The cutest photos of your kids are right at your fingertips
So, maybe hiring a professional photographer isn’t in the cards right now. And that’s okay! We get it. Life’s expensive, and you’ve got a million things going on. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on capturing those precious moments with your little ones.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: you don’t need a fancy camera, a professional photographer, or a big budget to take amazing photos. Last Valentine’s Day, I got the best shots of my son with just a few bucks and some creativity. We’re talking a $10 budget, a red toddler lawn chair, some dollar store heart balloons, and a whole lotta love. (And hey, it worked!)
If you’re a mom on a budget but still want to create beautiful memories with your kids, here’s how you can snap killer photos, no professional equipment needed. All the photos you see below are from my IPhone, so trust me... You've got this.
1. Use What You Have: Don’t Overthink It
You’d be surprised how much you can do with what’s already around your house. Think about the little things: an old rocking chair, a cute blanket, or even a favorite stuffed animal. Don’t feel the pressure to go out and buy a bunch of props. Sometimes, the simplest objects create the most powerful images. Last year, I taped up some newspaper in the corner of my son’s nursery, grabbed a red toddler lawn chair, and added a few cheap heart-shaped balloons. Boom - instant Valentine’s Day magic.
2. Natural Light is Your Friend
You don’t need a fancy studio or a ring light to get great photos. All you need is natural light! Position your subject near a big window or take advantage of the soft golden light during early mornings or late afternoons. Just make sure you’re facing the light and avoid harsh midday sun, which can make shadows look weird. If you're outside and not sure, Hold your hand up and look at your palm. Turn slowly in a circle and pay attention to the light on your hand! This will give you a great idea of where to face your cute little subject.
3. Go Candid (Seriously)
If you’re stressed about “getting the perfect shot,” forget it. My favorite photos (and every grandparent I've ever known's) come from the moments that pass between them...the laughs, the excitement, the unexpected moments. Don’t worry about getting everyone to look at the camera or forcing smiles. Capture the little details: their hands, their faces when they’re playing, or the way they look at you with love. I promise you, those photos will mean more than the perfectly posed ones.
4. Use Your Phone—It’s Actually Amazing
You don’t need a professional camera to get beautiful images. The camera on your phone is honestly all you need for killer photos. All of these staged images here are from my iPhone 14. Just tap the screen and make sure your subject is in focus. Trust me, your smart phone can pull off some serious magic if you know how to use it.
5. Don’t Overthink the Setup
A cluttered space can actually add to the charm of the photos. Focus on the subject: your kids, your pets, or even yourself. As long as the environment isn’t super distracting, the photo will still feel intimate. Just look for areas in your house with good lighting (a spot by a window is great) or head outside for some fresh air. No need to stress about making everything “perfect.” Personally, I use the corner of my son's nursery because of the blank walls and natural light!
6. Have Fun with It!
Photos should reflect the fun and joy of the moment, so get creative. You can have your kids wear their favorite jammies, or let them play with balloons or props they love. Get goofy with it. The messier and more spontaneous, the better. I mean, if you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to sit still, you know it’s impossible... so why not turn it into a silly, fun moment? That’s where the joy is, anyway.
7. Edit It Like a Pro
Once you’ve taken your photos, don’t skip the editing! If you’re using your phone, apps like Lightroom (my fav) or VSCO are awesome for adjusting the lighting, colors, and overall vibe of your photos. For those moody edits, lower the exposure, highlights, and boost the contrast a bit! You can even enhance the pinks and reds for those bold V-Day shots.
8. Print It Out
The whole point of taking these photos is to remember those sweet moments. Print your favorites, put them in a frame, or even create a mini photo album. Just print them. I promise, when you look back on these, they’ll be priceless. (And way less expensive than a fancy photo book!)
It doesn't need to be that fancy
At the end of the day, the most important thing is capturing the love, chaos, and magic of your kids as they are right now, without stressing over gear or budgets. But, if you ever want to put your phone down and be fully present in those moments, that's where I come in. I specialize in finding those real, honest memories for you, so you can be in them instead of behind the lens. Id be honored to document your family's story if.
