Getting in the frame with your kids – self portraits tips

OK mamas, what’s stopping you from getting in more photos with your kids? Be honest! Is it that last 10 pounds you need to lose? Those gray hairs? Or is it that you don’t know HOW to get in the frame? I get it! I had those same excuses. I used to hate being in pictures. And, if I’m being honest, it’s still not my favorite thing. But I do it anyway and I am so thankful for the photos I have with my girls.

I only just started making an effort this past year though. I could never figure out how other photographers made it look so easy! So I made it my mission to figure out how to make it work for me and I want to share some of the self portrait tips I learned with you. Let’s start with the tools you need.

Know How to Turn On Your Timer 

You might need your camera manual (or a quick Google search) to find how to do this, but the good news is that it’s easy on most camera’s. Since you’re going to be in front of the camera and not behind, you need a way to take the photo and the easiest way is to use your camera’s self timer. Both DSLR’s and smartphones have them. The tricky part is that you’ll need to run back and forth to check the back of the camera after every photo and that can be frustrating sometimes.

To reduce the amount of running back and forth, a lot of self-timers will allow you to decide how long of a delay you need between when you press the shutter and when the shot is taken as well as how many shots the camera takes each time it fires off! On my iPhone 11 you can set the timer for either 3 or 10 seconds so that you have time to get yourself situated before a photo is taken. On my Canon, I can set the timer to shoot a set number of shots continuously for 10 seconds.

Remote for Your Camera 

The one thing that can make self-portraits simpler is a shutter remote! You can find them for your smartphone or your DSLR depending on what you’re using to take your pictures. It syncs with your phone or camera and then you just use the little remote to take your pictures while you’re in front of the camera with your kids or your family.

Something to Hold Your Camera 

A tripod will make it easier to frame your shot exactly how you want because you can adjust the height or the angle of your camera, but it’s not a must-have. There are tripods for DSLR’s and even smartphones. If you don’t have a tripod, there are LOTS of objects you can use to set up your shot. Chairs, counters, tables, coffee tables, stools, and books are good options.

Now Comes the Hard Part! How to Nail Focus

This is probably the hardest part – getting everyone in focus. I struggled with this every time I tried to use my DLSR. Let’s say Olivia was sitting on my bed playing with a toy, reading a book, or even watching a show, I’d set my camera up on a tripod and then focus on her. Then, I’d turn on the self timer, press the shutter, run in to the shot and pray.

It’s a constant game of back and forth and sometimes that can be fun, especially if you want to get the kids involved. They love running back to the camera to see what the picture looks like. The trick is always having something in the frame that you can focus on first even if that means throwing a teddy bear in the spot you want to be and then tossing it before the camera clicks.

Even though I believe self portraits are so important, I still struggle with getting in the frame. Kids are kids. They are wiggly and they don’t always want to cooperate. Plus, I never feel like I’m ‘camera ready,’ but I still force myself to do it as often as possible. Regardless of which way you choose to capture photos with your kids, don’t worry about getting it right all the time. Just get in to the habit of practicing!