I hear you. In fact, I hear this from almost every single parent I work with.
The minute you book a family photo session, a tiny seed of dread starts to grow. You’re imagining it already: your toddler will have a spectacular, full-volume tantrum. Your shy five-year-old will bury their face in your leg and refuse to look up. Your “too-cool” tween will roll their eyes. You’re worried you’re investing all this time and money just to get photos of your kids “misbehaving.”
You see the “perfect” families on Instagram, all smiling calmly at the camera in coordinating outfits, and you think, “How do they do that? My kids would never.”
Let’s start with a deep breath. Your family is not “broken.” Your kids are not “bad.” And I’m going to let you in on a little secret: your kids “not cooperating” is exactly what we need.
The Big Secret I’ve Learned (That Will Save Your Photos)
After years of photographing families, I can tell you the only thing that can “ruin” a photo.
It’s not your kid not cooperating. It’s not a pout, a tantrum, or a case of the wiggles. “Kid faces are always cute”.
The only thing that ruins a photo is a stressed-out parent expression.
“Scolding or stressed parent faces aren’t” the memory you want to capture. And the irony is, your kids are incredibly sensitive to your energy. The more stressed you are about getting the “perfect” shot, the more tense they become. The harder you try to force a smile, the more they will dig in their heels.
So, I’m giving you permission to let all of that go.
Our “No Stress” Philosophy: This is Playtime, Not a Performance
Here’s the most important thing you need to know: this is a “child-led” session. That means your kids are the bosses.
I will never force your child to sit still, look at the camera, and say “cheese.” That’s how we get stiff, fake smiles.
Instead, we are going to play.
My job is to adapt to your child’s energy, not the other way around. If they are high-energy, we will run, twirl, and play games like “Kid Tornado” or “London Bridge”. If they are shy, we will give them time and space to warm up, and I’ll focus on quiet cuddles.
The entire session is designed as an “adventure in play”. We’ll play “Superman” (flying them in the air), swing them between you, and tell silly jokes. My goal is to make your family have so much fun that they forget a camera is even there.
Why I Love “Chaos” (And You Will Too)
Your real life is more beautiful than any “perfect” pose.
When your two-year-old pouts? I’ll be clicking away. That grumpy little face is a perfect, fleeting memory of “that age”. You will treasure it, I promise.
When your shy child buries their face in your leg? That’s not a “ruined” shot. That’s a photo of connection.
When your baby cries and you pull them into a “tearful cuddle in mama’s arms”? That is the most beautiful photo of the day.
We will try to get that one “mantle piece photo” with everyone looking, but the images that will make your heart sing are the ones in-between—the tickle fights, the comforting hugs, and the quiet, unexpected moments. That is the “real life” we’re here to capture.
So, What’s Your Job? (Hint: It’s Not “Controlling Your Kids”)
From the moment our session starts, you are fired from the job of “Kid Wrangler” or “Family Disciplinarian.”
You have a new job. In fact, you only have one job: relax and love on your family.
To make it crystal clear, I’ve broken it down.
The “Job Swap”: A Framework for a No-Stress Session
| Your Job (The Parent) | My Job (The Photographer) |
| Relax, breathe, and trust the process. | Handle everything. |
| Look at your kids and your spouse. Smile at them. | Be the “child whisperer” with tricks up my sleeve. |
| JUST. KEEP. SMILING. (Even during a tantrum!) | Engage, direct, and “thrive in chaos”. |
| Snuggle, tickle, kiss, hug, and play. | Chase and retrieve toddlers as needed. |
| Be affectionate and “roll with the punches”. | Watch for the “imperfect,” beautiful in-between moments. |
| Use soft, gentle redirection if needed. | Worry about the light, angles, settings, and posing. |
If your child runs off, I will chase them. If your child is pouting, I will engage them. You just keep smiling at your spouse, hug your other child, and trust me.
The Real Prep for a Great Session
Forget the bribes and threats. (In fact, please don’t bribe them—it rarely works and often makes things worse). The best preparation has nothing to do with “practicing” smiles.
- Physical: Make sure everyone is rested and fed. A full belly and a good nap (if they still nap) are pure magic.
- Emotional: Frame the session as fun. Tell your kids you’re “meeting a friend at the park to play”. Don’t build it up as a high-stakes performance.
- Wardrobe: Comfort is key. Forcing a child into an outfit they hate will “only create stress” before we’ve even started. Let them have a say.
A Final Promise: Let Them Be Little
Stop worrying about the “perfect” photo and trust me to find the beautiful one.
Your family, exactly as it is right now, is all I need. Your “chaos” is my “thriving”. Your “in-between moments” are my “gold”.
Let them be little. Let them be wild. Let them be shy. Let them be exactly who they are.
I’ll handle the rest.
Ready to book a session that’s actually fun?