From tiny toes to the first giggles that made you STOP, BREATHE, and FALL IN LOVE all over again, your baby is basically like the tiniest star lighting up the whole room. You probably have hundreds, if not thousands, of adorable photos capturing sleepy snuggles, messy mouths, the first stretches, the first giggles, those wide-eyed stares that melt you every single time, and the sleepy face tucked against your chest at 2am when the world around is fast asleep.

Capturing moments during early motherhood can be much more than just filling up a phone’s gallery because they aren’t just photos; they are pieces of your heart and a beautiful testament to the journey of love and connection.

Here are eight simple tricks for capturing gorgeous baby photos you’ll cherish forever:

1. Use Natural Light Whenever You Can

Try taking pictures near a window or outside in the shade, as natural light is softer and more flattering for babies. When you can, take advantage of Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset). That soft, glowing light that flatters everything and everyone.

2. Get On Baby’s Level

Instead of always shooting from above, kneel or lie down to take photos at your baby’s eye level for more engaging and intimate shots. Don’t be afraid to try shooting from unexpected angles, behind, or under a glass table. At first it might feel awkward, but soon enough you’ll find a few tricks that really pay off!

3. Clean Your Lens — Seriously

The smudged lens is the silent killer of otherwise great shots. Remember to wipe it daily — you’ll be shocked by the clarity difference.

4. Focus On The Eyes

Tap on your baby’s eyes on your screen before taking the photo to ensure they’re focused. And sliding your finger up or down will brighten or darken the image instantly.

5. Clean Backgrounds

Keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered so that the focus stays on your baby. Soft blankets work well plus are great to cover a few unwanted objects within the shot.

6. Use Burst Mode — Then Pick the Best

Select Burst mode or just a few extra taps gives you multiple options. Then FAVORITE the best shot right away, you’ll thank yourself later.

7. Try Portrait Mode but Don’t Overdo It

Portrait mode adds depth — just make sure your subject isn’t too close or too far. Remember to tap the screen before taking the photo to set the focus.

8. Capture The Tiny Details

Zoom in on those tiny toes, eyelashes, curls, or fingers gripping yours; these small details are often the most precious. To emphasize the smallness, use everyday objects to set scale, for example toss in a pacifier or tuck a stuffy within the shot.

The shocking thing is how quickly the baby stage slips away. One day, your baby fits in the palm of your hand; the next, they’re sitting up, crawling, and asking for snacks. Since there’s no pause button, we parents take pictures—hundreds of them—not to flood your social media feed but to capture the precious moments. When you snap a photo of your baby sleeping, smiling, or holding your finger, even the blurry, imperfect photos matter because they capture the reality of time. One day, long after the baby’s smell fades and the toys are put away, those pictures tell the story of fierce, messy, and real love.

Once you’ve captured a collection of photos you’re proud of, don’t let them get buried in your camera roll forever. That’s why it’s important to build a habit of favoriting the best photos. Instead of allowing them to disappear in the digital abyss, transform them into a beautiful keepsake, like a photobook or album, that you can hold, cherish, and share for years. Let your memories shine!