As mums and memory-keepers, many of us pick up a camera with a big, heartfelt goal in mind: to document our children’s everyday magic. We want to bottle up those fleeting moments, their cheeky grins, wild energy, quiet cuddles, and unexpected expressions, and hold onto them forever. But the reality of photographing kids?

It’s often messy, unpredictable, and, at times, downright frustrating.

That’s why we’re so excited to be sharing some practical, real-life tips from Click Love Grow Grad Amanda Marenghi, who creates joyful, colourful, and beautifully relaxed portraits of her daughters.

Her approach is all about embracing imperfection, having fun, and letting go of pressure, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure how to capture more beautiful images of your kids, here are five tips Amanda swears by.

They’re simple, approachable, and totally doable, even if your kids are wild, your home’s a little chaotic, or you only have five minutes and a phone camera in hand.

1. Embrace the Moment Over the Plan

Amanda’s favourite photos aren’t the ones where everything was perfectly set up. In fact, most of her best images happen when she least expects them – when the kids are just doing something funny, the light is suddenly beautiful, or the dog joins in and everything goes a bit sideways in the best possible way.

“It doesn’t need to be a whole set-up. Sometimes it’s a quick five minutes because the light is magic or the kids are in a great mood – that’s when the most beautiful photos happen.”

Rather than waiting for the perfect outfits, perfect smiles, or perfect location, shift your focus to simply noticing what’s unfolding in front of you.

Magic often lives in the in-between moments, the spontaneous giggles, the way sunlight hits messy morning hair, or the way your child leans into you without even thinking.

Let go of the pressure to plan and start looking for beauty in the everyday.

2. Let the Kids Lead (and Know When to Stop)

We’ve all had that moment where our kids sigh and roll their eyes as soon as the camera comes out. Amanda’s advice? Let them guide the moment, and if it’s not working—call it. She’s found that the more her girls feel like they have agency in the process, the more natural and enjoyable the shoot becomes.

“If they’re not into it, we’re done. The key is not pushing it. Sometimes their silly ideas make for the best photos anyway.”

This might look like letting them choose the location, wear their favourite outfit (even if it doesn’t “match”), or come up with a silly pose.

And sometimes, it means snapping just a couple of quick shots and being okay with walking away.

When kids feel relaxed and in control, they’re far more likely to give you those genuine smiles and sparkly eyes that can’t be faked.

3. Don’t Wait for Perfect – Work with What You’ve Got

It’s easy to think you need the perfect space, outfits, or gear to create beautiful photos. But Amanda’s philosophy is the opposite: work with what you have, where you are, right now.

Some of her favourite shots were taken on the fly, in imperfect light, with messy surroundings and very little prep.

Instead of chasing a Pinterest-worthy scene, focus on the ingredients you do have.

Look around your home for beautiful natural light, often near a window, a doorway, or in the backyard just before sunset.

Forget the clutter and zoom in on the connection or expression. Sometimes a touch of blur, movement, or imperfection adds personality and honesty to the photo, and that’s what makes it truly special.

4. Use Colour Intentionally

One of the first things you’ll notice in Amanda’s work is how vibrant and visually joyful her images feel.

A big part of that is her clever use of colour. Whether it’s a pop of red in a jumper, the golden glow of afternoon light, or a carefully chosen backdrop, colour plays a key role in the mood and impact of the image.

You don’t need to overthink this, but a little intention goes a long way. Try to choose outfits that harmonise rather than clash, solid colours or simple patterns often work best. Notice what colours are in the background and how they interact with your subject.

And if the light is warm and rich, lean into it!

In her new upcoming workshop, Amanda breaks this all down in a really accessible way, showing how you can use colour to add emotion and depth to your everyday family photos.

5. Make It Fun and Keep It Light

At the end of the day, the biggest game-changer is your energy behind the camera.

Amanda swears by this one simple rule: if you’re having fun, your kids will too.

“The more fun we have, the better the photos. If I’m happy behind the camera, they’re usually happy in front of it.”

This might mean being silly, putting on some music, playing a quick game of chase, or just chatting with your kids while you casually snap away.

The more relaxed and playful the atmosphere, the more genuine the expressions. And the bonus? You’ll enjoy the experience more too, making the whole thing feel less like a task and more like a memory in the making.

Want to See Amanda’s Approach in Action?

In Amanda’s brand new Click Love Grow Creative Workshop, she takes you behind the scenes of a fun, candid shoot with her daughters and their adorable new puppy.

You’ll see exactly how she finds the light, sets the tone, and captures those magic moments—all while keeping things easy and enjoyable.

Inside the workshop, you’ll learn:

• How to spot and use beautiful natural light quickly

• Simple tips for editing colours and skin tones

• How to photograph kids in motion (without the blur!)

• Why the “imperfect” shots are often the most meaningful

• And how to bring more confidence and creativity into your everyday shooting

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fall back in love with photographing your family, this workshop is the perfect reminder that you already have what you need, you just need a little inspiration to see it.

Get all the details here