All too often, moms look back on their family photos only to realize they are in very few of them.

Photos are so important, both for your own enjoyment and for future generations to look back on.

It’s not always easy to be in photos when you are the one taking photos of your family, which is why I decided to put some of my top tips together.

1. Use Mirrors to Your Advantage. Whether it’s a mirror in your home or the one in your hotel room, hold your child in front of the mirror and snap a creative selfie.
2. Get Your Kids Involved. If they are old enough, ask one of your children to take a photo of you and your partner or you and each of their siblings. Kids are usually more than happy to help out if you are willing to give them control over a camera.
3. Take selfies. This is still one of the best ways to be in more shots with your loved ones. Plus, smartphone cameras are really impressive, so the photo quality is much better than it used to be. If you want to change things up, don’t look at the camera for every selfie, this will give your shots a more candid look and feel. Struggle to hold the camera steady? Get yourself a selfie stick.
4. Take advantage of group gatherings. Find yourself at a get together with family or friends? Use this as an opportunity to be in a shot with your partner and kids. Ask a friend or family member to help you out with a few shots.
5. Use that interval timer. Both your phone and your camera have an interval timer, so use it to your advantage. A tripod will make things a lot easier, but it is still possible to get great shots without one.
6. Add a touch of you. Photos don’t need to include your face for people to connect the dots. There are ways to infuse your personality into family photos too. What are some of the things you like to do? What are some of your favorite items? These are all things you can work into your photos.
7. Hire a professional. Even though it is possible to be in more photos with your loved ones, sometimes hiring a professional for an hour or two is the best way to update your photo albums.

Whatever you do, don’t put off photos with those you love. You should be a part of all the special memories and milestones too. Make it a priority!