How to Get Beautiful Photos with Your Children (Even If They Won’t Sit Still!)
As mums, we all want beautiful photos with our children—but what happens when they won’t sit still, refuse to smile, or just aren’t in the mood? The good news is, perfect poses aren’t necessary! Some of the most treasured photos come from natural, candid moments. Here’s how to get beautiful photos with your children, even if they’re full of energy.
1. Let Go of the Idea of ‘Perfect’
Forget about stiff poses and forced smiles. The best photos capture genuine emotions—whether it’s giggles, cuddles, or playful chaos. Your child’s personality is what makes the photo special.
2. Play Instead of Pose
Kids love to move, so work with their energy rather than against it! Tickles, piggyback rides, or dancing in the living room create natural smiles and laughter. These interactions make for the most heart-warming images.
Read also: Fun and Natural Family Photoshoot Activity Ideas
3. Choose a Familiar Environment
Children feel most comfortable in places they know well. An at-home photoshoot allows them to be themselves, whether that means playing with their favourite toy, snuggling up with you, or running around the garden.
4. Get Down to Their Level
Photographs feel more personal when taken at your child’s eye level. If you’re snapping photos yourself, crouch down or sit on the floor to capture their world from their perspective.
5. Let Them Take Breaks
If your little one gets fussy, don’t stress. A quick break for a snack, cuddle, or playtime can help reset the mood. The beauty of documentary-style photography is that these quiet moments can be just as meaningful as the energetic ones.
6. Interact Naturally
Forget about the camera and focus on your child. Whisper something funny in their ear, stroke their hair, or hold their little hands. These simple gestures result in emotive, timeless images.
7. Choose the Right Time of Day
Tired or hungry kids are rarely in the mood for photos. Schedule your photoshoot for a time when your child is well-rested and fed, making them more likely to engage happily.
8. Let Them Be Themselves
If your child is being silly, let them! If they’re feeling shy, embrace it. These are the moments that reflect their personality, and they make for the most authentic photographs.
9. Include Movement
Walking, twirling, or playing a simple game like ‘Ring Around the Rosie’ helps children relax and enjoy the session. Movement adds life and energy to photos, making them feel more real and joyful.
10. Work with a Photographer Who Understands Kids
A photographer who specialises in working with families knows that kids won’t always ‘perform’ on cue—and that’s perfectly okay. A relaxed, documentary-style approach means there’s no pressure for perfection, just natural and meaningful moments captured beautifully.
Capture Motherhood as It Truly Is
You deserve to have beautiful photos with your children, and they should reflect the love and connection you share. If you’d love stress-free, natural images with your little ones, a family photoshoot is the perfect opportunity. Download my brochure for all the info on how a shoot works with me.
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