Let me guess. You’d love family photos, but you’re nervous the kids won’t behave?
You’re not alone. I hear this all the time.
“I love your work… but my kids are wild.”
“I’m not sure we could even get one decent photo.”
“What if they just melt down the whole time?”
“Let’s wait until they are older when they will listen to us” (Want to know a secret? That was my way of thinking years ago)
First of all deep breath. That worry is so normal. But here’s the truth:
Your kids don’t need to ‘cooperate’ or behave for your photos to be beautiful.
Family Photos Aren’t About Perfection
We’re not aiming for stiff poses, forced smiles, or everyone looking straight at the camera with their best natural smiles. My sessions are built for real life and that includes wriggly toddlers, snack breaks, big feelings, and chaos in between the cuddles.
When your child runs, hides, clings, or demands to be held the WHOLE session (yes, it’s happened), we pause. We shift. We follow their lead. And often, it’s in those unscripted moments that the real magic happens.
What I Focus On Instead
I look for:
- The way your child reaches for your hand
- That burst of giggles mid-tickle
- The comfort in your arms when the world feels too big
- Siblings side-eyeing each other with that cheeky grin
- The way you look at them, when they are being 100% themselves.
You don’t need your child to behave. You just need to show up and love them as they are and I’ll take care of the rest.
Natural Family Photography Tips to Ease the Pressure
Here are a few gentle ways to set your kids up for success:
- Let them know what to expect in simple words. Click here for my PDF Guide to preparing kids for your session!
- Avoid saying “smile” it puts pressure on them
- Bring snacks and water, just like you would for any outing. But make sure they aren’t messy snacks (tic tacks work well as a mess free treat!)
- Dress them comfortably itchy clothes or stiff shoes rarely go well. (Need help planning outfits? See my Ultimate What To Wear Guide!)
- Arrive with a sense of play, not performance
But even if you do none of that, it’s okay. I’ve worked with hundreds of families, and not once has a session been a “disaster.”
So… What If It All Feels Like Chaos?
Then we roll with it. I’ll guide you gently, play some games, sing a few silly songs, and give the kids space to be themselves. They feed off your energy, so if you can relax and go with the flow? Then they will follow.
And you know what? Those are usually the sessions that end up filled with connection, laughter, and personality-packed photos that you’ll treasure most.
Worried your kids won’t behave during a family photoshoot?
You don’t need perfect. You just need real and that’s what I’m here to capture.
x Eileen
ps. If you are ready to book your family session, just click here to fill out an enquiry form.
pps. Want more? Follow along in the FAQ blog post series!
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