The short answer to this is the ones you are in!!!!
There's a couple of things I want to address in this post: We need to be in more photos with the kids, and, the idea of the perfect photo.
We’ve all seen the meme making the rounds—those side-by-side comparisons of the photos we take of our partners and kids versus the ones they take of us. The ones we snap are often lovely, capturing tender, joyful moments that we cherish. The ones they snap? Well, they seem to capture us mid-yawn, mouth wide open, or worse—sleeping on the couch in the most unflattering way possible. It’s funny because it’s true, and we’ve all been there. But this meme highlights something more significant than just a good laugh: the importance of being in photos with our kids. Having just come back off a family holiday all my photos are selfies with the kids. Yeah, there's some nice ones. The ones my hubby took, me, fast asleep in the car! But here’s the thing: while we’re busy capturing everyone else’s moments, we often forget to include ourselves. After a recent holiday, I scrolled through my camera roll only to realise that the only photos of me with my kids were the selfies I took. Sure, they’re cute, but they’re also a stark reminder of how easy it is to stay behind the camera, documenting everyone else’s memories while missing out on being a part of them.
Our kids need to see us in those photos. They need to see us laughing with them, holding them, and being present in their lives. Years from now, when they look back at these pictures, they won’t care if our hair was perfect or if we were caught mid-laugh with a double chin. They’ll care that we were there, right alongside them, making memories together.
For years, I chased the idea of the "perfect" family photo for my 5—everyone looking at the camera, all smiles, perfectly posed. But over time, I realised that this pursuit was missing the point. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. The real beauty in family photography lies in capturing the moments that truly reflect who we are—the laughter, the chaos, the love. Those candid, sometimes messy, moments are the ones that matter the most. I think the last year alone I have attempted at least 4 times to get this perfect family portrait. I have completley missed the point. I already have it. I have the images that capture us as a family.
Photography, to me, is about capturing moments—those genuine, chaotic, beautiful moments that truly reflect who we are as a family. When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just looking for perfect poses; I’m looking for personality. I’ll get you to look at each other, to laugh, to be silly because that’s when the magic happens. Those are the photos that will truly resonate—the ones where you’re not just an observer but an active participant in the memory. Of course, the more formal portraits are great too. But for me; and my family, it just isn't us. I love the ones where we have one of the kids pulling a face, the wild hair, the grazed faces.
At a photoshoot at the Nottingham Pick Your Own last week I as going through the images and noticed that the kids still had their bracelets on from the campsite we visited in France. At first I was a bit annoyed I hadn't removed them. But, then I thought it doesn't matter. When I look at these photos in a few years I will be reminded of the amazing few weeks in France we had. How we all came away from the holiday sad it was over. So even though the photos weren't in France, they are a reminder of that amazing time we had. And really, the bracelet doesn't detract from the image at all.
We have my youngest who refused to put the potatoes down. After some reasoning and her refusal, I thought it doesn't matter. This kid is so strong willed, she marches to the beat of her her drum... and she loves potatoes. So, if she wants potatoes in the image with her, she can have the pototoes in the image.
So, let’s make a promise to ourselves: the next time we’re out making memories with our kids, let’s make sure we’re in the frame too. Hand over the camera, let someone else take the shot, or better yet, book a family photo session in the Nottingham photography studio where everyone can be included. Because at the end of the day, the real beauty lies not in the perfect picture but in the imperfect, candid moments that tell our story.
And remember, those unflattering, silly photos are just as important as the picture-perfect ones. They remind us of the reality of parenthood, with all its chaos and joy. So, let’s embrace it, and make sure we’re in those photos, too. ????
Nottingham photography studio, nottingham newborn photography, nottingham family photography, family photography in nottingham, nottingham photographer, nottingham photography, nottingham sunflower photographer, nottingham cake smash photography, photographer near me.