If you’re anything like I was before I had kids, the family photo dream included several picture-perfect photos of everyone smiling serenely at the camera. There were no tears or treats for bribery or last-minute wardrobe changes because someone had an accident. While sometimes those picturesque moments do happen, that’s usually not the reality of taking family photos with young kids.

And that’s okay! It’s actually one of my favorite parts about being a family photographer! Kids are 100% genuine and they bring their true selves wherever they go. It makes photo sessions so fun and lively – whether your child is a social butterfly or is a little bit camera shy.

In this blog post, I want to chat about my best tips for taking family photos with kids who aren’t thrilled about being in front of the camera. It might seem like a big hurdle, but with a little bit of preparation (for both the parent and the photographer) you’ll secure those silly grins in no time. 

Let’s get started!

1 – Talk Through It

For parents, the way you prepare your child for photos in the weeks/days leading up to family photos will play a big part in how they feel when they arrive at the session. If your child is nervous, or you’re anticipating that they might not love having their photo taken, sit down together and break down the entire photo process. Show them previous family pictures and talk about fun memories associated with them. Practice taking a few photos at home and chat about different smiles or poses they can do. Helping them know what to expect can make a big difference!

2 – Make the Session Fun

As parents, I know we really want things to be perfect for our family photos. It’s hard to let go of control and go with the flow, but I promise that the more relaxed and happy you are, the more comfortable your kids will be. Your energy rubs off on them, and it sets the tone for the entire session. Kids usually respond well to silliness, especially when it’s unexpected. Try not to put too much pressure on your kids to act a certain way – the real magic of family photos comes when we get to capture happy kids in their element with the people they love most: their parents.

3 – Come Prepared

Start your session off on the right foot by getting to the location a few minutes early. That way you don’t have to rush into photos without giving your child a chance to warm up to where they are. Be prepared with a few activities or games to break out when you first arrive, like Simon says, or peekaboo. These types of playful activities can really help ease some of their nervousness. Feel free to take breaks if your kids need it and bring snacks or treats for your kids to much on.

4 – For the Photographer (A bonus tip!)

As the photographer, you can be a huge help and resource to your families by supporting them and their little ones through the photo process. Be open to chatting about what the session will be like and answering any questions they may have. During the session, prioritize candid poses. When it comes to more reserved kids, get down on their level and connect with them through jokes or little games. Let their little personalities and preferences lead the photos. You’ve got this!

Photographing shy kids typically has a lot more to do with how the adults in the situation respond than it does with the actual kiddo. Prepare yourself to enjoy being together and you’ll be surprised by how joyful your photos turn out to be. Some of my favorite family photos have been from sessions where we had to coax a smile out of a toddler. It’s worth every bit of effort!