7 Tips For Taking Incredible Photos Of Your Kids On Your iPhone

Portrait mode, great lighting position (a little overexposed but still beautiful!)

Unless you’re lucky enough to live with a photographer, many of you have found yourselves in a position where you’ve had to cancel or reschedule photo sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is these moments don’t have to be missed entirely just because of the current state of the world. While I believe iPhone photos are no substitute for a professional family photo session, they do say that the best camera is the one you have with you, and I do believe that’s true! Check out my tips on how to take incredible photos of your kids using the camera you have with you, your iPhone!

1. Look for the light.

Lighting can either make a break a photo. The right lighting can enhance the subject and make the entire image, where the wrong lighting can leave the subject look like they’re in the middle of telling a scary ghost story. When going for a more posed approach at home, especially when shooting your baby, be sure the light is coming from either the top of their head, or the side of their face. Use caution that the light is not coming from under their chin, which gives the ghost story effect I mentioned. Also be aware of the subject’s proximity to the light source. A light source that is too close to the subject (like a close window) can lead to blown out highlights and loss of detail.

2. Focus on the eyes.

Again when going for a more posed style, set the focus on the subject’s eyes. This will make the photo “pop”, and will help the exposure on their face be correct so they aren’t too bright, or too dark. In addition to that, it will help draw the viewer’s eye where you want them to look. Simply tap where you want the focus to be and your phone will automatically adjust the focus and exposure.

Light coming from the side of the face, tapping to focus on the subject’s eyes.

3. Get down on their level.

Us adults spend all day “looking down” on our littles. Literally looking down. For an awesome shift in perspective get down really low. Get on their level! You’ll see the world (and them) from a whole new perspective. It will make for some great, and unique photos.

4. Capture action shots using Burst mode.

Children are constantly on the move. And they move FAST. You turn your head for a moment and they’ve found a sharpie and they’re coloring on something they should’t be. Ask me how I know… The good news is this fast moving action can make for some amazing frozen moments. The iPhone has an awesome feature called “Burst” mode. All you have to do is press and hold the shutter button while following the action (swipe left on the shutter button for the newer iPhones). You can get 30+ photos in the matter of a few seconds. I’ve been able to get some really cool photos of my daughter and my husband, on a roller coaster using this feature. Using Burst mode will help to eliminate motion blur from fast moving subjects. You can go back and review the set to pick the best one, and toss the rest!

5. Utilize Portrait mode!

To access Portrait mode on your iPhone, scroll to the right of the main camera. You have to be a little further away from your subject for this to work, but it creates a nice blurry background, as if you were using a DSLR camera with a shallow depth of field. This soft background will make your subject really stand out and not get lost in the background. It’s one of the best ways to set your portraits apart.

One of my favorites using Portrait mode! See how it draws your eyes where I want them?

6. Forget all the props and capture candid moments.

Some kids, and dads, may get stiff and awkward when asked to pose for a photo (cue my husband!). I’ve learned that the best way to combat this, is to capture moments as they unfold. With my camera always close by and easily accessible, I can quickly catch those sweet moments when my daughter stops to smell a flower while we’re on a walk, or those precious times when my husband and both kids are all cuddled up together on the couch.

7. Don’t be afraid to BE in the moment.

Embrace it. Soak it all in. Smell the flower with your daughter. Join in the kitchen dance party with your son. They’re only little for so long, and while they will appreciate having photos to look back on, they will definitely remember you getting down on the floor and being silly with them… And you will too. This brings me back to my point above, iPhone photos are no substitution for a professional family photo session. During a session with me, I’ll capture those lasting memories for you. You get to be in the moment with your family, AND have the photos (and/or video!) to cherish forever.

I hope you find these tips helpful in capturing some great photos of your family, while you wait for your session. Remember this will NOT last forever, and the world will eventually return to normal. Just hang in there until then. You’ve got this!

Share your favorite iPhone (or mobile phone) photo tip in the comments!