As parents, we all know the feeling—our little ones are growing up way too fast. One moment they’re babbling their first words, the next they’re sprinting down the hallway with sticky fingers and cheeky grins. While we’d love to hire a professional photographer every time something cute happens (if only!), most of those everyday memories are captured by us—on our phones, in between school runs, nap times, and grocery trips.
As both a photographer at Pei A Photography and a mum who’s constantly snapping photos of my kids, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference when using just your smartphone. Here are some simple, professional-but-doable tips to help you capture those fleeting little moments beautifully.
1. Chase the Light (But Don’t Stress About It)
Lighting can make or break a photo. You don’t need fancy equipment—just look for soft, natural light. Open up the curtains, face your child towards a window, or head outside during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentle. Harsh midday light can cause strong shadows, so if that’s the only time you have, just move your child into the shade for even, flattering light.
2. Get Down to Their Level
The world looks very different from a toddler’s perspective. Instead of snapping from above, try crouching or even lying on the floor to be eye-to-eye with your child. You’ll instantly see a more personal, connected feel in your photos—like you’ve stepped into their world.
3. Focus on the Details
Don’t just go for the big smiles—capture the tiny details too. Their chubby little hands holding a crayon, the way their curls stick up after nap time, mismatched socks, or the proud look when they balance blocks. These small details often end up being the photos we treasure most later on.
4. Keep It Candid
Some of the best photos happen when kids don’t even realize you’re taking them. Instead of asking them to “smile at the camera,” snap while they’re playing, eating, or lost in thought. Everyday moments—like messy pancake breakfasts or bubble baths—tell your child’s story just as much as the big milestones.
5. Clean the Lens (Yes, Really)
It sounds obvious, but kids + phones = sticky fingerprints everywhere. A quick wipe before you take a photo can instantly make your shots clearer and sharper.
6. Don’t Be Afraid of Imperfection
Life with kids is beautifully chaotic. Not every photo has to be perfectly composed. A blurry giggle or a half-cut frame can sometimes hold more emotion than a technically “perfect” shot. Embrace the realness—these are the moments you’ll want to remember.
7. Use Burst Mode for Action Shots
Kids are fast. Really fast. If your child is running, jumping, or dancing, hold down the shutter button to use burst mode. You’ll get a series of photos to choose from—one of them is bound to be that perfect mid-air laugh.
While your phone is perfect for capturing the everyday magic, sometimes it’s nice to have professional photos that bring the whole family together. That’s why I run Spring and Christmas Mini Sessions in Melbourne at Pei A Photography—short, fun sessions designed with busy families in mind. They’re a wonderful way to freeze the season, without the stress of a long photo shoot.
And if you’re like me, someone who loves photos and stories, you’ll also enjoy what we’re building at Polyglot Tales—a place for bilingual families to find beautiful children’s picture books in Chinese, Italian, Hindi and Japanese. Our books are specially hand-picked and curated by me. Head over to our main website here to browse our catalogue.
Stay Connected
📸 Follow along for more family photo tips and updates on mini sessions at @pei.a.photography
📚 Discover storybooks in multiple languages and join our challenges at @polyglottales