Making Everyday Moments Magical | Papillion Family Photographer

As a Papillion family photographer, I know how quickly childhood passes by — the fleeting moments, the giggles, the everyday chaos that makes family life so unique. While professional photoshoots are fantastic for capturing milestones, there’s a whole world of magic in the simple, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Luckily, thanks to smartphones, especially iPhones, capturing these moments has never been easier.

You don’t need a fancy camera or special equipment to get everyday images of your kids. In fact, your iPhone can be the perfect tool for preserving those simple, ordinary memories. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make everyday moments magical and turn them into beautiful photos with your iPhone.

Tips from a Papillion Family Photographer

1. Embrace Natural Light

Lighting is one of the most important elements of any great photograph. When it comes to capturing your kids in their natural state, natural light is your best friend. Soft light creates a beautiful, flattering glow and highlights the small details — like their little hands or a twinkle in their eye.

• Where to Shoot: Take photos near windows or outdoors, especially during the golden hour (the hour just after sunrise or before sunset). The soft, diffused light during these times gives photos a dreamy, warm feel.
• Avoid Harsh Direct Sunlight: If you’re shooting outside, avoid harsh midday sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows and squinting faces. Instead, look for shaded areas that still allow light to filter through.
• Use Backlighting: If your kids are facing away from the light, like in a sunset photo, you can use backlighting to create a magical glow around their silhouette. Your iPhone camera can do wonders in this setting, especially with the exposure slider.

2. Focus on Details

While wide, sweeping shots are beautiful, the true magic of childhood often lies in the little details. Your iPhone’s camera excels at capturing small moments and intricate details.

• Zoom In on the Small Stuff: Get close-up shots of your kids’ hands, their feet, a close-up of their faces when they’re focused or laughing, or the way they hold their favorite toy. These images bring out the emotions and stories behind the bigger moments.
• Capture Everyday Objects: Don’t forget about their favorite objects — a favorite stuffed animal, a beloved blanket, or a special pair of shoes. These items often hold great sentimental value and tell an important part of their story.

3. Use Burst Mode for Action Shots

Kids are always on the move, and getting a clear, sharp shot when they’re running, jumping, or playing can be tricky. Luckily, your iPhone’s burst mode is perfect for capturing fast action.

• How to Use Burst Mode: Simply hold down the shutter button to take a series of rapid-fire photos. This is great for those moments when your child is running toward you, jumping on a trampoline, or spinning around. You can go through the series and pick the best shot, ensuring you get that perfect moment in focus.
• Capture Movement: Burst mode can also be great for capturing candid moments like your child jumping in a puddle, riding their bike, or laughing with a sibling. The dynamic movement of these moments can add so much energy and life to your photos.

4. Capture the Candid, Unposed Moments

Some of the best photos are the ones that aren’t posed. A genuine smile, a spontaneous hug, or a laugh shared between siblings can tell a much deeper story than a perfect family portrait.

• Be Ready to Snap: Don’t wait for your kids to “pose” — these moments happen quickly, and the best shots are often the unplanned ones. Have your iPhone ready and take photos as your kids go about their day, whether they’re playing outside, reading a book, or just having a snack.
• Stay in the Moment: If you try to orchestrate too many moments, you can lose the raw, emotional feeling that makes candid shots so special. Focus on being present with your kids, and let your camera do the work while you enjoy the moment with them.

5. Use the iPhone’s Editing Tools to Enhance Photos

Once you’ve captured those magical moments, you don’t have to leave them as-is. iPhones come equipped with a variety of editing tools that can enhance your photos and make them look even more professional.

• Adjust Exposure and Brightness: If your photos look too dark or too light, use the exposure slider to brighten them up or add contrast. You can tap the screen on your child’s face to adjust the exposure specifically for that part of the image.
• Crop and Straighten: Sometimes, a simple crop is all you need to create a more dynamic photo. Consider framing your child’s face or a specific detail in the image. You can also straighten your photo if your camera was slightly tilted, ensuring the lines look clean and sharp.

6. Capture Everyday Moments with a Story

Think of your iPhone photos as part of a visual story. Instead of just taking pictures of individual moments, try to build a narrative.

• Create a Series: Take a series of photos that show your kids through the day — from waking up, playing outside, to settling down for bedtime. When you look at the series together, it will tell a much richer story about their everyday life.
• Highlight Traditions: Maybe your family has a special tradition like reading together before bed, baking cookies, or going for walks after dinner. Capturing these rituals will give you a visual record of the things that make your family unique and will be treasured for years to come.

7. Don’t Forget About the Background

Sometimes, a cluttered background can distract from the beauty of your child’s moment. If possible, try to find a simple, clean backdrop, whether it’s a blank wall, a field of flowers, or a sandy beach.

• Use Portrait Mode: If you’re using an iPhone with Portrait mode, this can help blur the background (creating a “bokeh” effect), allowing your child to really pop in the image.
• Get Creative: If you’re at a park, beach, or somewhere scenic, use the background to your advantage. A beautiful sunset, tree-lined path, or unique architecture can add depth and context to the image, enriching the overall feel of the photo.

Your iPhone is more than capable of capturing the everyday moments that make life with kids so magical. By paying attention to lighting, focusing on details, and embracing candid moments, you can create stunning photos that tell the true story of your family’s life. These photos will be treasures that hold memories far beyond the posed shots, reminding you of the simple yet meaningful moments that make up the fabric of family life.

As a Papillion family photographer, I always encourage families to take more photos, not just the “big” moments, but the small, spontaneous ones too. With just a little bit of attention to detail, you can turn everyday moments into magical memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your iPhone, and start capturing the magic today!

Papillion Family Photographer

If you are thinking about hiring a Papillion family photographer I would absolutely love to have a chat with you about an experience with me.  I am so very passionate about not only getting your memories printed for your home but also serving you.  You have enough on your plate right now.  Lets not let those images sit unseen on a USB drive, but lets also not add another thing to your to-do list.  From the details of picking outfits to designing to delivery, I will handle it all so you don’t have to.  In order to give my clients this luxury service, I only take a limited number of clients per month so contact me as soon as possible to get on my calendar.

If you are looking for a Papillion family photographer you might also be interested in reading these helpful blog posts:

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Virginia Schultz is a published Omaha Family photographer specializing in motherhood storytelling and custom heirloom artwork for busy and stylish moms in the Omaha & Lincoln metro. From handmade albums to exquisite, museum-worthy frames, her passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Landcaster, Saunders, Mills, Pottawattamie & Washington Counties including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, Boys Town, Bennington, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas.

You can see my work featured on the cover of the August 2022 magazine and the September 2022 magazine.