Let’s talk about the thing that gives a lot of parents pause:
What if your kid… doesn’t cooperate? What if your kid doesn’t behave during the photo session?!
Sure, you want photos—maybe even desperately want photos—of your favorite people in the world. But then it hits you: “There’s no way my kid will sit still for this.”
Cue the stomach drop. The mental spiral. The worry that your photographer will judge you while your toddler melts down or your preschooler makes fart noises instead of smiling on cue.
You’re not alone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had parents whisper a pre-session pep talk: “Listen to what she says…” or “Remember to behave, okay?”
But here’s my not-so-secret secret: Your child doesn’t have to behave at your photo session. Not in the way most grown-ups mean it.
My Sessions are Photographer-Guided, Kid-Driven
Before I was a photographer, I was a teacher. I’ve seen kids do all kinds of things—silly, sweet, unexpected, and yes, every different flavor of wild. And over time, I’ve built up a whole toolbox of methods and tricks for engaging kids and earning their trust (and often their compliance). In the classroom, kids had to sit still and focus. But at a photo session? They get to move.
They get to laugh, squeal, and shout out questions. They get to hop like a bunny or spin in circles. There’s no test at the end of the week or quiet reading class happening next door. Forget inside voices; no need to raise their hand! They can shout out questions, and no one’s interrupting a Very Important Lesson on Internet Safety.
Seriously: there’s no “wrong way” to show up. Just real life, real joy, real personality.
Sure, I might ask your kid to sit for a moment. But if they’d rather stand? That works too. If the grass feels poky? We’ll grab the blanket or head to the nearest bench. If they’re more interested in rocks than in me? I’ll document that curiosity, because honestly, ten years from now, that photo of them exploring a pile of rocks might just be the one that makes you smile the most.
(And if you decide to bribe them with a gummy worm, zero judgment here.)
Afraid of Tantrums? I’ve Seen Them All.
Worried your child might have a full-on meltdown mid-session?
Totally okay.
If your little one has big feelings, I’ll step back and give you space to comfort them. I’m a gentle presence and an introvert at heart—which means I know when to fade into the background and let a moment unfold as it needs to. No pressure. No rush. No shame.
This Is a Judgment-Free Zone
If what’s holding you back is the fear that your kid might… well, act like a kid—please know this:
I will never judge you for that.
Not for the mess, the noise, the big emotions, or the fact that your child didn’t follow every direction.
In fact, those in-between, personality-filled, unpolished moments?
They’re my favorite.
Because while I’ll absolutely get you a beautiful portrait for the wall, I’ll also give you the kind of photos that remind you exactly who your child was at this stage—silly faces, dirt-smudged knees, snacky bribes and all.
You deserve that kind of storytelling. And your kids do too.
P.S. Just in case it wasn’t obvious—none of the kids featured in these photos were “misbehaving.” They were just being kids: curious, silly, wiggly, and totally themselves.
