Summer is here, and that means sticky popsicles, sprinkler runs, sandy toes, and a million tiny memories you’ll want to remember forever. While I love capturing those moments for families professionally, some of the best memories happen spontaneously—on vacation, in the backyard, or even just during a wild bubble bath. The good news? You already have a powerful camera in your pocket.

If you’re a parent with an iPhone and a busy kid, this post is for you. Here are 9 easy tips to help you take better photos of your little ones this summer—no fancy equipment or photography degree needed.

1. Get Down to Their Level

One of the biggest mistakes I see is shooting from above. Try crouching, kneeling, or even lying down to get eye-level with your child. It makes a huge difference in how connected and intimate the photo feels.

Bonus: Kids look way cuter when you’re not shooting the tops of their heads. 😉

2. Use Natural Light (And Avoid the Flash!)

Natural light is your best friend. Shoot outside in the early morning or late afternoon for soft, golden light. If you’re indoors, position your kid near a window with the light coming in from the side.

Avoid using your iPhone’s flash—it usually creates harsh shadows and that dreaded “deer in headlights” look.

3. Adjust Exposure with a Simple Slide

Here’s a trick most people don’t know: once you tap to focus on your subject, a little sun icon appears. Slide up to brighten or down to darken the image before you take the shot. This gives you more control and helps avoid blown-out skies or muddy shadows.

4. Turn Off Live Photo for Sharper Shots

Live Photo captures a quick video snippet before and after your shot. Cool, yes—but it can make your images softer, especially if there’s motion. If you’re trying to get crisp, still photos, consider turning Live Photo off (tap the yellow rings icon at the top of the Camera app) for a sharper result.

5. Turn on Grid Lines

Go to Settings > Camera > Grid and turn them on! This helps you use the rule of thirds, which basically means placing your subject off-center for a more balanced, interesting photo.

Tip: Keep horizons straight. It’s a small thing that makes your photos feel way more polished.

6. Burst Mode is Your Best Friend

Kids are fast. Like cheetah with a juice box fast. To make sure you capture the perfect moment, use burst mode by holding down the shutter button. Later, you can scroll through the burst and pick the best shot.

No more mid-blink or blurry dashes. Win!

7. Don’t Overuse Portrait Mode

Portrait mode is great when used right, but it can sometimes blur out the wrong parts—like your kid’s arms or the toy they’re holding. Try using the regular photo mode for active or close-up shots, and save portrait mode for when your kid is still and there’s good lighting.

Real-life moments don’t always need fake blur to feel beautiful.

8. Clean Your Lens (Seriously!)

Your phone hangs out in pockets, purses, and sticky hands all day. A quick wipe with your shirt or a lens cloth can instantly improve your photo quality. It sounds silly, but a smudgy lens is the #1 culprit behind dull, blurry photos.

9. Capture the Little Details

You don’t always need a smiling face to tell a story. Zoom in on sandy fingers, messy ice cream mouths, shadowy sidewalk chalk, or their tiny feet running through the sprinkler. Those are the details you’ll want to remember someday.

Bonus Tip: Edit Lightly

iPhone editing tools are awesome. A little boost in brightness, contrast, and sharpness can take your image from “eh” to “wow.” You don’t need to go overboard—just enough to make it pop.

Remember: The best camera is the one you have with you, and your iPhone is more than enough to capture the magic of summer.

The images below are a quick example of how using the tips above and being intentional with your image can get you different results! My oldest took the one on the left with her phone and then I asked what she was going for and we made a few quick adjustments and she took the one on the right! The tips apply to landscape/kids and whatever else your heart desires to photograph! Happy shooting!

Of course, if you want to be in the photos (instead of always taking them), I’d love to help. Book a summer family session with me—sticky fingers and all. ☀️

📸 Follow along on Instagram @lesliemeadowphotography for more tips, behind-the-scenes, and everyday magic.