We often think we need a better camera to take better pictures but very often that is not the case. As a professional photographer you know that your best tools are the ones you’re the most familiar with. So, if the only camera you have is the one on your phone, get to know all their features and get the best out of it.

Aside from the equipment you use there are plenty of other factors that contribute to a nice picture so I'll share my top 5 tips:

Choose the time of day wisely: 

Harsh light provides harsh lines and shadows on people's faces. Of course, that young, soft skin of our kids is beautiful and you might think it's more forgiving but there are other reasons you may want to avoid it. It is very simply unpleasant to have your picture taken when the sun is shining right at you. It’s no different for the little ones. More often than not you'll have kids squinting in your pictures or their eyes closed altogether. To avoid those harsh shadows and eyes shut simply choose to take pictures early in the morning or late in the evening. We like to call them the golden hours. Shortly after the sunrise or just before the sunset the sun sits at its lowest point in the sky. Thus creating softer light and as a bonus you get those beautiful colours.

I know what you’re thinking. At that time you’re likely making your kids breakfast or they are enjoying their baths so there's no way that time of day suits your needs. This next tip is for you!

Shade and cloudy is your best friend:

It's a bride's nightmare when clouds roll over her perfect day! But In the eye of a photographer it is often preferred. Clouds are nature's own scrim. It’s an equipment us photographers sometimes use to diffuse light. It really helps with the harsh sunlight. If there are no clouds, find a nice open shady spot. But watch out for those sun spots seeping through the branches. You don't want little speckles across your images.

Even backgrounds

You’re out on a perfect day at the perfect time but wished you were able to get that blurry background?  Everyone loves that shallow depth of field and often you can't achieve this without proper equipment however one of the reasons we like this so much is because the subject matter stands out. You can simply choose to take pictures in front of a lesser busier background. At the beach, or in the park are great options but it can also be that green wall in your garden. 

Don't say ‘“cheeeese”

Probably one of my favourite tips because it's the one everyone is always so tempted to do. Usually when saying cheese you get that typical smile where you child forcefully clenches their top and bottom teeth together resulting in a not so natural smile. Instead ask them to say silly words like:stinky undies, smelly cheese, etc. Basically any word that would prompt them to laugh or smile naturally.

Photography can be fun

Last but not least. Taking beautiful pictures doesn't mean they have to be posed and calculated. The candid ones are usually what captures your child's character so don't be afraid to let siblings tickle each other, dance and even ask them about their favourite movie. 

When they talk about something they love or do something that amuses them, you're bound to get lots of beautiful smiles.