How to take better photos of children – 8 simple tips (phone or camera)

Easter, weekends, holidays… these are the times we naturally reach for our phones or cameras. Families spending time together, children playing. Days out, walks, and lots of little moments that you want to remember.

And yet, when you look back at the photos, they don’t always match how it felt. They can feel a bit flat and underwhelming.

This is something I hear all the time in workshops. People often assume they need a better phone or camera, when actually it’s usually just a few small changes that make the difference.

It’s rarely about having a better phone or camera. More often, it’s about a few small changes that make a real difference when you’re taking the photo.

If you’ve ever wondered how to take better photos of children or improve your everyday family photos, these simple tips will help.

1. Get down on their level

One of the most common mistakes when photographing children is shooting from your standing height. It creates distance and makes children feel smaller in the frame.

When you lower yourself to their level, the photo feels more connected and natural. You’re seeing the moment from their perspective rather than looking down on it.

It’s a simple shift, but it’s one of the most effective ways to take better photos of kids.

2. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect

When people think about how to photograph children, they often wait for everyone to be still and smiling. In reality, those are rarely the most interesting moments.

Often the best shots are where they are showing natural emotions - laughing like drains, pouting in a sulk or even just concentrating.

So I usually encourage people to take the photo anyway, even if it doesn’t feel perfect. That’s often when something much more natural comes through.

If you’re interested in capturing more natural, unposed moments, I’ve written a guest post for Share Your Story on how to take more candid photos of children.

3. Move closer than you normally would

A lot of family photos feel a bit distant simply because we stand too far back. By moving closer, you make it clear what the photo is about. You also remove distractions and create a stronger connection with the subject.

If you’re unsure, take a step closer than feels comfortable. It usually improves the photo straight away.

4. Take a second to notice the background

When taking photos of children at home or outdoors, backgrounds can easily become cluttered.

Bright objects, busy patterns or anything cutting across someone’s head can pull attention away from the subject.

Before you take the photo, take a quick look behind them. A small shift in position is often all you need to create a cleaner, more focused image. And blur the background to really help your subject to stand out. Use Portrait Mode on a phone or use Aperture Priority on a camera with a low f number.

If you are unsure about the best settings for photographing children, come along to a workshop. I run phone and camera courses for complete beginners.

5. Let them do something

If you’re looking for more natural photos of children, give them something to do rather than asking them to pose.

Holding something, making something, playing, exploring, interacting with someone else.

These small actions help expressions feel more genuine and relaxed, and make the photo more engaging.

6. Let the moment lead

It’s easy to feel like you need to direct everything. Stand here. Look at me. Smile.

But often the best approach is to pause for a moment and observe. Notice what’s happening, how people are interacting, and where the light is. Then take the photo at the right moment rather than trying to control it.

This is a big part of improving your family photography without it feeling forced.

7. Pay attention to the light

You don’t need to understand anything complicated to improve your photos of children. Just notice how the light feels.

Soft, even light tends to be the most flattering. Harsh sunlight can create strong shadows and make people squint.

If something doesn’t look quite right, try moving slightly into shade or turning towards a window indoors.

8. Take a few photos, not just one

Children move quickly and expressions change in seconds. Instead of taking one photo and hoping for the best, take a few in quick succession.

When you look back, you’ll often find one where everything just comes together.

A final thought

Taking better photos of children isn’t about getting everything right.

It’s about noticing what’s in front of you and making a few small decisions in the moment. Where you stand, what you include, and when you press the button.

Once you start to see these things, photography becomes much more natural. And your photos start to reflect the moment as it actually felt.

Further reading: How to do your own family photo shoot