You have hundreds, maybe thousands, of pictures of your kids on your phone. It’s fun to scroll through and watch them grow but it’s also important for you to be in those pictures with your kids. You’ll never be this young and neither will they. Getting in family photos with your kids is a habit that will leave them with real reminders of the love you share and the fun you have as a family.

Get in the picture!

Most parents (usually moms) are quick to pull out their cameras and snap a photograph of their kids "in the moment." But how many are taking the next step and getting in pictures with their kids?

Honestly, I’m not great about it myself.

Last week I spotted #existinpictures on Instagram. It struck me as a reminder of how important it is for us to get in front of the camera.

Glennon Doyle’s podcast, We Can Do Hard Things, dedicated an entire episode to unpacking reasons moms aren’t in pictures - Why are there no pictures of us!?. It starts with a recorded call from a mother of two young kids. She worries that if the worst happened there would be four horrible giant photos of her at her funeral. She claimed that's all her husband has on his phone. It’s funny, in the way great dark humor is. It’s also very relatable.

Will my children have photos to remember me after I'm gone?

Even more importantly, will they be ones I like?

The same way we need to get over our hangups and spend time with our kids in the pool, we need to be present in photos with our kids as well. In addition to providing a beautiful memory for your family, these pictures also help our kids feel valued and seen.

If getting in pictures with your kids isn’t already something you do regularly, here are some easy ways to make sure you #existinpictures:

1. Use a portable tripod or phone holder

Remember when cameras just did one thing? Most families had that one uncle who would bring out a tripod and use the timer to get a group picture (or three) at family gatherings. Those still exist! Only now they fit in a tote and are ridiculously easy to use. I’ve owned several and this is my current favorite - it comes with a remote trigger and there are color choices!

2. Use the timer in your camera app

When you’re ready to take some pictures, pop your phone into the tripod and set the timer. Use selfie mode so you can see how the picture will look before the shutter fires. Pro tip: Be prepared to take several photos to get a couple good ones.

3. Hire a professional photographer!

Hey, that’s me!! Lol. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this one. :) But seriously, the absolute best way to #existinpictures is to hire a professional photographer for your family photos. No fiddling with a tripod, learning the settings on your “good” camera, or resorting to threats so you can have, “just one good picture damn it!” Trust me, I’ve been that mom. If you’re in the Seattle area, let me handle all the technical stuff so you can relax and remember why you like these people you call family.

4. Ask a passerby

It may be a leap out of your comfort zone but when you are out in a public place don't be afraid to ask someone to take a picture of you and your children. The best choice is a parent from another family or a friendly looking group. You can offer to return the favor right after.

5. Let go of perfection

Family photos don't have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay if not everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. Keep your focus on capturing genuine moments and connections between you and your children.

Easy, right? With these tips, you'll have a growing collection of nice family pictures to enjoy now and in the future.

Hi there! I'm Rose, a Seattle area family photographer who helps make photo sessions accessible for every kind of family. A photo session with me is always fun and relaxed.

Whether silly and spirited or shy and snuggly, you’ll see your unique vibe reflected in the pictures we make together.

My lens is open to everyone!

If you want to hire a professional to document your family, give me a holla - I’d love to chat! Click here to send me a message.