We’ve all been there—you grab your phone to snap a cute moment of your child, only to end up with a blurry photo or a cluttered background that distracts from their sweet little face. You don’t need a fancy camera or years of training to learn how to take portrait photography of your kids at home. As a professional photographer and mom, I’ve seen firsthand how a few small changes can turn everyday snapshots into beautiful keepsakes.
This blog is written just for you, the parent wondering how to take photos of your child that feel frame-worthy.
1. Keep It Simple
When it comes to portrait photos, less is more and this idea is central to how to take portrait photography. Try to focus on just one subject at a time and avoid adding too many props or layers to the shot. Let your child’s face, expression, or personality shine without competing with toys, furniture, or visual clutter.
You don’t have to set up a full backdrop or have a perfect house—just a quiet moment with your child sitting on a bed, standing near a window, or playing outside can make a stunning portrait.
If your little one is moving around too quickly (which they usually are!), wait for a naturally calm moment. Candid portraits during quiet play or snuggles with a blanket often capture more personality than a forced smile ever could.
2. Choose Solid Colored Clothing
What your child wears can make or break the photo. If you want a timeless portrait, stick to solid colors such as violet, blues, olive greens, pink, or cream all work beautifully.
Busy prints, logos, or character graphics might be cute in real life, but they tend to distract from your child’s face in photos. If you’re photographing siblings together, coordinate their colors without being too matchy-matchy.
Think: soft textures, simple fabrics, and outfits that are comfortable. You want them to feel like themselves!
3. Use Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend. You don’t need flash or harsh overhead lights—just find a window with soft, indirect light. Position your child so the light is coming from the side or slightly in front of them, and avoid placing them directly in front of a bright window unless you know how to adjust for backlighting.
If you’re shooting outside, go for the “golden hour”—that magical time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. Shade also works well, especially under trees or next to buildings that block harsh sunlight.
4. Watch Your Background
A good portrait is about connection—and the quickest way to lose that is with a distracting background. Before you start clicking away, look behind your subject. Are there laundry baskets, bright-colored toys, or random furniture in the frame?
Clear the space or shift your angle to create a cleaner shot. Plain walls, doorways, bedspreads, or even a backyard fence can work beautifully when you’re intentional about what’s in the frame.
Pro tip: step back and zoom in (even with your phone) to help blur the background and bring more attention to your child’s face.
5. Get on Their Level
Some of the most compelling portraits are taken from the child’s point of view. Instead of standing over your toddler or calling your preschooler to “look at me,” try sitting or kneeling on the floor with them.
Look them in the eye, or photograph them just as they’re looking off or giggling at something silly. You’ll get far more natural expressions this way—and the connection in the final photo will feel real.
I love to have kids sit criss-cross applesauce or lay on their belly. These photos always feel so childlike to me and they make adorable photos.
6. Embrace Imperfection
Some of my favorite images aren’t the perfectly posed ones. They’re the ones where a baby is mid-yawn or a toddler is cracking up with messy hair.
When you’re thinking about how to take portrait photography, remember: you’re capturing your child as they are. Let them be silly, wild, thoughtful, shy—whatever is natural.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop worrying about getting “the shot” and just enjoy the moment. That’s when the magic happens.
Final Thoughts
Taking better portraits photographs of your children doesn’t require a photography degree or studio setup—just a little bit of thoughtfulness, simplicity, and light.
By focusing on solid clothing choices, clean backgrounds, and natural moments, you can start to take photos that you’ll actually want to print, frame, or tuck into baby books.
And if you’re ready for something a little more polished, milestone sessions are a great way to mark your child’s growth while still keeping things playful and fun. I offer milestone sessions like sitter sessions and cake smash sessions for babies and toddlers that are quick, low-pressure, and full of personality—just like your child.