Proof you were there!

You know what’s missing from your camera roll? 

YOU.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a camera roll full of adorable pictures of your kids—but barely any proof that you were there too. 

And let’s be real, a quick selfie with your toddler smashing their face against yours (cute, but chaotic) isn’t the only way to make it happen.

But getting in more photos with your kids doesn’t have to be awkward, complicated, or time-consuming!

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

Here are 4 creative ways to capture those everyday moments with your little ones—without relying on selfies.

This is so important for you and your family. You want to remember how you were there, that you showed up and did the things even if some days it was super tough. Not to be morbid, but one day those photos will be all they will have. I couldn’t find enough photos of me and my dad once he was gone. This matters!

Set Up a Timer & Play Together

Instead of staged, stiff smiles, capture real, playful moments with your kids.

What to do: 

Prop up your phone or camera on a shelf, a chair, or a tripod. 

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

Then, start playing! Have a tickle fight, jump on the bed, or let them tackle you into a pile of pillows.

Pro tip: If your camera has voice control, you can just say “Smile!” or “Capture!” and it will snap photos while you’re in the moment. Did you know this was a thing? So cool!

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

Those tender snuggles when you’re reading a book are some of my favorite memories of me and my kids. Hugs and tickle fights are some of my favorites when I’m shooting at a Carmel family session. That would be a great place to start.

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

You deserve to be in your family’s story.

What to do: Find a lifestyle photographer (like me! You can see my galleries here.)

Instead of stiff poses, I’ll capture real moments: playing and laughing together or cuddling on the couch.

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

These moments are so fleeting, and you will never get this season back. The sweet little hands, chubby cheeks, and toothless grins. When you hire a photographer, you take away the stress of figuring out what and how to get those moments in the frame. You just sit back, enjoy your favorite people, and let me, your Carmel family photographer, capture the magic.

Use a Tripod for Everyday Moments

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

What to do: 

Set up a tripod (or use a stack of books as a phone stand) in a spot where you and your kids naturally spend time—like the kitchen, playroom, or couch.

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

We did this today with some reading time. I was still in my pajamas with messy bun hair, but the moment is still the sweetest.

Turn on the video mode or use a camera app with a remote shutter.

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

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

These are the moments your kids will actually remember—the cozy snuggles, messy playtimes, and bedtime giggles! 

You know those mundane everyday moments…one day they will not be as etched in your mind as they are right now when you’re in the midst. It’s crazy to think that because you do it so much. But it will get hazy and lost because it’s so “normal”. Those are the moments that make up your life. Capture them

Capture Your Reflections

An easy way to get in the photo without setting anything up!

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

Next time you’re brushing teeth together, playing dress-up, or watching the rain, snap a quick picture of your reflection.

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!

These are some of my favorites! Super simple, and I love that. I have a reflection photo from a building window that is so precious to me. We were on a walk, and when I noticed our reflection and the city behind us, we all snuggled close together and snapped a photo. The perfect way to capture that moment.

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. 

Now you have easy, fun ways to make sure you’re in the frame, not just behind it!

Tag me on socials if you decide to try one of these ideas; I’d love to see!

Want to learn more about booking a Carmel, Indiana, family session with me? Click here to see my galleries.