How to Make Your Photos Even More Special

These days, we all take photos almost every day. Most of them stay on our phones, while others are shared with family and friends. They help us remember the places we visit, the people we love, and the little moments we do not want to forget. Every photo tells a story. With just a few simple ideas, you can make your photos feel more natural, more personal, and even more meaningful for years to come.

STEP 1. CLEAN YOUR LENS

It sounds so simple, but it makes a huge difference. Before taking any photos, quickly wipe your phone camera lens. It often gets covered with fingerprints or dust from being in your pocket or bag, which can make your photos look blurry or cloudy. A quick wipe with your T-shirt is usually all you need ;) 

Step 2. does clothes matter? The types of clothes that work the best.

I always say that clothes should not be the first thing you notice in a photo. Plain colours and simple outfits usually work best because they keep the focus on your child, not on the clothes. Try to avoid large logos, cartoon characters, or lots of writing if you can. But the most important thing is that your child feels happy and comfortable. A relaxed, smiling child will always look better in a photo than someone wearing the "perfect" outfit.

Step 3. TRY DIFFERENT ANGLES

"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."– Henri Cartier-Bresson

One of the easiest ways to improve your photos is to change where you hold your camera. Most of us simply stand still and take a photo at eye level, but trying a different angle can completely change how the picture feels.

HIGH ANGLE – Hold your camera above your child and point it down.

EYE LEVEL – Get down to your child's eye level. This is one of my favourite angles because it feels natural and helps you connect with them.

LOW ANGLE - Hold your camera lower and point it upwards. This can make your child look bigger and more confident.

LOW POSITION - Place your camera close to the ground for a completely different view. It is a simple trick that can make everyday moments look much more interesting.

STEP 4. GET CLOSE

"If Your Pictures Aren't Good Enough, You're Not Close Enough." - Robert Capa

Wide photos are great for showing the beach, a forest, or a beautiful place you're visiting. But when you want to capture your child, try moving a little closer. It helps people focus on what really matters.

Do not forget the little details, too. Tiny hands, little toes, messy hair, or a favourite toy are often the photos you will love looking back on years later. If you are using your phone, avoid using digital zoom. Instead, simply walk a little closer. Your photos will usually look much sharper.

few more examples

STEP 5. GET DOWN ON THEIR LEVEL

"The first rule when photographing children is to get the camera down to their eye level." - Unknown

One of the easiest ways to improve your photos is to see the world from your child's point of view. Instead of taking photos while standing, crouch down, sit on the ground, or even lie on your tummy. Getting to their eye level makes your photos feel more natural and helps capture the world as they see it. Do not forget to focus on their eyes—they are often the first thing people look at in a photo.

STEP 6. Look for Natural Light

"Wherever there is light, one can photograph." - Alfred Stieglitz

Natural light almost always gives the best results. If you are indoors, turn off the lights and move close to a window. Soft window light makes photos look brighter and more natural, and it can even make your child's eyes sparkle.

If you are outside on a sunny day, try not to stand in direct midday sun. Bright sunlight can make children squint and create harsh shadows on their faces. Instead, look for open shade or wait until later in the day when the light is softer.

STEP 7. Photograph Them Just as They Are

“Adults tend to project what they want you to believe they are. Children are always honest and are comfortable with themselves. They lack that self-consciousness we seem to develop as adults,” says - Ryan Mills.

Please, do not ask your child to say "cheese." Instead, play with them, make them laugh, cuddle, tell a silly joke, or simply wait for the moment to happen naturally. The best photos are often the real ones. A big laugh, a curious look, muddy hands, messy hair, or even a few tears can all become memories you will treasure one day. Childhood is not perfect, and your photos do not need to be perfect either.

STEP 8. CAPTURE THEM IN MOTION

Children are always on the move, and that is part of the fun. Instead of asking them to sit still or pose, let them run, jump, play, explore, and simply be themselves.

If your phone has burst mode, give it a try. Instead of taking just one photo, simply hold down the shutter button and your phone will take lots of photos in just a few seconds. Later, you can choose your favourite and delete the rest. It is one of the easiest ways to capture a real smile or a lovely little moment that you might otherwise miss.

Step 9. KIDS WITH PETS

Children and pets can make some of the sweetest photos, but they can also be the most unpredictable! Instead of asking them to pose, let them play, cuddle, or simply spend time together. Be patient and keep your camera ready. The best moments often happen when you least expect them. And if things are not going to plan, take a break and enjoy the moment instead. Happy children and relaxed pets always make the best photos.

STEP 10. EDIT YOUR PHOTO

"The best camera is the one you have with you."

Editing can make a nice photo look even better, but it cannot fix a photo that is blurry or taken in poor light. Try to get the photo right first, then use a few simple edits to give it the finishing touch. Most phones already have easy editing tools built into the Photos app. A little brightness, contrast, or straightening is often all you need.

Bonus Tip: Get the Photos Off Your Computer or phone!

One of the biggest mistakes we all make is leaving our photos on our phones. We take hundreds of pictures, share a few on social media, and then forget about the rest. Choose your favourites and print them. Whether it is a photo book, a few prints on the wall, or an album for your children, those photos become even more special when you can actually hold them in your hands.

One last little tip—if you are taking photos on your phone and think you might print them one day, choose a standard photo ratio like 3:4. It usually works much better for printing and helps avoid important parts of your photo being cropped.

Don't give up & Have Fun!

Finally, remember to enjoy it! Capture the fun that your children are having, but don’t forget to have fun yourself.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to email me dorota@markowskaphoto.com