Here’s the thing about being a family photographer in Perth’s northern suburbs: everyone has a camera. Everyone can take a photo.
So why choose me?
Well, while I was starting my photography business over 16 years ago, I was also studying a double degree in drama and education. The same year I shot my first wedding, I was also in my first year as a drama teacher in Perth. Over time, those two paths started to overlap in a way I didn’t expect. As someone who’s spent over 15 years studying how children learn, play, and build confidence, I know what helps kids feel relaxed, confident, and be themselves on camera.
And that changes everything. Because here’s what drama teaching actually taught me about kids…
What Drama Teaching Taught Me About Kids
When you spend over 15 years teaching drama to kids aged 5-12, you learn things that most photographers never will.
You learn that you can’t make a child perform.
Instead, you learn that the magic happens when they forget they’re being watched.
And more importantly, you learn that play unlocks something in kids that no amount of “sit still and smile” ever will.
And I’ve spent over a decade in classrooms across Perth (and counting!), watching shy kids transform into confident performers. Not because I forced them. But because I created space for them to play, explore, and discover who they were when they felt safe.
And one day, it hit me: this is exactly what family photography should feel like.
The Problem with Traditional Photography
Does this sound familiar?
You book a family photo session. You spend the week prepping the kids. “We’re getting our photos taken on Saturday. I need you to be good. I need you to smile. I need you to cooperate.”
The day arrives. Everyone’s dressed in coordinating outfits you stressed over for weeks and you’re already anxious because you hate how you look in photos.
The photographer says: “Okay, everyone line up. Look at me. Big smiles! No, sweetie, sit still. Come on, just one good smile. Okay, let’s try again… (makes a variety of silly noises to gain kid’s attention)”
Your 7-year-old shuts down. Your 5-year-old won’t stop fidgeting. You’re apologizing. The photographer’s getting frustrated. Everyone’s stressed.
By the end, you got a photo. But it doesn’t feel like your family. It feels like a performance. A stressful one.
family photographer in Perth’s northern suburbs
What Learning Through Play Actually Means
After 15 years as a drama teacher in Perth, I can tell you exactly why that traditional approach doesn’t work.
Kids don’t learn by sitting still and following commands. They learn through play. Through movement. Through exploration. Through doing.
Drama teaching is built on this principle. We call it “learning through play.”
It means:
- Creating a safe space where kids feel free to express themselves
- Using games and activities that engage their natural energy
- Building trust before asking for anything
- Following the child’s lead instead of forcing compliance
- Understanding that genuine expression can’t be commanded
I used to think that my skills as a drama teacher transferred to photography in the way I would direct families to pose or interact. But it all changed when I realised its not about getting clients to perform, but getting them to play.
And everything changed.
What a Drama Teacher Photographer Actually Does Differently
Let me tell you what happens when a family books a session with me.
Before we even start: I have a real conversation with you. Not just about what you’re wearing or where we’re shooting. But about your kids. What they love. What makes them nervous. What helps them feel comfortable.
If you tell me your daughter is shy around strangers, I don’t just say “oh, she’ll warm up.” I tell you about the specific drama warm-ups or games I’ll use to help her feel safe.
When we start the session: I don’t immediately start directing. I play.
I might pull out bubbles. Or ask your son to show me how fast he can run. Or start a game of “Simon Says” (a drama classic). Or ask your daughter to tell me all about her favourite song she loves to sing.
I’m watching. Reading the room the way experienced teachers do. Who needs encouragement? Who needs space? Who’s the natural performer? Who needs to observe first?
During the session: You won’t hear me say “sit still” or “look at the camera” or “big smile!”
You might hear me say:
- “Can you show me your silliest face?”
- “What sound does a dinosaur make?”
- “I bet you can’t jump higher than your brother!”
- “Tell me about that toy you brought.”
- “Show me how you give your mum a hug.”
I’m using drama techniques to redirect anxiety into playfulness. To turn self-consciousness into confidence. To help kids forget they’re being photographed.
Because that’s when real moments happen.
The Mirror Game: My Secret Weapon
Want to know one of my favorite drama techniques for family sessions?
It’s called the Mirror Game.
I learned this in my first year of drama training, and I’ve used it with hundreds of students over 15 years. Now I use it with families across Perth’s northern suburbs.
Here’s how it works: I pair up family members. One person is the leader, one is the mirror. The mirror has to copy exactly what the leader does – their movements, their facial expressions, everything.
It sounds simple. But watch what happens.
Kids who were shy 5 minutes ago are now making silly faces at their dad. Parents who were tense are now laughing. Everyone’s forgotten to be camera-conscious because they’re too busy playing.
And I’m quietly capturing all of it.
This is what happens when you combine drama teaching with photography. You don’t just take photos. You create the conditions for real connection to happen.
Why This Matters for Perth Families
You know what parents tell me after our sessions?
“My kids actually enjoyed that (and so did my husband!)”
“You captured exactly who they are right now.”
“This is the first time my daughter didn’t hide from the camera.”
This is what happens when you stop treating photography like a performance and start treating it like play time.
Your kids don’t need to be forced to smile. They need to feel safe, engaged, and free to be themselves.
That’s what over 15 years of drama teaching taught me.
And that’s what I bring to every family session in Joondalup, Wanneroo, and across Perth’s northern suburbs.
The Real Difference
Here’s what I want you to understand: I’m not just a photographer who happens to be “good with kids.”
I spent over 15 years studying how children learn, how they build confidence, how they express themselves authentically. I know how to read a room. How to adapt to different personalities. How to create an environment where kids feel safe enough to shine.
Most photographers learn posing, lighting and composition. I learned all of that too.
But I also learned child development. Group dynamics. How to redirect anxiety. How to build trust. How to use play as a teaching tool.
And all of that comes with me to your family session.
This Season Won’t Wait
Here’s what I know after years working with kids:
They change fast.
That shy 5-year-old? In two years, she’ll be confident and independent and you’ll wonder where your little girl went.
That energetic 8-year-old who won’t sit still? In a few years, he won’t want to be in photos with you at all.
This stage – the one you’re in right now – it matters. It’s worth remembering.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
You don’t have to force your kids to perform. You don’t have to wait until they’re “better at photos.” You don’t have to dread the whole experience.
There’s another way.
What Families Across Perth’s Northern Suburbs Are Saying
Eileen was completely professional yet friendly and was really good at engaging with my children – they warmed up to her pretty fast, and Master 4 and Miss 2 worked really well with her. She’s a mum, and she completely gets photographing kids! Eileen also put us at ease during the photo shoot, and we’re extremely happy with the results! I would have to make more walls in my house to put up all these beautiful photos she’s taken. Thank you so much! – Anidha, Perth
Eileen was magnificent! She sent us instructions and tips prior to the shoot with great recommendations. She arrived early to scout out the best location and lighting for the shoot. She gave great directions given during the shoot to ensure we got the best photos. The props she bought were adorable! She made sure she asked us if there were particular shots we wanted before the end of the shoot in addition to her recommendations. We felt very comfortable and confident with her and she is very good with children.” – Sarah, Joondalup
If You’re Ready to Try Something Different, I’m your family photographer in Perth’s northern suburbs
I’m Eileen Devereux. Drama teacher AND family photographer in Perth’s northern suburbs
I work with families who want real, relaxed photos of their kids (especially the shy ones, the anxious ones, the ones who “hate photos.”)
Because after 15 years teaching drama, I know something most photographers don’t:
Your kids don’t need to perform. They need to play.
And when they play, the real magic happens.
If you’re tired of stressful photo sessions that end with forced smiles and frustrated kids, let’s talk.
No pressure. No hard sell. Just a conversation about your family and how we can make this work for you.
Because you deserve to be in the photos.
And your kids deserve to be seen exactly as they are.
Want to try some drama techniques at home? Download my free guide: “5 Drama Games for Camera-Shy Kids” A simple, playful guide to help your child feel confident in front of the camera (or just at home!)
Ready to book a session? Let’s chat about your family. CLICK HERE to fill out my contact form for a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk about what would make your kids feel comfortable and excited about photos.
Serving families in Joondalup, Wanneroo, Butler, Clarkson, and across Perth’s northern suburbs.
