We all love capturing special moments with our kids, but sometimes it can be tricky to get the perfect shot – especially when you're using just your phone. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera to take beautiful photos! Both of these photos were taken on a smartphone - and a pretty old one at that (my old Google Pixel 4a, before I upgraded).
Here are some easy tips for you to take better photos of your children using just your phone...
Find the Best Light
Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light is your best friend when it comes to taking photos of your little ones. Harsh sunlight on a sunny day is tricky to work with, but thankfully Yorkshire’s beautiful landscapes and parks offer plenty of opportunities to find soft, flattering light. Try to take your photos outdoors, either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is gentler, or using shade under trees is great if you're out in harsh sunlight in the middle of the day. If you’re indoors, position your child near a window to make the most of the natural light streaming in. Avoid using your phone's flash, as it can create harsh shadows and make the photo look unnatural. Look for backlighting (ie light streaming through the trees behind) as this can create a really nice effect.
Get on Their Level
Something I almost always do when photographing children is to photograph them at their eye level. Rather than shooting from above, kneel down or sit so you're at their height. This creates a more intimate and personal feel to the photo, allowing you to see the world from their perspective. Whether your child is playing in the garden or running through the Dales, getting on their level will result in more engaging and natural shots.
Focus on the Details
When taking photos, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to capture the "big picture." But don’t forget about the little details! Sometimes, it’s the small things that tell the most powerful story – like your child’s tiny fingers wrapped around a toy, the expression on their face as they discover something new, or the way their hair blows in the wind. Don’t hesitate to zoom in or move closer to focus on these precious details. Yorkshire's varied weather can create interesting textures and natural elements that add even more charm to your close-up shots.
Capture Candid Moments
Many of the best photos are taken when kids aren’t posing or even aware of the camera. Candid moments, where they’re simply playing or exploring their surroundings, often feel more genuine and capture their true personality. Keep your phone ready to snap those spontaneous moments of laughter, curiosity, or joy. Don’t worry about perfection – it’s those real, imperfect moments that make the best memories. Try to talk and laugh with your child while you're taking the photo to get a natural smile.
Experiment with Angles
While it’s important to get on your child’s level, don’t be afraid to switch things up by trying different angles too. Take a photo from above while they’re playing with their toys, or capture them running towards you from a distance. Shooting from a unique angle can add depth and creativity to your photos. If you’re in a scenic spot like Ilkley Moor or the Yorkshire Dales, using the landscape to your advantage by shooting wide-angle or from behind can create beautiful, frame-worthy shots.
Make the Most of Portrait Mode
Many smartphones have a Portrait Mode feature, which creates a beautifully blurred background while keeping your child in sharp focus. This effect, known as "bokeh," helps highlight your child’s face and makes them stand out from the scene. Whether you’re capturing a quiet moment at home or exploring the Yorkshire countryside, Portrait Mode can give your photos a professional touch. Just tap on your child’s face to make sure the focus is spot-on, and watch the background fade softly away.
Use Editing Tools
Most smartphones come with built-in editing tools that can help you enhance your photos. After you've taken a shot, you can adjust the brightness, contrast, or even crop the image to focus on the most important parts. I love to use Snapseed as it's great for giving your phone photos a professional touch and it has so many tools to play with and explore – and it's free!
Finally...
Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about capturing those real-life memories. Whether you’re snapping shots at home or out exploring Yorkshire’s stunning scenery, these tips will hopefully help you get the most out of your phone’s camera.
If you'd like more in-depth photography advice or a one-on-one session to learn how to make the most of your smartphone camera, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help you capture more of those special moments!
Find the Best Light
Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light is your best friend when it comes to taking photos of your little ones. Harsh sunlight on a sunny day is tricky to work with, but thankfully Yorkshire’s beautiful landscapes and parks offer plenty of opportunities to find soft, flattering light. Try to take your photos outdoors, either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is gentler, or using shade under trees is great if you're out in harsh sunlight in the middle of the day. If you’re indoors, position your child near a window to make the most of the natural light streaming in. Avoid using your phone's flash, as it can create harsh shadows and make the photo look unnatural. Look for backlighting (ie light streaming through the trees behind) as this can create a really nice effect.
Get on Their Level
Something I almost always do when photographing children is to photograph them at their eye level. Rather than shooting from above, kneel down or sit so you're at their height. This creates a more intimate and personal feel to the photo, allowing you to see the world from their perspective. Whether your child is playing in the garden or running through the Dales, getting on their level will result in more engaging and natural shots.
Focus on the Details
When taking photos, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to capture the "big picture." But don’t forget about the little details! Sometimes, it’s the small things that tell the most powerful story – like your child’s tiny fingers wrapped around a toy, the expression on their face as they discover something new, or the way their hair blows in the wind. Don’t hesitate to zoom in or move closer to focus on these precious details. Yorkshire's varied weather can create interesting textures and natural elements that add even more charm to your close-up shots.
Capture Candid Moments
Many of the best photos are taken when kids aren’t posing or even aware of the camera. Candid moments, where they’re simply playing or exploring their surroundings, often feel more genuine and capture their true personality. Keep your phone ready to snap those spontaneous moments of laughter, curiosity, or joy. Don’t worry about perfection – it’s those real, imperfect moments that make the best memories. Try to talk and laugh with your child while you're taking the photo to get a natural smile.
Experiment with Angles
While it’s important to get on your child’s level, don’t be afraid to switch things up by trying different angles too. Take a photo from above while they’re playing with their toys, or capture them running towards you from a distance. Shooting from a unique angle can add depth and creativity to your photos. If you’re in a scenic spot like Ilkley Moor or the Yorkshire Dales, using the landscape to your advantage by shooting wide-angle or from behind can create beautiful, frame-worthy shots.
Make the Most of Portrait Mode
Many smartphones have a Portrait Mode feature, which creates a beautifully blurred background while keeping your child in sharp focus. This effect, known as "bokeh," helps highlight your child’s face and makes them stand out from the scene. Whether you’re capturing a quiet moment at home or exploring the Yorkshire countryside, Portrait Mode can give your photos a professional touch. Just tap on your child’s face to make sure the focus is spot-on, and watch the background fade softly away.
Use Editing Tools
Most smartphones come with built-in editing tools that can help you enhance your photos. After you've taken a shot, you can adjust the brightness, contrast, or even crop the image to focus on the most important parts. I love to use Snapseed as it's great for giving your phone photos a professional touch and it has so many tools to play with and explore – and it's free!
Finally...
Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about capturing those real-life memories. Whether you’re snapping shots at home or out exploring Yorkshire’s stunning scenery, these tips will hopefully help you get the most out of your phone’s camera.
If you'd like more in-depth photography advice or a one-on-one session to learn how to make the most of your smartphone camera, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help you capture more of those special moments!
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