3 Simple Tools That Help Moms Get in the Family Photos
How to Make Sure Mom Is in the Family Photos (3 Simple Tools That Change Everything)
One of the most common things I hear from mothers is this:
“I have thousands of photos of my kids… but almost none of me with them.”
It happens in almost every family.
Mom is usually the one documenting life — taking photos, filming videos, capturing the moments — which means she often disappears from the story.
But years from now, your children won’t just want photos of themselves.
They’ll want photos with you.
The good news is that a few simple tools can make it much easier for moms to step into the frame while still capturing the everyday moments that matter most.
Here are three simple tools that can completely change how families document their lives.
1. An AI Tracking Phone Mount (Your Own Robot Cameraman)
One of the most interesting tools available now is an AI tracking phone mount.
These devices hold your phone and automatically rotate to follow you as you move.
For example, tools like the Pivo tracking mount use built-in tracking technology that keeps a person centered in the frame while filming.
What this means in everyday life is pretty magical.
You can set your phone on the counter while you:
cook dinner with your kids
read bedtime stories
play in the living room
dance in the kitchen
…and the camera will follow the movement naturally.
It’s essentially like having a tiny camera operator in the room.
Instead of trying to stage photos, families can capture real life unfolding — with mom included.
2. A Small Tripod That Lives in the House
This may sound simple, but it’s one of the most powerful habits families can adopt.
Keep a small phone tripod somewhere visible in the house, like:
a kitchen shelf
a living room basket
an entry table
When the tripod is easy to grab, families start using it constantly.
It makes it easy to quickly set up a phone to capture moments like:
pancake breakfasts
baking cookies
opening birthday presents
bedtime stories
messy art projects at the kitchen table
These everyday moments often become the most meaningful memories later.
And the best part?
Mom finally gets to be part of the story instead of always standing behind the camera.
3. A Kid’s-Eye Camera
One of my favorite ideas is to occasionally give kids a camera of their own.
A small action camera (like a GoPro) or even an old phone works beautifully.
Kids naturally capture things adults never think to photograph:
mom laughing at dinner
mom pushing the swing at the park
mom reading books at bedtime
mom dancing in the kitchen
What makes these clips so special is that they capture a child’s perspective of family life.
When families create memory films or look back through old photos, these moments often become the most emotional ones.
They show not just what life looked like — but how it felt to be there.
A Simple Memory Setup for Families
If a family had just three tools for documenting their life, I would recommend:
• a small tripod
• an AI tracking phone mount
• a kid-friendly camera
Together, these tools make it easy to capture everyday life — without needing a professional photographer or perfectly planned moments.
Just real life.
One Small Reminder
Years from now, your children will flip through photos looking for the people they love most.
Make sure they find you there.
You don’t need perfect photos.
You just need to be in the frame.
Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker based in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family sessions, and storytelling family films that focus on honest, heartfelt, and authentic moments. Her clients love receiving both their digital files and beautiful artwork to display in their homes. Katrina also creates custom heirloom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come.
Katrina has previously partnered with Adobe to share her expertise in capturing magical light and the true essence of each family—an experience that continues to shape her approach and craft.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.
Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina