What if my children misbehave during a photoshoot?

It is one of the most common worries parents share with me before a session, especially parents of toddlers and teenagers!

“What if they won’t listen?”, “What if they won’t sit still?”, “What if they won’t smile?” or “What if they have a meltdown?”

Let me reassure you - children do need to be perfectly behaved for beautiful photographs.

In fact, they shouldn’t be.

Children are meant to move

Children are naturally curious, energetic and wonderfully unpredictable. Expecting them to sit still, smile on command and pose perfectly, isn’t realistic - and it is not what lifestyle photography is about.

Some of the most meaningful images happen in between. The giggles, the shy cuddles, the crazy faces and the wild hair. These are the real moments.

I work with children, not against them

I never expect children to “perform”.

Instead I gently guide, play little games, ask questions and give them space to warm up. Some children take five minutes and some take twenty. Thats completely normal.

If they need a cuddle, we pause. If they need to explore, we follow. If they need a snack break we take one and if the teenager needs a breather we do that too.

There is no pressure here.

What about meltdowns?

They happen, to every family.

If a little one becomes overwhelmed tired or simply says “no” - we slow everything down. Often those few moments in a cuddle with mum or dad become the most treasured images. The beauty of being in the childs home or space is that it doesn’t take too long for them to relax again.

You don’t need to apologise. Really!

I am a parent too - I understand.

Your only job

Your only job on the day is to stay calm and connected. Children sense stress very quickly, so the more relaxed you are, the more settled they will feel.

Let them be little. Let them be themselves. Let me take care of the rest.

Years from now you won’t remember if they sat perfectly still, you will remember the small hand, big cuddles and mischevious giggles.

If you would like to see some of my lifestyle sessions just click here.