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Have you ever worried about how to get your kids to cooperate for photos? I’m sharing 10 tried and true tips that are bound to get your kids asking to take photos more often!

Talk to them

If your kiddo is old enough to understand you, talk to them before the session and let them know how important the photos are to you and why. You can even show them a family photo album and explain that you are going to make your own! 

Adjust your expectations

Kids are nothing if not unpredictable! What works one day may not work the next and that’s ok! If your kiddo is in full blown meltdown mode when we try to take their solo photos, I will follow their lead and keep things fun. While we may not get a posed photo of them looking at the camera and smiling, we can get them playing and interacting with their environment instead. 

Timing

While photoshoots are generally scheduled based on the best lighting, you can make sure that your kiddo gets a nice nap in before their session! Be sure to give them enough time to be fully alert before they get to the location to avoid any sleepy time grumpiness.

Make sure tummies are full

Just like with adults, kids can get hangry! Make sure they have a small meal and bring a bottle of water to the session. You’d be amazed at the power of a few chicken nuggets!

Follow their lead

This one is just as much for me as it is for you! Not many kiddos will look at the camera and smile on command for an hour. That’s why it’s important to let them explore a little bit. Kids are curious and if you don’t let them check out the cool shiny rock they’ve been eyeing you run the risk of losing their patience completely. I’ll follow them around and get a photo that shows their personality and curiosity.

Keep it fun

There will be times when I need a specific shot that requires your kiddo to stand in a certain spot. If they are being difficult, try playing Simon says or red light green light. Reprimanding them or even just speaking sternly can sometimes ruin their mood for the rest of the session so try to keep things fun so that they want to do it again!

Don’t overwhelm them

It can be very helpful to have mom or dad stand right behind me to get some laughs but having too many people calling their name can be overwhelming for them. Make sure that everyone who are not in the photos stand right behind me at the same height as my camera and designate one person at a time to call their name and act silly. If the full family is in the shot, focus on yourselves and I will get their attention. I have had sooooo many photos where the kiddo finally looks at the camera but mom and dad are talking in the photo. I know it’s hard to hand over the reigns but I promise that it will make things run more smoothly! 

Breaks

If all else fails, sometimes kids just need a little break! I will use that time to photograph any other siblings or parents. Usually they will go back to exploring and I can sneak a few shots without them even noticing!

Bribes

As a last resort, bribes almost always do the trick! Older kids do well with promises to their favorite restaurant or small toy but younger kids like the instant gratification of a piece of candy. Try to avoid anything that melts or stains. Gummies and mini marshmallows have worked great for me in the past!

Don’t force it

Sometimes we can pull out all the stops and do everything right but your kiddo just isn’t having it. I will always be patient and give them some time to recover but if they can’t calm down we can always reschedule. What we want to avoid is forcing them to take photos and giving them a negative association with the experience.

Knowledge is power

By reading this blog you’re already a step ahead! As long as you follow these easy steps, I’m confident that your child will not only cooperate but actually have FUN and ask to do family photos more often! For even more advice on how to get the very best photography experience, check out my tips and tricks blogs here!