better option than indoor lighting. So here’s my recommendation – if you’re indoors, have your family face the window. If you’re outdoors, have everyone face away from the sun. Lighting is more important than having a neutral background.

Engage in an Activity Together

Choose a simple activity that you and your kids enjoy doing together, such as reading a book, baking cookies, or playing a game. Engaging in an activity not only makes the photo session fun but also captures candid moments filled with joy and connection.

Plus, it’s a great option if you’ve got family members who are nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera. This way they are focused on the activity and aren’t worried about having their photo taken. You’re going to get more genuine expressions and interactions.

Embrace imperfection

Toss this idea right out the door before you even think of taking photos with your kids. Don’t aim for perfection; embrace the beauty of imperfection instead. Motherhood is messy, chaotic, and wonderfully imperfect. Let go of any pressure for flawless poses or perfectly behaved children. Authenticity shines through in photos, imperfections, and all. Besides those are the photos that you’re going to look back on and see who your kids really were at that moment in life.

If you’re looking to schedule those annual family photos and want to capture lighthearted and genuine expressions, then you’re in the right spot. Everything I’ve mentioned above is also how I handle our session together, check it out for yourself! We play games, we embrace imperfection and we capture families in the messy and beautiful moments. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks for photography or want to be updated on what’s happening around here, join my newsletter!