How to Get Kids to Behave During Family Photos: A Guide from Your Scottsdale Family Photographer
As a Scottsdale family photographer, I understand that capturing beautiful family moments can feel daunting, especially when you're worried about your kids not "behaving." Here’s the good news—perfect behavior isn’t necessary! In fact, embracing the chaos and letting kids be themselves often results in the most authentic and heartwarming photos. Here are some tips to make your family session a success:
1. Embrace the Chaos
Family life is naturally chaotic, and that’s okay! If your kids want to run, jump, or explore, let them. The more natural and comfortable they feel, the more their personalities will shine through. Trust me to guide the session without rigid expectations, so you can simply have fun and enjoy the time with your family.
2. Follow Their Lead
Trying to force kids to pose or smile often leads to frustration. Instead, let your little ones lead the way. If they’re shy, don’t ask them to look at the camera; if they’re active, we’ll keep moving to match their energy. This approach results in photos that capture who they truly are. And makes for a session that is a lot less stressful because we aren't trying to force anyone to do anything they don't want to.
3. Play Games and Be Silly
Kids love to play! We will incorporate games, funny faces, and even some of their favorite activities into the session to help them relax, have fun and give us those big authentic grins. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes, the goal is to keep them happy and engaged.
4. Show Them Love
One of the best ways to get great photos is to show your kids how much you love them. Hug them, laugh with them, and let those moments of affection shine. This creates a relaxed atmosphere where genuine emotions can be captured.
5. Prepare Them for the Session
It helps to prepare your kids a few days before the session. Let them know that it will be a fun family time where you’ll be playing and having fun, with a friend (me!) taking pictures. If they’re comfortable and know what to expect, they’re more likely to cooperate.
6. Consider Rewards or Bribes
Some families find it helpful to offer a little incentive for good behavior. Maybe it’s a fun outing after the session or a small treat. You know what works best for your children, and a little reward can make a big difference! Having non-messy snacks for during the session can also help as well!
7. Feed and Hydrate Everyone (Including Spouses!)
Hungry or thirsty kids—and partners—are usually grumpy and less cooperative. Make sure everyone is well-fed and hydrated before the session to avoid any meltdowns or irritability.
8. Let Me Handle the Posing
You don’t need to stress about getting your kids to look at the camera or smile. That’s my job! I’ll guide the session, encourage their natural behavior, and capture candid, joyful moments. Your focus should be on spending time with them and having fun.
9. Prepare Your Partner, Too
Family sessions are fun for everyone, including your spouse or partner. Let them know that the session is about playing, laughing, and connecting as a family. The more relaxed everyone is, the better the photos will turn out.
10. Choose Comfortable Clothing
Make sure everyone is dressed in comfortable outfits that they can move around in. Kids tend to get grumpy when their clothes are too tight, scratchy, or uncomfortable. Choose something they feel good in and can easily play in without feeling restricted.
11. Don’t Force Smiles or Yell
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is trying to force their kids to smile or behave perfectly. This often results in stiff or fake expressions. Instead, let your kids express themselves naturally. We’ll capture the genuine, beautiful moments, even if that means some silly faces along the way.
In the end, family photo sessions are about capturing the love, joy, and connection in your family. By embracing the chaos, letting go of expectations, and focusing on the moments, you’ll end up with photos that reflect the real beauty of your family. So, if you’re ready to have a fun, stress-free session, let’s get you scheduled! As a Scottsdale family photographer, I can’t wait to help you create memories you’ll cherish forever.
