Imagine you’re in the final chapter of your life. What are your most prized possessions?

Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a few fancy pieces of jewellery with sentimental value. Perhaps there are a few accolades for achievements you had in your life that you’re just a bit proud to have on display. Maybe you’re still in your own home and that house is filled with memories that bring you comfort.

A 2016 study entitled “The Importance of Personal Possessions for the Development of a Sense of Home of Nursing Home Residents” cited that, second only to a television (kinda non-negotiable I’d have thought!), the most important item to bring an elderly resident’s room to make them feel at home was photographs.

As I said in my blog post exploring why photographs hold such value for us, the items we’ll treasure most towards the end of our lives are the pictures of all the people we have loved. These pictures are also destined to become part of our legacy.

So isn’t it important for us to make sure these photographs are the best they can possibly be?!

Natural family photographs captured at home by Cheshire lifestyle photographer Victoria Phipps.

With this in mind I’m sharing these 5 actionable tips to help you document your family life in an artful and creative way in your own home.

Capturing beautiful, natural photos of your children at home doesn’t require fancy equipment or professional skills - just a little creativity and an understanding of light, composition and timing. Here are five simple ways to take better photos of your kids and preserve those precious everyday moments:

1. Use Natural Light

Lighting is the key to great photography and natural light is your best friend when photographing your children. Turn off the harsh overhead lights and manoeuvre your child near a window or into a well-lit area of the house. Look for soft, indirect sunlight which will create a warm and flattering effect. Avoid harsh midday light as this can result in strong distracting shadows.

Toddler portrait captured at home in natural daylight by family photographer Victoria Phipps

2. Get Down to Their Level

Photographing your kids from an adult’s perspective can sometimes feel distant or impersonal. You also get a photograph which is all floor and, if your house is anything like mine, your eye will then only be drawn to all the crumbs and that grout line that used to be white! Instead, try kneeling or even lying on the floor to shoot from their eye level. This creates a more intimate perspective and allows you to capture expressions and emotions in a more engaging way.

3. Capture Candid Moments

While posed portraits have their place, some of the most cherished photos come from capturing authentic, everyday moments. Instead of asking your child to “say cheese!” for the camera, observe and document them as they play, read or explore. The goal is to let their personality shine through, making the image feel more genuine and natural.

Natural photograph of a little boy watering plants in the garden captured on film by family photographer Victoria Phipps

4. Keep It Simple

A cluttered background can distract from the focus of your image - your child! Try to simplify the scene by removing unnecessary objects or choosing a clean backdrop. Neutral walls, a cozy couch or even a simple bedsheet can create a beautiful, distraction-free setting. Keeping the composition simple will help highlight your child’s expressions and emotions.

5. Experiment with Composition and Angles

Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you frame your shots. Try different angles - shoot from above while your child is lying on the floor, capture their reflection in a mirror or frame them through a doorway for a storytelling effect. Play around with negative space, leading lines or the rule of thirds to make your photos more visually compelling.

Creative portrait of two redheaded sisters captured by film photographer Victoria Phipps

Bonus Tip: Have Fun and Be Patient!

The best photos happen when kids feel comfortable and engaged. Instead of forcing a pressured photo session, make it fun! Let them be themselves, interact naturally and don’t stress over getting the perfect shot every time. The more relaxed they are, the more genuine and heartwarming your photos will be.

Candid child portrait captured on black and white Ilford 3200 film by Wirral family photographer Victoria Phipps

Try these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to creating meaningful, artful images that capture the essence of your child’s personality and everyday life during this chapter in their childhood.

And at the end of a day when you know you banked a handful of cracking memories, you can rest easy with a cuppa and imagine yourself flicking through these photographs in your nursing home armchair; reminiscing, smiling and feeling rather pleased with your younger self for making the effort!

If you’re in need of a little inspiration, make sure you download my free GIGGLE GUIDE for busy parents! In this short and sweet pdf I share my simple and playful photography prompts and games to guarantee those natural giggles you know and love.

Photography prompts for parents looking to capture natural smiles in photographs of their children

And don’t forget I share weekly ‘Photo Recipes’ in my photography community for parents to inspire parents to get creative and capture a different childhood memory for the family archives. Search for Paparazzi Parents on facebook to come along and join… the more the merrier!