There’s something magical about watching a child discover the world. Whether they’re mesmerized by a dandelion or peering out a cabin window at the lake, their childhood is filled with fleeting moments of wonder. As photographers, we can preserve those moments—if we know how to recognize and capture them. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite tips for photographing childhood moments with a DSLR or mirrorless camera so you can preserve those everyday adventures beautifully and naturally. (And your iPhone will work for many of these tips, too! 😎)
GET DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL
Shot in Aperture Mode, f/4, ISO 100, 1/1000 sec, 105 mm.
What’s one of the simplest ways to make your childhood photos more powerful? Change the perspective.
In the image of my granddaughter, Whitney, crouching down at soccer practice, she’s in her own little world—completely unaware of the activity around her or even her soccer coach’s instructions 😉. I changed the photo’s perspective by getting down low with my camera to match her view. The result? A more personal, childlike view of the scene.
Try this: Kneel or sit on the ground and shoot from the child’s eye level. It instantly creates intimacy and helps viewers feel like they’re part of the moment.
Tip: Shoot in Aperture Mode, with your aperture set to a low (wide) number like f/4. This will blur the background and help create more intimacy.
LET THE MOMENT HAPPEN
Shot in Aperture Mode, f/4, ISO 100, 1/500 sec, 35 mm.
Candid moments often say the most. In the photo of Whitney on the bridge, she’s completely absorbed in what she’s seeing through the railings. Her mom kneels in the background, watching with quiet joy. No posing, no directing—I was just present with my camera.
Tip: Keep your camera ready and shoot in burst mode to catch the perfect expression or interaction as it unfolds. Sometimes, the best shots happen just before or after you think they will.
USE THE ENVIRONMENT TO TELL THE STORY
Shot in Aperture Mode, f/11, ISO 1250, 1/100 sec, 100 mm.
The surroundings can add so much richness to your image. In this photo of my granddaughter, Gemma, standing inside a rustic building and looking over her shoulder, the outside scene is framed by a window overlooking a lake. The background adds a sense of wonder and place without overwhelming her.
Tip: I chose a higher (narrower) f/stop to keep the background more in focus and capture a sense of place. Since the building was dark and I was using a narrower f/stop, I needed a higher ISO to achieve a shutter speed that was fast enough to freeze her motion and bring in enough light. Understanding how your settings work together to create an image makes photography much more rewarding!
Try this: Use doorways, windows, or natural framing (like trees or furniture) to gently guide the viewer’s eye to the child while including enough context to evoke a memory or feeling.
CHOOSE SOFT, NATURAL LIGHT WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDHOOD MOMENTS
Shot in Aperture Mode, f/4, ISO 100, 1/200 sec, 82 mm.
Lighting can make or break the emotional feel of a photo. Soft, diffused light—like in open shade or indoors near a window—is ideal for photographing childhood moments.
In the image of my granddaughter, Kathryn, cradled in her mother’s arms, the gentle light emphasizes her features and skin tones, giving the photo a warm, loving feel, perfect for a newborn.
Pro tip: Turn off your flash and let natural light do the work. If you’re shooting indoors, position your subject near a window with light coming in from the side.
FOCUS ON TINY DETAILS
Shot in Aperture Mode, f/4, ISO 100, 1/125 sec, 105 mm.
Sometimes, the most powerful childhood photos aren’t of faces at all. They’re of hands gripping yours, feet dangling from a lap, or wisps of hair catching the light. These quiet details carry emotion and help tell a bigger story.
The image of Kathryn’s tiny feet being held by her parents is a great example. You can feel the tenderness and love in the frame—without ever seeing a face.
Try this: Switch to Aperture Mode and choose a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) to isolate your subject and blur the background. Look for the little things that speak volumes.
BONUS QUESTION AND TIP:
When I first learned how to use my camera, I thought Aperture numbers made no sense. Why would someone call a low number, like f/4, a WIDE APERTURE and a high number, like f/14, a NARROW APERTURE? That seemed backward to me. Have you wondered the same?
Here’s the answer. Aperture numbers are fractions! That’s what the “/” implies in the numbers. Think of it like measuring cups. You know that ½ cup is bigger than ¼ cup, but look at the bottom numbers (denominators). The “2” is smaller than the “4.” They’re fractions. No math lessons here, I promise. Just remember to think of measuring cups when you get confused about Aperture numbers! Hope that helps!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
Photographing childhood moments is all about slowing down and seeing the world from their perspective. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on presence, light, and story. Your DSLR or mirrorless camera can capture these special memories—you just need to bring your attention and heart.
👉 Want to feel more confident using your camera’s settings so you’re ready when these moments happen? Check out my Camera Mechanics Workshop—it’s designed to help you make the most of the camera you already own.
👉 For more Aperture Mode tips, check out this post: Capture Photos Quickly with Aperture Mode.
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