If you’re planning family photos and already imagining your toddler refusing to wear their outfit, running in the opposite direction, or declaring they never want their photo taken again, you’re not alone.
One of the most common messages I receive before a family session is:
“I’m worried my child won’t cooperate.”
The good news? They don’t need to.
My family photography sessions aren’t about asking children to stand still and smile at the camera for an hour. They’re designed around movement, connection, and letting children be themselves. In fact, some of my favourite images happen when kids are doing exactly what kids do best, playing, exploring, cuddling their parents, and having fun.
That said, there are a few simple things you can do to help your children feel comfortable and relaxed on the day.
Talk About the Session Positively
Children often take their cues from their parents.
Instead of telling them they need to behave or smile nicely, try talking about the session as something fun you’ll do together as a family.
You might say:
“We’re going to the beach to play together and have some photos taken.”
or
“We’re going to watch the sunset and have a little adventure.”
Keeping the conversation light and positive helps children arrive feeling excited rather than pressured.
Avoid Putting Pressure on Them
This is probably the biggest tip I can give.
Children rarely perform well when they feel like they’re being tested.
The more they hear things like:
“You have to smile.”
“Please don’t muck around.”
“We only get one chance at this.”
the more likely they are to feel overwhelmed.
During my sessions, I don’t expect children to be perfect. I expect them to be children.
Running, laughing, exploring, cuddling, splashing, climbing, collecting shells and asking a hundred questions are all completely normal and often create the most meaningful photographs.
Make Sure They’re Well Rested
Whenever possible, try to schedule the day so your child gets a good nap or some quiet downtime before the session.
A well-rested child is usually a happier child.
Of course, life doesn’t always go to plan, especially with little ones, so don’t stress if naps are skipped or routines are disrupted. We’ll simply work with whatever mood they arrive in.
Bring Snacks and Water
Hungry children are rarely enthusiastic about family photos.
Bringing a few easy, non-messy snacks can be incredibly helpful, especially for younger children.
Water is also important, particularly during Cairns’ warmer months.
Sometimes a quick snack break is all that’s needed to reset a tired toddler.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Children feel their best when they’re comfortable.
If an outfit is itchy, too tight, or something they’ve never worn before, they’ll usually let everyone know very quickly.
Choose clothing that allows them to move, sit, run and play comfortably.
Don’t Worry About Bribing Them
Parents often ask whether they should promise ice cream afterwards.
The answer is entirely up to you!
A small reward after the session can work well, but I find the best results usually come when children are allowed to simply enjoy the experience rather than working towards a prize.
The goal isn’t perfect behaviour. The goal is creating genuine moments together.
Trust the Process
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need perfect children to create beautiful family photographs.
Some children are outgoing from the moment they arrive.
Some need ten minutes to warm up.
Some spend the whole session running up and down the beach.
All of these personalities are welcome.
My approach is always child-led. I follow their energy, work with their personalities, and create opportunities for connection rather than forcing poses.
The photographs your children treasure one day won’t be the ones where they stood perfectly still and smiled on command.
They’ll be the ones that remind them what it felt like to be little, held tightly by the people who loved them most.
And that’s exactly what we’re there to capture.
I’d love to photograph your family in a natural and relaxed way (and maybe even have some fun!) You can contact me here to book.
