A mother and her three young daughters are gathered around a kitchen table, baking together. One daughter cracks an egg into a mixing bowl while another stirs, and the mother helps while holding the baby steady in a high chair.

Beyond the Selfie: 6 Creative Ways to Be in More Photos With Your Kids

May 30, 2025•3 min read

You know what’s missing from your camera roll?

YOU.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a camera roll full of adorable pictures of your kids—but barely any proof that you were there too.

And let’s be real, a quick selfie with your toddler smashing their face against yours (cute, but chaotic) isn’t the only way to make it happen.

But getting in more photos with your kids doesn’t have to be awkward, complicated, or time-consuming!

In fact, it can be fun, easy, and totally natural!

Here are 6 creative ways to capture those everyday moments with your little ones—without relying on selfies.

Set Up a Timer & Play Together

Instead of staged, stiff smiles, capture real, playful moments with your kids.

What to do:

Prop up your phone or camera on a shelf, a chair, or a tripod.

Set the self-timer (10 seconds) or use a burst timer to take multiple photos in a row.

Then, start playing! Have a tickle fight, jump on the bed, or let them tackle you into a pile of pillows.

Pro tip: If your camera has voice control, you can just say “Smile!” or “Capture!” and it will snap photos while you’re in the moment.

This captures natural movement, real laughs, and the way your kids see you—fun, present, and full of love.

Use a Tripod for Everyday Moments

You don’t have to wait for a special moment to get in the frame—everyday life is worth capturing too.

What to do:

Set up a tripod (or use a stack of books as a phone stand) in a spot where you and your kids naturally spend time—like the kitchen, playroom, or couch.

Imagine photos of you and the kids prepping dinner together or doing a puzzle!

Turn on the video mode or use a camera app with a remote shutter.

Pro tip: Set a weekly reminder to take a family photo in a different everyday moment (snuggles, bedtime stories, mealtime).

After a few weeks, you’ll have a beautiful collection of real-life memories.

These are the moments your kids will actually remember—the cozy snuggles, messy playtimes, and bedtime giggles!

Capture Your Reflections

An easy way to get in the photo without setting anything up!

What to do:

Look for reflections throughout your day—mirrors, windows, puddles, or even the oven door.

Next time you're brushing teeth together, playing dress-up, or watching the rain, snap a quick picture of your reflection.

Pro tip: Try a sidewalk puddle reflection at golden hour (right before sunset) for a dreamy, artistic effect.

This is a creative way to be in the frame without needing a tripod or timer!

Hire a Photographer for a “Day in the Life” Session

You deserve to be in your family’s story.

What to do: Find a family photographer who can set up a lifestyle session for you and your family (like me!)

Instead of stiff poses, I’ll capture real moments—making breakfast, playing on the floor, or cuddling on the couch.

This removes the stress of setting up your own shots and gives you authentic, emotion-filled photos that tell your family’s real story.

A collage of photos showing a mother baking with her three daughters in a bright kitchen. The images include scenes of mixing ingredients, decorating a cake, laughing together, reading books on the floor, and sitting on a chair as a family. The baby is in a high chair in several shots, watching or smiling.

Years from now, you won’t care if your hair was messy or if the house wasn’t perfect—you'll just be glad to have photos that include you.

Now you have easy, fun ways to make sure you’re in the frame, not just behind it!

Tag me on social if you decide to try one of these ideas, I’d love to see!

Want to learn more about booking a Chesapeake family photography session with me? Click here to find out more.