Tired of Selfies? 4 Creative Ways to Be in Photos With Your Kids

Wonder what’s missing from your camera roll? 

YOU!

If you’re similar to me, you have a full camera roll of super cute pictures of your kids—but zero proof that you were there, too. 

And let’s be honest, a quick selfie with your kindergartner squishing their cheek against yours isn’t the only way to make it happen.

But being included in more photos with your kids doesn’t have to be weird, complicated, or totally time-consuming!

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

We went to the Grand Canyon a few years ago. And, aside from a few squish-faced selfies with my husband or kids, I only have one photo of us together. A family walking by asked if we wanted them to take a picture of us. I screamed YES! So, at least we have one family photo from that trip.

As I was cleaning my TV cabinet and dusted off the photo- a simple 4x6 in a frame — It got me thinking. There has to be an easier way to get in more photos with our families.

Below are 4 creative ways to capture those sweet moments with your little (and big) ones—without relying on selfies.

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Set Up a Timer & Play Together

Instead of staged awkwardness and stiff smiles, capture real, playful moments with your kids. This is a tad easier to do with little ones, but big kids can get in on the fun too! 

What to do: 

Prop your phone or camera up on a high shelf or a chair. 

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

Then, start playing! Have a tickle fight, jump on the bed, or let them tackle you in a pile of couch cushions. You can even do silly awkward poses to make it ironic— This gets giggles with bigger kids.

Pro tip: If your camera has voice control, simply say “Smile!” or “Capture!” and it will snap photos while you’re in the moment. I can wave my hand at my phone and it’ll count down 5 seconds, then snap a photo.

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

When the weather warms up, we like to have a backyard day. I make a picnic, lay out a big blanket, and the kids play badminton or croquet. I love storybook themes and those games remind me of older, simpler times. It creates a fun setting for some impromptu photos. My kids are getting older, so I have to get more creative.

Use a Tripod for Everyday Moments

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

What to do: 

Set up a tripod (or use a stack of books as a phone stand) in a spot where you and your family naturally spend time—like the kitchen, game room, or on the back porch.

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

Turn on the video mode or use a camera app with a remote shutter. Timelapse is a fun option, too.

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

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

These are the moments your kids will actually remember—the sweet snuggles, messy play times, and bedtime giggles! 

Decorating for the holidays is big in our home. I go all out for each holiday – yes, even Valentine's Day. When I don’t decorate for a holiday, it feels weird. I love seeing the photos of them decorating eggs, putting ornaments on the tree, helping to transform our house into a haunted manor, and cheering to the new year with sparkling cider. Holidays mean a lot to me, so they are my favorite photo memories.

Lean a mirrored tray up against a tree to capture a reflection photo.

Capture Your Reflections

An easy way to get into photos without setting anything up!

What to do: Look for reflections throughout your day—mirrors, windows, puddles, or even the oven door. Fun, right?

Next time you're brushing your little one’s teeth, playing dress-up, or watching the rain, snap a quick picture of your reflection. This is such a fun and creative way to be included in a photo.

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!

This goes back to some backyard fun, but grab a mirrored tray off your coffee table and place it on the grass, against a tree. You can do a posed photo with your kids or a playful one. But, the added “background” will create such a magical image. You may even want to print a copy. 

Little girl playing in the dirt while wearing her fanciest dress.

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

You deserve to be in your family’s story.

What to do: Find a documentary-style photographer (like me! You can see my galleries here)

Instead of stiff poses, I’ll capture real moments—making cupcakes, kids playing in the dirt, or family cuddles on the couch.

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

My client had her first baby and I planned on taking photos of the newest family member. I hung back to take stress-free photos of them bathing the baby, putting on booties, and mom and dad simply admiring their new bundle of joy. I documented their lives for a few hours. Those memories would have quickly disappeared amongst the stress of a new baby, but I was able to give them some history back. As a mom of four older kids, it was enjoyable to just watch and observe the brand-new parents.

** A message to moms who don’t feel pretty enough, thin enough, young enough, etc.

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. You won’t care if you didn’t lose those 10 lbs either, I promise!

Now you have 4 easy, and creative ways to make sure you’re in the frame, not just behind it! So, go get in your photos!

Tag me on Instagram if you decide to try one of these ideas, I’d love to see it! @annettemarie_photography

Thanks for reading along, now go take some pictures.

Cheers to you,

Annette

Want to learn more about booking a High Desert family session with me? Click here to get more information about booking me.

I hope reading “Tired of Selfies? 4 Creative Ways to Be in Photos With Your Kids” has given you all kinds of creative ideas! If you’re still looking for a Creative Family Photographer in the High Desert, California, click here to see my portfolio of Whimsical images.