“How on earth did you manage to get him smiling like that?”
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard that after a session.
Having had three children myself, I completely understand how tricky it can be to photograph your own little ones. They are far more likely to play up for Mum or Dad than for the “funny photographer lady” they’ve been brought to see!
So whether you’re using a camera or just your phone, here are my tried-and-tested tips for capturing natural, beautiful photographs of your children at home.
1) Light (Without Getting Too Technical!)
Light really is everything in photography - but don’t worry, we’ll keep this simple.
Position
Think about where your child is in relation to the light source. If they’re facing bright sunshine, squinting is almost guaranteed.
Instead, try:
Open shade (for example, under a tree or beside a building)
Turning them so the sun is slightly behind them
Moving indoors near a window for soft, natural light If the main light source is behind your child (for example, standing in front of a bright window), they may look too dark. Which brings me to…
Fill Light
If you’re using automatic mode, try:
Turning on a little flash
Moving slightly so the light hits their face more evenly
Or repositioning them so the strongest light falls gently across their face rather than behind them.
A small tweak in positioning can make a huge difference.
2) Forget Posing — Be Patient
This is probably my biggest piece of advice.
The memories you want to capture are the real ones, aren’t they? The laughs. The concentration. The messy hair. The spontaneous giggles.
When photographers enter competitions, there are strict posing rules. And that absolutely has its place. But when I photograph my own family - and my lovely clients - I will choose natural expression over perfectly placed limbs every time.
Your child will usually do one of two things:
Give you a huge “cheese!” smile the moment they see the camera
Or run in the opposite direction
Instead of saying “Look here!” or “Say cheese!” try simply waiting.
Let them forget you’re taking photographs. Keep your camera ready and capture the moments in between. That’s where the magic lives.
3) GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO DO
Children look most natural when they’re genuinely engaged.
If you have another adult around, get them involved - I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t love a game of aeroplanes or being scooped into the air.
Have a family pet? The connection between children and animals can create the most beautiful expressions. (Just always ensure your pet is calm and safe around your child.)
If they’re playing alone, let them:
Hunt for insects in the garden
Smell flowers
Look for treasure
Read a favourite book
Build something with total concentration
They don’t need to look at the camera. A thoughtful expression can be just as powerful as a smile.
And if needed, use the zoom on your phone or camera so you can step back and capture those moments quietly.
4) BE INCREDIBLY SILLY!
You know your child better than anyone.
Sing the silly song.
Pull the funny face.
Blow raspberries.
Roll around on the floor.
There’s a reason I often have parents standing right beside me during sessions - nobody gets a genuine giggle like Mum or Dad.
Sometimes the best smiles come when you stop trying to be the photographer and start being playful instead.
5) GET DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL
This is such a simple change - and such an important one.
Kneel down. Sit on the floor. Even lie flat if you need to.
When your lens is level with your child’s eyes, you capture connection. You won’t miss subtle expressions, and the photograph instantly feels more immersive.
Photographing from adult standing height can make children look small and disconnected. Shooting at their level pulls the viewer into their world.
6) INCLUDE THEM IN THE PROCESS
If your child is a little older or not keen on being photographed, involve them.
Ask:
“How do you think we should take this photo?”
“Have you seen one you’d like to recreate?”
“Where should we stand?”
When children feel heard and valued, everything shifts. I’ve used this many times in the studio when a child has been unsure at first - and it’s often a complete game changer.
7) KNOW WHEN TO STOP
This one matters most.
If your child is tired, hungry, overwhelmed or simply not in the mood - stop.
There is no photograph more important than your relationship with your child.
Put the camera down. Give the cuddles. Try again another day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Photographing your own children isn’t about perfection. It’s about preserving memories.
The messy moments. The belly laughs. The concentration.
The way they scrunch their nose when they smile.
And if you’d rather step into the photos instead of always being the one taking them, you know where I am.
Lorraine
Newborn & Family Photographer, Warwickshire