9 Ways to get more Family Photos with Mom in Them

5 Iphone Photo Apps Every Mom Needs

December 8, 2016

The unique connection you share with your children can only be seen if you're in the pictures.

So how do you make that happen?!

With 5 kids of my own, I'm not blind to the many obstacles there are to make this happen. But I have some ideas for you that can help! Below are just a few.

Keep reading. Someday they'll thank you for it!

1. Don't be stingy with that camera!

Maybe this one seems simple, but you and I both know it's not. Especially if you're like me and have camera control issues.

The day I learned my lesson was when I was scrolling through my gallery of images after a family gathering. An image of my husband and I jumped off the screen at me. It has since become one of my favorite images and I wouldnt have it had I not allowed my daughter to have ( ahem, pry out of my hand) my camera. I know it's hard, but just try it. I've since started training my children from a young age how to use my phone camera. I'm not ready to hand them my DSLR quite yet, but my older kids are able to use even my DSLR.

2. invest in a tripod and learn how to use your camera's timer.

There are many different tripods on the market. Click HERE for a tripod that I found to be the easiest to use and most portable ( affiliate link). It's also priced reasonably. I often toss this bad boy in the car if we're going on a family outing and if things work out I set it up, attach my camera and set the timer for a miraculous portrait... ok, I lie, it's usually NOT miraculous, but hey it's a picture of us and we're all together and that alone is miraculous! I also love using my tripod/timer at home. I'll set it up in front of my bed so that the viewfinder is eye level once we're on my bed and then I have a fun tickle session with my kiddos, or just a snuggle fest or any number of fun things you can dream up.

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:

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.
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.
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!
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.
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! )
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!
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.
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.
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 we have a collection of photos that we can cherish for years to come.