When a new baby arrives, every milestone feels worth capturing. But too often, mums are the ones behind the camera - meaning they’re missing from the memories themselves.

We surveyed 500+ UK mothers to understand how many are absent from their own family photo albums, and why. The results were clear: mums are overwhelmingly the family photographer and rarely in the frame.

To help change that, we’ve partnered with award-winning baby and family photographer Karen Wiltshire to share practical advice on how mums can step back into the picture. From capturing key milestones to sharing baby photoshoot ideas at home, she offers expert tips to help families preserve these moments with everyone included.

We also explore the latest baby photography trends to help new and expecting parents plan meaningful photos they’ll treasure for years to come.

Behind the camera, not in the frame

For many new parents, capturing as many photos as possible of their baby is a given. However, our survey reveals that many mums are missing from these memories because they’ve taken on the role of the family photographer.

Nearly nine in ten (88%) say they are always or often the one behind the camera, while more than half (58%) report that they are almost never in the frame themselves. Just 11% say their partner is the family photographer.

For many, the reason is practical: almost half (45%) say it’s simply too difficult to include both themselves and their baby in the shot, so they prioritise photographing their little one instead.

Other reasons are more personal. Nearly as many (44%) say they don’t include themselves because they feel unhappy with how they look – highlighting the pressures many women experience post-partum. Another 34% simply forget to include themselves, while 33% say their partner doesn’t think to include them.

How being behind the camera makes mums feel

We wanted to understand how mums feel when they’re so often the one taking the photo rather than being in it. Two thirds (66%) say it makes them sad not to have more pictures of themselves from such a special time.

For many, there’s also a sense of frustration. Around a quarter (23%) feel frustrated when their partner forgets to include them in photos, while 21% say being the family photographer means they miss out on being captured themselves.

How memories are captured

Today’s parents have more ways than ever to capture life’s special moments.

When asked how they document milestones, two thirds (66%) say they always use their phone, while 22% switch between their phone and a camera. Just 7% say they often use a camera, and only 2% rely on one exclusively.

Mums’ favourite photos of their baby’s early years

We also asked mums which moments from their baby’s first year meant the most to them.

Over half (53%) said milestone moments such as sitting up or taking their first steps were their favourite photos.

Close behind were family days out (49%) and everyday moments at home (47%).

Just 24% said their favourite pictures were from one-on-one time with their baby.

Bringing mums back into family photos

To help mums become part of new family albums, baby and family photographer Karen Wiltshire shares her advice on how to step back into the frame.

Use selfies or ask family and friends to take photos of you and your baby

“As mums we naturally think of everyone else first, but it’s important to remember that one day those photos will mean the world to your child and they will want to see you in them too.

“A simple way to be included on photos is to use a timer on your phone. Place the phone on a stable surface, set the timer and step into the frame with your baby. It doesn’t need to be perfect – often the most meaningful photos are the natural ones.

“There is also the classic selfie. While it may feel informal, selfies can capture close moments between you and your baby that quickly become treasured memories.

“Another option is to ask someone else to take photos of you. Family and friends are usually happy to help if you ask, and you could even make it a shared effort by taking photos for each other.”

Start small and capture meaningful moments

“The early months with a baby are full of quiet moments that don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.

“If stepping in front of the camera feels unfamiliar, start small and take photos regularly. You don’t need fancy equipment; a smart phone works well.

“The most important thing is that these memories include you.”

The key ages to capture baby photos are 7-14 days, 2-4 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months

“Babies grow incredibly quickly, so every stage is worth capturing.

“For newborn photography, the ideal window is within the first 7-14 days after birth. Babies tend to sleep deeply and curl naturally into womb-like poses during this time.

“As they grow, new opportunities appear. Around 2-4 months, babies begin to make stronger eye contact and share their first smiles.

By 6-9 months, many babies can sit independently, and between 9-12 months they often start crawling or attempting their first steps."

Choose the right time of day for photos

“Lighting can make a big difference to your photos.

“When photographing indoors, place your baby near a window so the light falls softly across them rather than directly behind or above. This helps highlight little details such as eyelashes, tiny fingers and expressions.

“Morning is often the best time for indoor photos, as the light is gentle and babies are usually happiest after a good sleep and a feed.

“If you’re photographing your baby outdoors, avoid the middle of the day when sunlight is harsh and creates strong shadows. The most beautiful outdoor light often appears during the golden hour (the hour before sunset).

Baby photoshoot ideas at home: keep backgrounds simple

“When thinking about baby photography ideas, one of the most important things to consider is the background.

“Cluttered spaces can easily distract from your baby, so creating a clean and calm setting helps keep the focus where it should be. A plain throw over a sofa or white bed linen can create a simple backdrop that works well for baby photoshoot ideas at home.

“Simple baby photography ideas, such as taking a monthly photo in the same place can become special over time. For example, photographing your baby in the same Moses basket or on the same blanket each month allows you to clearly see how quickly they grow.

“Including a favourite teddy or soft toy in each photo is another way to highlight that change over time.

“If you’re looking for newborn photography ideas, creating simple milestone markers at home can also work well. You could make small cards noting ‘one month’, ‘two months’ and so on, or print a favourite photo from each month and write the age on it.”

Choose simple outfits for timeless photos

“When planning a newborn photoshoot at home, keeping things simple often produces the most timeless images.

“Neutral colours work well because they keep the focus on the baby rather than outfits or props. A plain baby grow or soft outfit is often perfect, allowing the baby’s expressions and tiny details to stand out.

“Simple props such as wooden toys, soft blankets and natural textures photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your baby.”

“For parents who plan to be in the photos, the same advice applies – choose neutral clothing without large logos or busy patterns so the image feels calm and timeless.”

Let babies play and explore rather than trying to create posed moments

“The most natural baby photographs usually happen when babies are allowed to be themselves.

“Rather than trying to create posed moments, it works best to let babies play and explore. When they are engaged in something they enjoy, their expressions and reactions are genuine and often lead to the most memorable images.

“These kinds of relaxed moments are often the best baby photography ideas, as they capture little smiles, curious looks and bursts of laughter that make photos feel truly special.”

To help families create special keepsakes of all their precious memories, explore our wide range of photo-based gift options, including photo books, personalised gifts and photo prints.

Methodology: We surveyed 500+ UK mothers aged 18-50 to gather the data results for the study.