Worried Your Kids Won’t Cooperate for Photos? Here’s What I Recommend

Does anyone else feel a little hesitant when it comes to booking family photos? Maybe it's because you're worried your kids won't cooperate. Maybe you’re already imagining someone refusing to leave the house, another running in the opposite direction, or everyone melting down five minutes into the session.

Trust me, I get it.

Children are the sweetest little souls, and they can also have you questioning your sanity in a matter of seconds.

Investing in professional family photos can feel like a big commitment when you know there's a chance your little ones may not look at the camera or smile on command. But here's the thing, I don't expect perfection, and you shouldn't either. Some of the sweetest moments happen in between the posed ones. While there's never a guarantee your child will cooperate (they're kids, after all!), there are a few simple things you can do ahead of time that can help everyone feel a little more prepared.

1. Start Talking About Your Session Early

There isn't a "right" age to start preparing your child for family photos. Even toddlers can begin to understand that something fun is coming. Once you've booked your session, share the exciting news! Talk about meeting a new friend who's going to take pictures while your family plays together. The more familiar the idea becomes, the less intimidating it feels.

2. Save Bribery as Your Backup Plan

Listen...I'm not above a little bribery. But I do recommend saving it as a last resort. You don't want to keep raising the stakes until you're two lollipops, a toy, and an ice cream cone deep before we've even made it halfway through the session. A special treat waiting afterward usually works much better.

3. Bring It Up Every So Often

Mention your family photos every now and then leading up to your session. Keeping your family photos feel important but not something they can't have fun at helps your child know what to expect so photo day doesn't feel like a surprise.

4. Let Them Be Part of Choosing Their Outfit

Kids love feeling included. Pick out a few parent-approved outfits and let them choose their favorite. If they’re older, give them a few simple guidelines and let them have a say in what they wear. Think about your overall color palette, the feel you want for your photos, and what makes sense for your location. For beach sessions, breathable fabrics, soft colors, and comfortable pieces that allow kids to move and play are always a great choice. When children feel like they had a little ownership in the process, they’re often more excited and confident when it’s time for photos.

5. Practice Taking Pictures Together

For little ones especially, it can help to make taking pictures feel familiar. Snap a few photos together at home, let them see themselves on your phone, make silly faces, laugh, and keep it fun. It doesn't have to be serious.

6. Pack Snacks and Water for After the Session

Family photos can be surprisingly tiring for kids. They’re meeting someone new, listening to directions, walking around, and taking in a lot all at once — all while sometimes having to hold back their natural urge to explore and play. Unless that’s what we’re doing… then I’m all for it. My sessions are usually a mix of both posed portraits and candid moments, so there’s room for a little bit of everything. Whether we’ve planned a more playful session or something a little more structured, having a favorite snack and some water waiting afterward is always a good idea.

7. Thank Them for Being Part of It

No matter how the session goes, thank your child for being part of it. I’m a big believer in positive reinforcement during family photos. Now, don’t get me wrong... if there were a few empty threats made during your session, we’re human. And honestly, we all want a few sweet photos with smiles too. Some kids love being in front of the camera. Others don’t, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal isn’t perfect smiles or perfect behavior. The goal is preserving this season of your family’s life exactly as it is. Years from now, you won’t remember whether your toddler sat still for every photo. You’ll remember the tiny hand reaching for yours, the giggles, the cuddles, and all the little moments that made this stage of life uniquely yours.

One Last Thing...

If you're worried your kids won't cooperate, please don't let that stop you from booking family photos. I've photographed enough families to know that every child is different, and every session unfolds in its own way. My job isn't to expect perfection, it's to meet your family where you're at, keep things relaxed, and create beautiful images along the way. Sometimes the photos you end up loving most are the ones you never could have planned for.