How I Keep Family Photos Fun When Kids Get Wild

Hey, you! Worried your kiddo might get a little wild and crazy during your family photos? Stop right there. Take a deep breath, a big sip of coffee, or even a minute to yourself in another room. I’m here to tell you—it’s OK.


 I completely understand that when someone (especially someone you might not know well) shows up with a camera and starts observing your family, it can feel like all eyes are on you. Suddenly, you want your kids to be on their best behavior, sitting still, smiling sweetly. It’s a lot of pressure. But I need you to know: everything is going to be just fine.

Kids Will Be Kids—And That’s the Beauty of It

I’ve worked with kids for several years—and I’ve got a few myself. So trust me when I say: kids are wildly unpredictable. There’s a pretty good chance they’ll do or say something that makes you think (or yell) “OH SH*T.” Totally normal. They may want to run around, make silly faces, or blurt out the most unexpected things. But don’t worry—I’m not fazed, and you shouldn’t be either.

A group stands together on a path during autumn with vibrant fall foliage creating a warm backdrop in the background.
A family of four poses together outdoors against a natural green background on a sunny day.
A couple stands together on a dirt path surrounded by tall birch trees in a peaceful forest setting.

Let’s Capture Your Real Family

Here’s the thing: your photos should reflect your family’s unique personalities. Sure, we’ll wrangle the crew for a few cute, posed shots—everyone together, smiling, the ones grandma will frame. But we’ll also leave plenty of room for fun and spontaneity.

By engaging with your kids and being silly right alongside them, we create space for real joy. Feel free to bring snacks, favorite toys, or activities to your session. The goal is for your photos to feel like you—not like a staged version of you. These moments shouldn’t be stressful.

Black and white portrait of a baby wearing a cozy fleece jacket making a playful expression.
Close up of two people sharing an intimate moment while wearing a cozy plaid flannel shirt outdoors.
Vintage black and white photograph showing an intimate parent-child moment with a mug on a table in sunlight.
A playful family portrait in autumn with matching blue dresses enjoying a candid moment in the woods.

When in Doubt: Make It a Game

If things get a little wild (which they often do), we lean into it. We can turn the session into a game—tag, hide-and-seek, tickle fights, or even “avoid the camera.” These little tricks are my not-so-secret way to help your kid burn off some energy and laugh along the way.

Honestly, some of the best photos come from those playful moments when the kids are running around shouting, “You’ll never catch me!” (If you don’t believe me, take a peek at some of my favorite galleries.)

Two people embrace joyfully while standing in a tall grass field with evergreen trees in the background.
A black and white portrait photograph looking upward at a smiling child with curly hair against light curtains in the background.
Two children in matching blue dresses walking along a wooded path while being carried by someone in a green shirt.

The Bottom Line? Don’t Stress—We’ve Got This

I’m here to deliver photos that truly represent the stage of life you're in right now—even if that includes wild energy, goofy grins, and unfiltered chaos. That’s part of the magic. And I’m so here for it.