How to keep your crew chill for family photos.

If you’re worried your kids might be “a lot” during photos, I promise you're not alone.

My kid is a mix of Donnie from The Wild Thornberrys, Bamm-Bamm Rubble from The Flintstones, and the Tasmanian Devil - all in toddler form. Sweet, intense, curious, occasionally feral in public places. Normal stuff. I'm truly unbothered by your wild kids, they make me feel like I'm at home.


Family sessions only get tricky we try forcing kids into perfect "fridge" poses. The goal to great photos is helping them stay comfortable while I guide things so the photos look beautiful and natural. Here are a few things that I find help a lot with family photography sessions.


A group stands together in a rustic outdoor field surrounded by evergreen trees at dusk.
People walking through a grassy field at sunset with evergreen trees in the background.

Let Them Burn Some Energy

Kids tend to relax faster when they are allowed to move instead of being asked to stand still right away.

One of the easiest ways I do this during sessions is starting with movement prompts that are light, fun, and (hopefully) end up in giggles:

• running circles around parents

• racing siblings

• jumping from steps, logs, etc., into parent's arms

• Playing peek-a-boo around trees

Locations with space help a lot with this, especially spots like Silver Falls State Park. With paved trails, ferns galore, and room to explore, your kids have room to be themselves. You can even check out the South Falls Day Use Area's playground before or after your session to get any extra wiggles out!


Plus, as a bonus, movement also gives you photos that feel lively and connected instead of cookie-cutter.

Fair warning, I will absolutely encourage a little silliness if it helps your kids warm up. That's how we get those Pinterest board, documentary style images that feel true to you for years.

Give Them Something to Notice

Children like to stay busy! I find most younger kids do best when their attention has somewhere to go, or their hands have something to do. Instead of asking them to stare at a camera the entire time, I guide them with little prompts.

Things like:

• showing family or the camera flowers they found

• looking for bugs, rocks, sticks - whatever your babe might be curious about

• whispering something extra silly to a parent

• Listening for airplanes or motorcycles traveling by

This works especially well at Deepwood Museum & Gardens because there are so many details for kids to explore. There are steps to be curious on, leaves to inspect on the ground, and even flowers to smell and get all of the senses working together.


When kids are curious, they settle in naturally and parents get photos that are authentic.

A series of photos showing two people sitting together in a playful moment outdoors among trees and foliage.
A hand wearing a knitted sweater sleeve gently touches delicate pink and white hellebore flowers in a dark garden setting.
A couple shares a playful moment in their backyard on a fall day with fallen leaves scattered on the ground.

Turn the Time Together into an Adventure

Young, curious minds respond well when a session feels like going somewhere interesting rather than standing in one spot for photos.


That’s why I suggest locations where families can walk a bit or explore together, like Willamette Mission State Park or even Coolidge McClaine Park for Silverton locals.


We move, pause, explore, and photograph along the way with some thoughtful direction to your family. It keeps kids engaged and gives families a variety of images without anyone feeling bored, bothered, or left out.

Stay Close to Them

 

 

Our kids feel safer when they can feel us close to them. Holding hands, picking them up, sitting together, or letting them lean into you makes a big difference. If your little one just wants to nuzzle into you, no problem. We'll lean into it, like we MEANT for them to be glued to your hip the whole session.


This is one of the biggest things I guide during sessions. Parents don’t need to worry about posing and perfectly mannered kids. That's not really how real life looks, anyway. I’ll prompt small adjustments, so everyone looks connected, and relaxed while keeping the pressure low. I'll ask your kids silly questions and make odd noises, I might even ask them to help me take your photo. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve to help shy kids warm up a little faster.

 

A parent and child wearing matching denim and cozy sweaters sit together outdoors in autumn sunlight.
A series of cropped photos showing people holding hands outdoors at sunset in casual attire.
People walking together through a park during autumn with fallen leaves on the grass at sunset.

Take a Deep Breath

 

 

Every parent thinks their child will be the hardest kid I’ve ever photographed.


I promise you, I’ve seen everything. Kids who want to run, kids who want to hold on to leaves for the whole hour, kids who are quiet and observant with unwavering stink-eye, even kids who are unwilling to let me even *see* their faces. (Sometimes it really is your own kids, I've been there.)  Their authenticity will shine, and so will yours, with a little bit of "trust the process energy"


Parents sometimes apologize at the end of sessions and I’m over here thinking "wait… that was fun. Your kids are cool." Truly, my own kid has prepared me for all of it.

What family sessions with me are like

When families book with me in Silverton, Salem, or around the Willamette Valley, my job is to lead the session so you don’t have to worry about how it’s going or what to do with your hands.

I help with:

• fun prompts that work for kids

• keeping things moving so attention stays fresh

• choosing locations that give your family room to be curious

• making sure you look great while your kids get to be themselves

If you’re planning family photos and wondering whether your kids will cooperate, here's the news: they don’t have to. They just need to show up and maybe wipe a few eye boogers out of the way. I’ll take it from there.

A group walks through an evergreen forest at sunset with warm pink skies overhead.
A family stands together in a grassy field at sunset with evergreen trees silhouetted against an orange and pink sky.
A group of people in winter coats embrace in a rustic outdoor setting with evergreen trees in the background.

Still need to book your family photos?

I would absolutely love to help wrangle your kids for pictures.

If you got this far, mention this family blog when you book! Your session will be %15 off.

Book 15% off now