5 Ways to Make Your Indoor iPhone Photos Pop and Printed: A Madison Mom's Guide
Ever feel like your indoor photos just don't capture the magic happening in your home? Let's change that! Here are my favorite tricks for turning those iPhone moments into something you’ll treasure and maybe even frame one day!
1. Find That Window Light
Position your kids near (but not directly in) window light
Turn off overhead lights (trust me on this!)
Face your subject toward the window for that perfect glow
Morning and late afternoon light create the dreamiest shots
Winter is dark and cold and can be dreary in Madison. But as soon as that bright warm sun comes shining through your windows, it gives us all new life - including your photos! Here's how to use that magical winter light: position your little ones near (but not directly in) the window light - think a few feet back where the light softly wraps around them. First thing I always do? Turn off those overhead lights! I know it might seem counterintuitive, but trust me on this one. Mixed lighting creates weird colors, while natural window light gives you that warm, perfect glow. Try facing your subject toward the window, letting that beautiful light illuminate their features naturally. Just keep in mind that not all light is created equal. The best time to take these shots happens in the early mornings or late afternoons when the winter sun isn't too harsh and creates that perfect, cozy glow.
2. Spin Around
Here's a simple but game-changing tip for your indoor photos - just spin around! Before clicking that shot, take a quick 360-degree scan of your space. Often, we get so focused on capturing their adorable expression that we forget about what's lurking in the background. Is there a pile of laundry? Yesterday's toys? A messy kitchen counter? Usually, just taking a few steps to the right or left, or spinning to face a different direction, can transform your photo from "almost perfect" to "frame-worthy." That basket of unfolded clothes can become a clean wall or cozy reading nook with just a simple turn. Remember, the background of your photo is just as important as those sweet smiles you're capturing!
3. Get Down on Their Level
Want to know one of my favorite secrets for capturing genuine kid photos? It's all about getting down on their level! As adults, we're always looking down at our kids, but the real magic happens when we see the world through their eyes. Get down on your knees or sit right on the floor (yes, even if it's covered in Cheerios!) to capture life from their point of view. This simple change shows us their world - how tall that couch really looks to them, or how the sunlight dances across their favorite stuffed animal. Want those heart-melting moments? Try shooting straight on at eye level for some soul-grabbing eye contact shots. Sometimes the best photos happen when we simply change our own perspective first.
4. Create Movement
Instead of asking kids to "sit still and smile" (we all know how well that works!), capture them in motion. Let them jump on the bed while you snap that pure joy mid-leap, twirl in their favorite outfit, or start an impromptu pillow fight. Turn up their favorite song and catch them dancing like nobody's watching. These active moments create the most authentic photos because they show your kids exactly as they are - full of life and completely themselves. The photos might have a little motion blur, but they'll be full of real smiles and genuine giggles. And isn't that what we really want to remember?
5. Think Beyond Faces
We so often want to get their perfect expressions and try to do everything we can to capture that. What if we try to get their little details instead? Think little fingers covered in flour, toes painted oh so perfectly, or their toes in their favorite mismatched socks. These are the moments that seem so small right now but will mean everything later. These detailed shots will help capture the real essence of who your little one is right now, in all their wonderful, quirky glory.
Remember the best photos often happen when kids don't know they're being photographed. Keep your phone handy and capture those natural moments!
Tag me in your photos @sundayandco.photo - I'd love to see what you create!
In joy and light, Alexandria ✨
