9 Ways to get more Family Photos with Mom in Them

As moms, we often find ourselves behind the camera capturing precious moments of our family. However, it’s important to make sure that we’re also in the photos, creating lasting memories for ourselves and our children. Here are 10 ways to make sure you’re in more family photos:

1. Plan ahead: Before a family event or gathering, make sure to have a plan in place for getting a photo with ourselves in it. The easiest way to ensure there are photos with you in them is by asking a friend or family member to be sure to capture some photos with you in them. If that’s not possible, then set up a tripod and use your camera’s self timer.
2. Get in the picture: It sounds simple, but so many times it’s actually difficult. Maybe because we’re self conscious or don’t have makeup on that day. Remember that you and your family won’t give a rat’s patootie that you were rocking a messy bun and no makeup. You’re simply going to be so glad that you have that moment, with EVERYONE, captured forever.
3. Talk to someone in the family, maybe an older child or your husband, and ask them to be more intentional to take pictures of you interacting with your family. Candid pictures are some of my very favorite as a mom!
4. Learn how to take selfies. Believe or not there are tips and tricks to taking good selfies. For instance, if you’re taking a selfie style photo and trying to get several family members in it, getting the right angle is key.
5. Set up a tripod with and use a self timer to take pictures of everyday moments that include you, like family dinner time or as you’re all leaving the house to go somewhere. ( I know, I know, everyone groans about this, but someday they will be so happy you took the time to capture everyone together! )
6. If you are out in public at a park, or maybe leaving church, ask a friend or even a stranger to snap a picture of all of you with your phone!
7. One of my favorite times to get everyone, including me, in a family shot is when we are all loaded up on our way to an outing. Everyone is usually in good spirits and better yet, they’re all seated and so there is no wrangling! Of course, I take this one selfie style.
8. Hire a professional photographer. A lot of people conjure up images of Olan Mills stuffy posed portraits, but family photography has come a LONG way! I should know, I used to be one. There is more of an emphasis on capturing genuine family moments and some even offer “lifestyle sessions” which means they come to your home and take images of you and your family interacting naturally to capture everyday moments.
9. Make it a tradition: Make a tradition of taking a photo with ourselves on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. My family knows that my one non negotiable request for Mother’s Day is that I get a photo of me with all of my children and because they’ve gotten used to this I get very few complaints! They even let me get one with each of them individually as well. I love looking back at these photos taken at the same time each year!

So to wrap this up, busy mama, taking photos with yourself in them is vital for you and your family. By planning ahead, using your smartphone, getting creative, and asking for help, we can ensure that our family has a plethora of photos of us to cherish for years to come!