Capturing those magical, fleeting moments in your child's life can feel impossible, especially when they refuse to sit still. How do you get photos of your wiggly little ones that you’d proudly display—or even turn into a custom photo book? The good news? Photographing active kids doesn’t have to be frustrating. With some creativity (and a little patience!), you can snap adorable memories that capture their energy and personality.
This guide is packed with practical tips to help you take the best family pictures, even if your kids seem to have boundless energy.
1. Get Down on Their Level
One of the biggest secrets to great child photography is perspective. Instead of standing over them and shooting downward, get on their level. Sit, squat, or even lie down so the camera is at eye level with your child.
Why does this work? It makes a huge difference in capturing a kid's world as they see it. Photos feel more intimate and genuine when you’re engaging with their perspective. Plus, it helps capture those sparkling eyes, cheeky grins, and curious little expressions that make every photo frame-worthy.
If there’s one thing kids love, it’s playtime—and that’s exactly the energy you should channel during a photo shoot! Forget demanding stiff, posed smiles and say goodbye to “Say cheese!” Instead, turn the process into a game.
A simple round of peek-a-boo behind the camera works wonders for toddlers. Ask your older kids to do something fun, like spin around or pretend to be a superhero, while you snap away. Keeping it playful will help them relax and show off their natural charm.
Fun bonus? Candid photos of kids mid-laughter or mid-spin are often the best family pictures to save in keepsake albums.
Not only do bubbles create enchanting, whimsical photos, but they’re also the ultimate distraction for energetic kiddos. Hand them a bubble wand or blow a stream of bubbles yourself, and watch as their faces light up in wonder. Capturing kids chasing bubbles or popping them makes for playful, dynamic shots full of motion and joy.
The added benefit? Bubbles give you beautiful natural framing and soft lighting effects, so your photos have a warm and dreamlike quality.
Sometimes the best photos aren’t the ones where a child is grinning at the camera—they’re the ones where they’re just being themselves. Think about their silly giggles, thoughtful stares, or moments lost in play.
Take a step back and observe your kids while they read a book, play with their favorite toy, or try an outdoor activity. These genuine, unguarded expressions tell the most authentic stories when compiled into a custom photo book.
Props not only add visual interest but also help keep squirmy kids still (at least for a few seconds!). Try giving your child a toy they love, a flower to hold, or even a soft blanket to snuggle in. Props act as both comfort and entertainment, distracting your little one while you creatively frame your shot.
Seasonal props—like pumpkins in the fall or a cozy scarf in winter—add a touch of time and place to your photos, making them even more special as the years go by.
Worried about blurry photos when your kids are in constant motion? Don’t stress—use your camera’s continuous or burst mode. This setting snaps multiple shots in quick succession, ensuring you capture the perfect moment even when your child is running, jumping, or twirling.
Once you’ve captured all those joyful shots, don’t just keep them on your phone. Turn them into something meaningful—a custom photo book that doubles as a children’s storybook.
That’s where Stareworthy Custom Children's Books come in. Our books are a beautiful blend of two worlds—a high-quality photo album and an engaging storybook tailored just for your child. Upload your favorite photos, and we’ll combine them with nursery rhymes or short tales to create a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Not only will your little one love reading their very own story, but this also helps them develop early literacy skills and strengthens your bond when you read it together.
Lighting can make or break a photo, and kids’ photography is no exception. For breathtaking, soft-glow portraits, schedule your photo sessions in the “golden hour” (shortly after sunrise or before sunset).
The sun provides a natural warm tone that reduces harsh shadows and makes every image look magical. If you’re shooting indoors, position your child near a big window for natural light, and turn off any overhead lighting to avoid unflattering shadows.
When you’re working with little ones, timing is everything. Keep photo sessions short and sweet—10 to 15 minutes is often enough to get what you need. If your child seems restless, take small breaks or switch up the activity to keep the mood light and stress-free.
And remember, patience is key. Some of the best family pictures happen in those in-between moments when you least expect it.
Photos are more than just snapshots—they’re stories waiting to be told. By capturing your child’s vibrant spirit and packaging those memories into a custom photo book, you’re giving your family a treasure they’ll cherish forever.
When you’re ready to turn your cherished moments into a work of art, take the next step with Stareworthy Custom Children's Books. Bring your best family pictures to life as a personalized storybook designed to engage, educate, and create lasting memories.
Start creating your custom book today and relive the joy of every smile, bubble, and giggle.
