Holidays are one of those rare times when everything feels a little slower… and yet somehow, it still flies by in a blur of sandy toes, melting ice creams, chaotic dinners, and sleepy car journeys home.
And if you’re anything like me, you want to remember all of it.
Not just the big postcard moments- but the tiny in-between ones too.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera to capture beautiful holiday memories. Most of the time, your phone is more than enough. It’s less about having the “perfect” gear and more about noticing the little things.
So here are my simple, real-life tips for taking better holiday photos without feeling like you’re missing the holiday while trying to capture it.
My top tips!
1. The best camera is the one you have with you
This sounds obvious, but it’s so true. Don’t stress about bringing loads of equipment. Your phone is perfect for 90% of holiday moments.
The goal isn’t perfection- it’s memory keeping.
Some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken were on a phone, in messy, chaotic, completely unplanned moments.
2. Use natural light (your secret weapon)
If there’s one photography “rule” that makes the biggest difference, it’s this: light is everything.
Try to use natural light as much as possible:
- Outdoors is your best friend
- Sit near windows if you’re inside
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting at night when you can
Golden hour – that soft light just after sunrise or before sunset- is especially magical for holiday photos. Everything feels warmer, softer, and a little bit dreamy without you having to do much at all.
3. Stop posing, start observing
The best holiday photos usually happen when no one is trying too hard.
Instead of asking your children to “smile at the camera,” try stepping back and letting things unfold naturally:
- Ice cream dripping down fingers
- Sandcastle concentration faces
- Running into the sea without looking back
- Quiet moments when they think no one is watching
Those are the photos you’ll treasure later.
4. Get down to their level
This is a complete game-changer.
Crouch down. Sit on the floor. Step into their world.
Photos taken at a child’s eye level instantly feel more connected and real. You’re not just photographing them- you’re seeing the holiday from their perspective.
5. Use “two-minute moments” instead of long photoshoots
One thing I always tell parents: you don’t need to spend ages trying to get the perfect shot.
Instead, try little bursts:
- “Let’s take two minutes of photos, then go back to playing”
- Or quietly snap away while they’re distracted
The less pressure there is, the more natural everything feels.
And ironically… that’s when the best photos happen.
6. Let movement happen (don’t fight it)
Kids aren’t meant to sit still on holiday- and honestly, that’s part of the magic.
Instead of trying to stop the chaos, embrace it:
- Blurry running shots? Keep them – they feel alive
- Windblown hair? Perfect
- Sandy hands on everything? That’s the story
Not every photo needs to be perfectly sharp and posed to be meaningful.
7. Don’t forget the in-between moments
The real story of your holiday isn’t just the big day trips or perfect sunsets.
It’s also:
- Breakfast chaos
- Suncream battles
- Tired cuddles at the end of the day
- Everyone laughing at something silly you’ll probably forget but the photo will remind you of later
Those are the memories that sneak up on you years later and mean the most.
Final thought
Your holiday photos don’t need to look like anyone else’s. They don’t need to be perfect, polished, or Instagram-ready.
They just need to feel like you were there.
So take the photos. But also put the phone down. Watch your people. Be in it.
Because those moments? They’re the ones you’ll want to remember just as much as the images.
Happy holidays!
Love,
Lynsey x
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