Hands up if you’re a snap-happy parent! When we were kids, the camera only came out for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions — but now it’s so easy to take photos on our phones and edit them instantly. If you’ve ever wondered how to take great photos of your children without the fuss of professional gear, these 12 top tips for photographing kids will help you capture all those fantastic everyday memories.
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Staged smiles and posed photos are cute, but it’s the candid moments of childhood — captured in their natural habitat — that really tell the story of growing up.
You don’t need an expensive camera to photograph kids well. A phone camera can be just as good, and it’s much more likely to be in your pocket when those quick-fire moments happen.
Here are our top tips for photographing kids — and don’t worry, they’re all beginner-friendly.
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Photographing Kids Can Be Child’s Play!
Photographing kids with bundles of energy — especially toddlers — can be challenging. My own lot are curious little explorers who aren’t afraid of the camera, and I love nothing more than capturing the magic of our outdoor adventures.
I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but I very rarely ask my kids to pose. I like to keep it natural and capture their true expressions — and these tips really help with that.
#1. Get to Know Your Camera
If you have a camera, get to know it properly. Does it shoot RAW files for editing later? Go through the menu settings and learn what each one does. Figure out how to pop up the flash in a hurry, and check whether it has an autofocus mode suited to fast-moving kids. Always read the instructions when you get a new camera, look up reviews, and search for a video tutorial online — chances are there are plenty.
If you’re shooting on a phone, take it off auto mode. Play with the settings, look for a few tutorials, and figure out what works best for you. There are also plenty of photography apps with different modes worth exploring.
#2. Remove the Word “Cheese”
If you want an authentic photo, stop telling the kids to say cheese and let their real expression do the talking. To get that timeless, natural shot, just let them do their thing.
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#3. Let Them Run Wild
When photographing kids, capture them in their natural environment — carefree, with wide smiles.
Keep it simple. Kids don’t need to be looking at the camera or the phone. Watch them splash through muddy puddles or raid the biscuit tin — these are the pictures you’ll be laughing at in years to come.
#4. Be Quick!
Children move fast, so you need to be quick too, or you’ll end up with blurry, out-of-focus shots. Take lots of pictures — seriously, hundreds. Keep tapping the shutter button and you’re guaranteed at least one great image.
#5. Wait for It, Don’t Force It
You’ll need plenty of patience when photographing kids, especially if you have a particular shot in mind. Try to force it and the kids simply won’t cooperate — sound familiar?
Just be patient and wait. The right moment will come.
#6. Have a Playful Approach
As above, stay playful and avoid staging photos. Posing is a no-no when it comes to photographing kids. Let them play, sing or dance, and always show them the pictures afterwards. Children love seeing what they’ve created, and they might even suggest ideas for your next shoot.
#7. Get Down to Their Level
Be creative — get down to their level and make it fun. Some of the best family photos are taken at your child’s eye level, not from above.
Bend down, lie down, or roll across the floor if you have to. You never know — their reaction to your silliness might just be the photo of the year.
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#8. Be in the Picture
If someone asked how many photos you’re actually in yourself, how many would you find? For a lot of us, the answer is “not many.”
It’s important for mums and dads to be part of the memories too, not just behind the camera. Fix this by asking your partner, a friend, or even a passer-by to take a few shots of you with the kids.
#9. Shoot Everything!
Photographing kids isn’t just about milestones like birthdays and parties — it’s about the everyday moments in between the madness too.
Some children get self-conscious or act unnaturally when a camera is pointed at them. If picture-taking happens regularly and casually, they’re much less likely to notice or mind.
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#10. Let Them Be the Photographer
Turn it into a game and let your child take charge of the camera for a while. They’ll love being the photographer, and they’ll probably want to be in the picture again afterwards.
It’s also worth showing them where their photos go once you’ve taken them. Print them at home or online, and let them help choose favourites for a photo book or album.
Tip: Keep your images backed up in a cloud storage service such as Google Photos or Dropbox. It’s a great way to protect your memories if your phone is lost or your laptop crashes.
#11. Make the Most of Natural Light
Good light is essential to a great photo. You don’t need to spend money on fancy lighting — natural daylight, or your camera or phone’s built-in flash, will do the job.
Getting the light right is one of the simplest ways to improve your photos, and good natural light means less need for filters or fixing afterwards.
#12. And If All Else Fails…
If nothing else works, try reverse psychology. If you want them to sit, tell them to stand — kids will often do the opposite of whatever they think you want, so use that to your advantage!
Above all, remember that a true portrait reflects your child’s real personality, not a false smile or a forced moment. If you’re not in the moment, you won’t capture the moment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an expensive camera to take great photos of my kids?
No. A phone camera is often the best tool for photographing kids, simply because it’s always with you and ready for those quick, unplanned moments.
How can I get my child to act naturally in photos?
Skip the posing and the “say cheese” moment. Let them play, explore or get on with whatever they’re doing, and take the shot while they’re absorbed in it — the more often you photograph them casually, the more natural they’ll be in front of a camera.
Why do my photos of kids come out blurry?
Children move quickly, so a slightly faster shutter setting (or your phone’s action/sports mode, if it has one) helps. Taking several shots in quick succession also improves your odds of getting a sharp one.
What’s the best light for photographing kids?
Natural daylight is usually your best option. It’s free, flattering, and reduces how much editing or filtering you’ll need to do afterwards.
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- Making Memories: Fun New Year Traditions to Start With Your Family
Save These Tips for Later
Not ready to try all 12 tips today? Bookmark this article or save it to your phone’s photos folder so you’ve got it handy the next time you’re reaching for the camera.
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