You’ve guessed it from the title…The topic of this Austin Photographer Tip blog post is YOU, mama. The YOU that’s unfortunately been missing from your camera roll.

I see you mama, scrolling through the thousand pictures of your kids on your phone. Yet, there’s barely any proof that you were there too. And I completely get it, because I’m that mom too…We recently took a family trip to Paris and decided to take our girls to Disneyland. Well, if you look at the photos on my own camera roll, you would think that my kids spent the day at Disney without their parents!

But I promise you, a quick selfie with your toddler smashing their face against yours (cute, but chaotic) isn’t the only way to make it happen. In fact, getting in more photos with your kids doesn’t have to be awkward, complicated, or time-consuming!

As an Austin Photographer, here are my easy tips to capture those everyday moments with your little ones—without solely relying on selfies.

Austin Photographer Tip #1: Set Up a Timer & Play Together

Instead of staged, stiff smiles, capture real, playful moments with your kids.

What to do: 

Prop up your phone or camera on a shelf, a stack of books, a chair, or a tripod.

Set the self-timer (10 seconds) or use a burst timer to take multiple photos in a row. 

Then, start playing! Have a tickle fight, jump on the bed, or let them tackle you into a pile of pillows.

Pro tip: If your camera has voice control, you can just say “Smile!” or “Capture!” and it will snap photos while you’re in the moment.

This captures natural movement, real laughs, and the way your kids see you—fun, present, and full of love.

Austin Photographer Tip #2: Use a Tripod for Everyday Moments

You don’t have to wait for a special moment to get in the frame—everyday life is worth capturing too.

What to do: 

Set up a tripod (steal my favorite, affordable tripod here) in a spot where you and your kids naturally spend time—like the kitchen, playroom, or couch.

Imagine photos of you and the kids prepping dinner together or doing a puzzle! 

Turn on the video mode or use a camera app with a remote shutter. To go even fancier, you can also use a face tracking device like this one from Amazon.

Pro tip: Set a weekly reminder to take a family photo in a different everyday moment (snuggles, bedtime stories, mealtime). 

After a few weeks, you’ll have a beautiful collection of real-life memories.

These are the moments your kids will actually remember—the cozy snuggles, messy playtimes, and bedtime giggles! 

Austin Photographer Tip #3: Capture Your Reflections

An easy way to get in the photo without setting anything up!

What to do: Look for reflections throughout your day—mirrors, windows, puddles, or even the oven door. 

Next time you’re brushing teeth together, playing dress-up, or watching the rain, snap a quick picture of your reflection.

Pro tip: Try a sidewalk puddle reflection at golden hour (right before sunset) for a dreamy, artistic effect.

This is a creative way to be in the frame without needing a tripod or timer!

Final Tip: Book a “Day in the Life” Session

You deserve to be in your family’s story.

What to do: Find an Austin lifestyle photographer (like me! You can see my family galleries here)

As your Austin Photographer, I’ll capture your real moments—making breakfast, playing on the floor, or cuddling on the couch.

This removes the stress of setting up your own shots and gives you authentic, emotion-filled photos that tell your family’s real story.

Years from now, I can tell you that it will not matter if your hair was messy or if the house wasn’t perfect. You’ll just be happy to have photos that include you. And now you have easy, creative ways to make sure you’re in the frame, not just behind it!

Tag me on social if you decide to try one of these ideas, I’d love to see! – @lydiasuzannephotography

Want to learn more about booking an Austin family session with me? Click here to schedule a discovery call.