Improve your kids photos as a parent with these simple steps. You don't need to be a professional to get great results. And you don't need a pro camera, an up to date mobile phone camera will give you great results. And remember, It doesn't need to be perfect.
Soft light makes everyone look better. The best time of the day to get soft light is sunrise or after 4pm (in Thailand) till sunset when the sun is at a low angle.
If you're taking photos at midday, then try to avoid harsh direct sunlight. Instead, use indirect sunlight. Look for a spot where the sunlight bounces off a white wall, floor or building to get soft light.
When taking photos inside, try to avoid the harsh ceiling lights that give ugly shadows. Instead stand by the window and use the indirect sunlight that is bouncing into the room.
When taking photos inside, try to avoid the harsh ceiling lights that give ugly shadows. Instead stand by the window and use the indirect sunlight that is bouncing into the room.
The most common mistake, specially when shooting kids, is not adjusting your height to their level. When shooting your kids from a high helicopter angle, they have to look up and the angle makes them look too short.
Bring the camera at the same level as your kids hips when taking a full body shot or chest when taking half body shots. Yes, a kids' photographer has to sit on their knees or even has to lay on the floor. Good luck when the floor is boiling hot 😉
I often see people use the full screen 16:9 resolution. However 16:9 doesn't capture the full sensor quality, whereas 4:3 does. With 16:9 you're cropping and losing quality. So best to use 4:3 and for Instagram you need even more extra width when shooting vertical.
Avoid the ultra-wide lens, it distorts human features too much.
Most smartphones have portrait mode, which blurs the background and makes the subject stand out. But don’t overdo it. Make sure the blur looks natural and not artificial.
Children smile the brightest when they're simply being themselves, let them play.
When kids have something to play with, they feel more at ease and act naturally. Give them a skateboard or bicycle, and you'll capture more authentic, lively photos.
It’s often more fun for kids when they’re with other children. It feels less like a staged photoshoot and more like playtime with less pressure them.
This relaxed approach leads to genuine expressions and candid shots that truly capture their personality.
Capture a variety of emotions, curiosity, excitement, surprise or even deep concentration. These little moments tell real stories.
Take full and half body shots. Avoid the ultra wide lens, we don't need to see to much of the area.
When shooting vertical, do take a step back to get more space on the sides for Instagram's 4x5 ratio (allow to crop the top of the photo). 4x5 is often more wider than you think.
Clothes should look clean and well-maintained. Natural tones work better than very busy prints. You can also add layers with a shirt or jacket over a t-shirt. Get inspiration from the big fashion brands, study how they style the kids. Experiment with layers and a cap for example. Since Thailand has a hot climate, consider linen clothing for breathability.Â
Shoot multiple outfits and different styles to create a more diverse portfolio.
Avoid big brand logos—the last thing you want is to make it look like a fake ad for a brand your child didn’t actually model for.
A simple white wall can work wonders. Just make sure to clean up the area—it only takes a few seconds to remove clutter or trash. It will make a big difference. Less is More.
Thailand has amazing cafés that are great for taking photos at. For example, have a look at Instagram cafestorythailand to get inspiration.Â
Remember, you’re not taking travel photos—get closer! We want to see your child’s expressions, not just the surroundings.
Photoshoots with 3–4-year-olds can be challenging.
What do the three photos below have in common?
With younger kids who get distracted easily, try having them sit or stand on an object. This makes it harder for them to run away and you will have a couple more seconds to get your clicks 😉
Rules are there to be broken, let kids play and be themselves while you get creative with your angles!
We’d love to hear your tips and share them with other parents! Message us on Line app @siammodels ( with @ ).
Note: This article has been written with the Thailand conditions and times in mind, however most tips can be used worldwide. The photos in this article are taken with a pro camera by me. You will get the idea 😉
