8 Easy Photo Tips for Marin Parents: Capture Beautiful Everyday Moments
Life moves fast when you’re raising kids—especially here in beautiful Marin County, where weekends are filled with beach days, bike rides, hikes on Mount Tam, and ice cream in downtown Mill Valley. As a longtime photographer and local mom, I know how quickly these sweet moments pass—and how important it is to capture them while they’re happening.
Whether you’re at home with your kids, out exploring with your crew, or just trying to freeze time in the midst of everyday chaos, these simple photo tips will help Marin families tell their story through beautiful, meaningful images.
You don’t need a fancy camera or a professional setup—just your phone, a little intention, and these eight tips made especially for Marin parents who want to preserve the magic of their everyday lives.
1. Look for the Little Moments
Instead of only aiming for posed photos, try capturing the small details—muddy shoes after a hike, tangled hair after a swim, your child’s tiny hand wrapped around yours. These everyday moments tell the real story of your family.
2. Take Advantage of Marin’s Natural Light
We’re lucky in Marin to have so many beautiful outdoor spaces with amazing light. Early mornings and late afternoons (known as golden hour) are perfect for soft, glowy photos—no filters required.
3. Don’t Forget to Include Yourself
Marin moms and dads, this one’s for you: hand over the camera sometimes. Use your timer or ask someone to snap a few photos of you with your kids. Your presence in the frame matters more than a perfect outfit or hairstyle.
4. Try Portrait Mode or a Blurred Background
If you're shooting on a phone, use portrait mode to blur the background and make your subject pop. It’s great for close-ups of your child’s face, hands holding flowers, or giggles shared on a picnic blanket.
5. Tell a Short Story in 3 Photos
Try capturing a moment in a mini-sequence: prepping for a beach trip, splashing in the waves, and drying off in the car afterward. A photo trio tells a fuller story of your family’s adventures.
6. Let the Mess Be Part of the Magic
Real life with Marin kids can be messy—and that’s the good stuff. Don’t stress over the clutter, the wild hair, or the goofy expressions. These are the moments that bring you back.
7. Change Your Perspective
Get down low to shoot from your child’s point of view, or stand above them lying on a blanket in your backyard. Playing with perspective adds variety and depth to your photos.
8. Back It Up and Print It Out
At the end of each season, take time to back up your favorite photos and print them—whether in an album, photo book, or even just a few 4x6s. Your future self will be so glad you did.
Final Thought for Marin Families
You don’t need to be a professional to take meaningful photos—you just need to be present, observant, and open to the everyday beauty happening right in front of you.
And if you'd love some professional family photography in Marin, I’d love to help. My sessions are relaxed, natural, and focused on capturing real connection and joy. Whether you're looking for updated portraits, candid photos with your kids, or simply want to get in the frame for once—I’m here for it.
Let’s create something beautiful together—just as you are, right now.
*This article was adapted from a piece originally featured in the SMMC Crier, Summer 2025 edition. If you’re a fellow Marin parent looking for more local tips and resources, I highly recommend checking out the publication!