3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Your Kids Misbehaving on Photo Day

Don’t Worry

1) Kids will be Kids and That’s Apart of the Process

I once asked my sister-in-law if my nephews could come model for me so I could do some creating and work with a new light. I remember having a great time and being so excited throughout the process of how wonderful the photos were turning out. (The youngest pictured above).

The boys were a little rowdy but nothing crazy, but enough to have their parents ask them to settle down many times. It wasn’t a really big deal for me and I just kept happily shooting photo after photo. 

After I was done editing, I sent the gallery off and my sister-in-law replied astonished. She couldn’t believe how full the gallery was of amazing shots that captured their individual personalities. 

She told me she had been so stressed out that the kids were wasting my time and that I wasn’t going to get any good photos because they were messing around a lot. 

It was such a learning experience for me to realize that while I was at ease and having a ball doing what I do best, my poor sister and brother-in-law were stressing out for that hour of time.

So please, if you are worried that your kid(s) will be too silly or too naughty for photos you have to just let that out of your mind. Kids will be kids and that’s a part of my process and you will probably be surprised by how many nice photos you’ll get even when kids aren’t on their best behavior. 

2) I’m a Pro and My Technique Works

I’ve also heard the concern that there is no way young kids will be able to pose for photos for about an hour of time. But my photo sessions can be so much fun! And the time flys by. The great thing about family photos is that you can just be a family together, play and cuddle and simply be together. Every photo does not need to be squarely centered where everyone is looking at the camera smiling. While that is a shot I make sure to capture, a lot of the best photos will be of your family being a family. I’ll prompt kids to jump, to run and to pretend to laugh. I can get some really authentic giggles that way!

Giving kids prompts and letting them decide how to do something includes them in the process and helps create some really nice shots. 

I also take time throughout the shoot, thoughtfully adjusting my gear to create stunning images. So both you and your kid(s) do not have to be “on” for the entire time. I do not rush through my work. 

3) Taking a Break is Always an Option

Big emotions are real. Tantrums happen. If  it happens during the session, it’s okay to pause and take a break while you help your child handle and process their big emotions. It goes without saying, but it is okay to bring your kids’ favorite book, snack, or toy with you. That way they have something familiar to help sooth them if they are feeling upset or nervous. 

Another Quick Tip: Bringing another family member outside of your partner and kids can not only be fun for your family member to be included. But it can also be helpful to have another adult to hold/carry items or to be another supportive adult to help nervous kiddos. Plus, they could help occupy the kids while I focus on taking a few portraits of you and your partner for some couple portraits

Hope this post helps relieve your concern! Let me know what you think in the comments 👇