Mom, YOU are part of your family’s story, and your kids deserve to see you in the photos. This post shares simple ways to make sure you’re in the frame, so your love and presence live on in the memories you’re making together.
I recently came across a social media post from a mom recounting a conversation she had with her 3 year old. The child was convinced that her mom was not at an event because she wasn’t in any of the pictures.
This is not a unique situation. Many moms find themselves behind the camera, capturing every precious moment as their children grow and change. But in the process, they often forget to step into the frame themselves.
I’m guilty of this as well. Too often the only evidence that I was at a family event is through deduction - Who’s taking the photo? The only one not in the frame. Mom.
At the time, I didn’t give much thought to my not being in the photos. I was focused on documenting my children growing and changing, experiencing new experiences, reaching new milestones and wanting to capture every moment. As moms, we know it all goes by so fast. So we pull out the camera or phone and snap away.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized just how absent I was from our family photos.
You deserve to be in the frame!
These experiences prove that family photos aren't just about capturing moments; they're also about including yourself in the story of your family's life. When we jump into these photos, it's like saying, "Hey, I'm an important member of this family!" When we hang these images on the wall, they aren’t just about decoration; it's about showing our kids that we were there, participating in those special moments. They're a daily reminder of the love and bonds we share.
Getting into the frame isn't just about getting great pictures; it's about making time for yourself and your family. It's an investment in your family's story and a gift to your future selves. And your children are going to want pictures of you. They’re going to want to see how you grew up alongside them.
You are a major part of your family’s story. You deserve to be in the frame!
Four simple ways to get into the frame more:
1) Use your phone timer
Whether Android or iPhone, your phone will have a timer in the camera settings. You'll be able to choose between 2, 5, and 10 second timers. If you like to live dangerously, select the 2 second timer and run into position. The adrenaline rush counts as exercise. Multitasking at its best! However, if you need a bit more time to navigate children's toys or to settle into position, select the 10 second timer, slow down and relax a bit. Whatever timer option you select, your phone will display a countdown so you know exactly how much time you have left before the picture is taken.
Before you start that timer, take a moment to frame your image. Is everyone included or are heads cut off? Same with feet. And make sure to evaluate that empty area where you plan to position yourself so you aren't cut off!
If you don't have a phone case with a kickstand, prop up your phone against a stack of books, your coffee cup, or some other stable surface. Start the timer and get into position!
2) Use a mirror
A large mirror above the dresser can be used to capture afternoon snuggles or bedtime stories. A mirror in the front room can be used to capture playtime or family activities. And don't feel like you have to keep the mirror on the wall! If necessary, lean the mirror against the wall to capture images from a lower angle.
You're shooting into the mirror to capture the reflection of your family.
This approach offers an interesting composition where the camera captures the wall with the mirror but also the area reflected in the mirror. It's easier to see what's being captured in the image - just look into the mirror and it's easier to take multiple pictures without having to get up and disturb the moment being captured!
3) Encourage your spouse to take photos of you with the children
This suggestion rubs a little bit, doesn't it? Sometimes we wish our partners would see a sweet moment and just take the picture without our prompting. But that doesn't always happen. So we need to communicate clearly to our partners what we need, including our need to be a part of the family story as told through family photos.
The good news is, camera phones make it really easy for others to snap a few images of us, including older children if your partner is unavailable. Just keep in mind that if you're using someone else's phone and want a copy of the images for yourself, resist the temptation to share them via text. This compresses images something fierce and will render them too small and pixelated to print. If you want to preserve the quality, upload the images to Google or Dropbox.
4) Hire a professional
Sometimes you just need to relax, enjoy the time with your family, and let a professional capture your authentic family moments. This is where I come in! In the comfort of your own home, I will capture the spontaneous and candid moments that capture the personality of your family - all members of your family, including you!
Consider the moments that you want to be a part of and have captured: your family snuggling together on the couch reading your toddler's favorite book; rocking your baby to sleep in the nursery; your toddler playing with the dog; daddy and daughter dancing in the middle of the front room. An in-home family session can make that happen!
Families grow and change so much, especially when the children are young. I encourage you to have professional family photos taken annually. It’s one of the only investments that you’ll cherish more and more as time goes on!
