By Grace Chan, the mum behind @tiny.little.jade
Capturing little ones on camera is never just about snapping a pretty picture — it’s about freezing a tiny piece of the wild, messy, love-filled chaos we call family life. I still remember the first time I tried to photograph my daughter in our backyard: she’d rather pick dandelions than look at my lens, our dog was trying to lick my face mid-shot, and I honestly thought, “Why am I doing this?” But looking back at those photos now, they’re some of my absolute favourites — perfectly imperfect.
Whether you’re a parent wanting to hold onto every season before it slips by, or just starting to explore family photography, here’s what I’ve learned (often the hard way!) about getting real, joyful photos without losing your mind.
Props, Distractions & Engagement
One thing I always say: don’t expect kids to pose, let them play. My secret weapons? Little props and a big dose of silliness. I always keep a shutter hugger (a cute toy that sits on my lens) to magically draw their eyes to the camera — works every time, especially for toddlers!
And bubbles? Never underestimate the power of bubbles. They’re cheap, easy, and kids light up every time. Some of my happiest shots are of my daughter and her friends running barefoot through the yard, popping bubbles and shrieking with laughter. And if all else fails? Get in there with them — sing their favourite song, dance like a fool, pull funny faces. They won’t stand still like trees, so meet them in the moment instead.
Tech Tips That Make a Difference
I’ll be honest — I’m not a super technical photographer. But a couple of simple settings changed everything for me. With kids, I always use a fast shutter speed – at least 1/400 because their giggles and wiggles wait for no one.
I mostly shoot with a 50mm f/1.8, which came with my LUMIX S5II. It’s my favourite for that dreamy blurred background that makes every shot feel a bit more magical. If you’re using a zoom lens instead, try standing back and zooming in, staying closer to the longer end helps create a softer background too, even if you don’t have a prime lens.
And my golden rule? Get down on their level. Kneel, squat, crawl in the dirt if you must — photos at eye height feel so much more personal than ones shot from above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If there’s one thing I wish I’d known sooner, it’s to never tell kids to “smile at the camera.” It sounds innocent, but you’ll almost always get that forced grin. Instead, I talk, joke and play with them — the real smiles come naturally when they forget the camera is even there.
Also, trust me on this: comfy clothes are non-negotiable. A child with cold feet, an itchy jumper or a too-tight waistband will not care about your perfect lighting. And neither will you when they’re mid-meltdown!
Why I Don’t Stress About Golden Hour
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — is often hailed as the best time to shoot thanks to its soft, warm, flattering light. But as a mum, I know kids don’t care about it — bedtime does. In Aussie summers, that dreamy light often comes around 7:30pm, which is exactly when my daughter should be winding down, not getting hyped up for a photoshoot. So I say, go for the light you have — a happy, well-rested child beats a cranky one in perfect sunset glow every time.
Be Patient and Know When to Pause
No matter how well I plan, some days just don’t work out. If my daughter isn’t into it, or our dog keeps photo-bombing, I just put the camera down and try again another day. Honestly, my favourite photos rarely come from posed moments — they happen in the quiet gaps, when no one’s watching and everyone’s just being themselves.
Bonus Tip: Including Pets in the Frame
Some of my favourite captures are the chaos of child plus pet — it’s double the mischief but triple the love. For pets, a squeaky toy is a lifesaver to get those cute, perky ears and bright eyes. I also keep a few treats in my pocket for good behaviour — our Labrador Elsa knows exactly when she’s earned one!
Don’t stress if they don’t “pose” perfectly. Sometimes the muddy paws, slobbery kisses or a tail photobomb are what make the photo so real and full of heart.
Photographing young children and pets is less about technical perfection and more about connection, emotion, and storytelling. With a few thoughtful tools, the right mindset, and a good dose of patience, you’ll walk away with photos that not only look beautiful but feel true to the moment.
Thanks for reading — I hope these tips help you capture the joy, chaos and charm of real family moments.