Take photos where children are immersed in natural play and exploration. Don’t interrupt an activity just to get a photo. Capture children in their own time and space rather than setting up staged photo opportunities.

Avoid selfies or posed images unless there’s a specific reason aligned with developmental documentation, for example, photos of special events like graduation or World Book Day, where you want to show a strong bond with a key worker or another child, or provide reassurance to a parent that their child is happy and settled. Respect children’s personalities—some may love the camera, others may shy away. Pay attention to body language and cues — if a child appears uncomfortable or distracted by the presence of a device, put it away.

Finally, before taking a photo, always consider the child and the surroundings. Does the child have an excessively runny nose? What is in the background? Does the photo portray your room, the nursery and staff in a positive light?