Tips for Handling Situations When Your Child isn’t Behaving During a Photoshoot

A Lesson Learned: Why It’s Okay If Your Child Doesn’t Behave Perfectly During a Photoshoot

When I first started my photography career, I had an experience that taught me a valuable lesson about working with families, especially when there are kids involved. I was photographing a large extended family with over ten children—there were grandparents, parents, cousins, and of course, the kids. At the start of the session, I suggested to the parents that I spend some time with the children alone to get to know them and take some candid photos without the pressure of having the adults watch over us.

However, the parents were hesitant. They told me they knew their kids wouldn’t behave and that they were worried about getting all the different family combinations they wanted. Instead of sticking to my plan and guiding the family, I let them take the lead, trusting they knew what would work best for their kids. That was a mistake. The session turned out to be stiff, the kids didn’t connect with me, and their parents kept telling them to stand up straight and smile. The result? Photos that lacked the warmth and authenticity I was hoping to capture.

Since that experience, I’ve learned the importance of guiding families and helping them trust my approach. I always tell my clients now that if they want the kind of photos they see in my portfolio, they need to trust me. This absolutely doesn’t mean that I know your child better than you, but with my experience, I know how to make kids feel comfortable during the session and capture the moments that truly matter. It’s all about creating a relaxed environment where everyone can be themselves and enjoy the process.

Tips for Handling Challenging Moments During Your Family Photoshoot

After working with numerous families over the years, I’ve compiled a list of tips to handle challenging moments during your photoshoot. First and foremost, I want to reassure you as a parent: it’s okay if your child doesn’t behave perfectly! I know it might sound counterintuitive, and you may not want that to happen, but trust me, the best photos often come when you let go of the idea of perfection.

As someone who has worked with children for years, I can tell you that forcing your child to ‘behave’—to look at the camera, smile, or hug their sibling—rarely leads to natural, beautiful moments. Instead, let’s embrace the chaos and focus on capturing the real, authentic moments that make your family unique.

The Key to a Successful Family Photoshoot: A Photographer Who Connects with Kids
Another important piece of advice I can give is to hire a photographer who genuinely enjoys working with kids and knows how to connect with them. In my years of experience, I’ve found that around 90% of children aren’t initially excited about having their picture taken. They may worry about being forced to stand still and smile for an hour, or they might think the session will be boring. It’s the photographer’s job to change that mindset and make the experience fun and engaging. A skilled photographer knows how to interact with children, making them feel comfortable and turning the photoshoot into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Make It Fun – For You and For Them
Try to make the photoshoot feel like an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. Explain to your child that the goal is to capture the love and special moments within your family. Before the session, tell them they’re going to play, have fun, and even be silly. Encouraging them to let loose often leads to the most natural, candid moments.

Before…

After!

Take Breaks
If your child is getting tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break. Allow them time to rest, have a snack, or simply relax for a few minutes. Sometimes a short break can refresh their mood and energy levels, making the session more enjoyable for everyone.

Let Them Be Themselves – Even If They Are Hyperactive!
Instead of trying to force your child to smile or pose in a specific way, let them be themselves. If your child is full of energy and wants to keep running around, let them! It’s my job as a photographer to match their energy and capture the joy and spontaneity of the moment. Candid moments are often the most authentic and beautiful. Encourage your child to express their personality. These genuine interactions create the most memorable and heartwarming photos.

Focus on the Family Dynamic
If your child isn’t in the mood for solo shots, shift your focus to family portraits instead. Often, the best photos come from natural interactions between family members—hugs, laughter, and playful moments that truly capture the essence of your family. These candid moments reflect the love and connection that make your family unique.

If the roles are reversed, and your child is not up for family photographs, I will find creative ways to engage them. I often play games or use fun prompts to “trick” them into being part of the photos. This keeps the session light-hearted and enjoyable, and before you know it, your child will be smiling and laughing in the shots!

Keep a Sense of Humor
Lastly, don’t forget to laugh! Sometimes, a little humor can go a long way in lightening the mood. Embrace the chaos, and remember that these moments will become part of the beautiful story you're capturing.

I’ve been living in Tuscany for over twenty years, and I have worked with numerous kids who did not want to take pictures but ended up having the time of their life. I would love to help your family create a fun and memorable photoshoot in Tuscany, where we can capture those genuine moments that truly reflect your family’s unique bond.