Overcome Uncooperative Children to get Amazing Family Photos

07/11/2024

Have you ever looked at a family photo, marvelling at its perfection? How does every member manage to look so relaxed and content? We all know that children don’t often co-operate…usually when we need them to most! So, how do you overcome uncooperative children to get amazing family photos?

Behind the split seconds of captured beauty, there lies a tale often filled with patience, laughter, and sometimes, a fair share of chaos.

As a family photographer based in Worcestershire II have navigated through countless family sessions. Each is unique but often threaded by moments of impatience, especially from the little ones! And guess what? It is totally normal!

I’d love to share with you the behind-the-scenes realities of family photography. Let me reassure you that even if your children might scream or fidget through the session, we are still in for a collection of beautiful, heartfelt moments.

How Our Family Photography Session Will Look

The Reality of Family Photography Sessions

Picture this. You have circled the date on your calendar for your family photography session. Your outfits are chosen, and you are envisioning those “perfect” smiley images of your family.

But as the day unfolds, so does the reality that children. From babies who demand a cuddle or a feed at the least opportune moment, toddlers asserting their newfound independence with a well-timed tantrum, to older children who suddenly find the concept of ‘smiling for the camera’ as appealing as yesterday’s vegetables.

It’s a scenario I have seen unfold time and again, and it’s so normal.

In the thick of these moments, it might feel like the dream of perfect photos is slipping through your fingers. But here’s where I will let you in on a little secret. These unpredictable elements are not just hurdles to overcome. They are the very essence of what makes each session – and the resulting photos – genuinely special.

It’s about embracing the spontaneity of the realness of life as it happens during your family photoshoot.

Embracing the Chaos with Open Arms

When it comes to family photography, the real magic happens when we let go of the idea of a perfect session and instead, welcome the chaos with open arms.

I’m well known for my outdoor family photography sessions. Moving away from the confinements of a studio space is often the key to keeping children entertained. They have distractions – perhaps a park where they can play, a woodland walk where they can spot wildlife, or a fun game of hide and seek.

It’s in these candid moments that the essence of your family truly shines through. It’s all about shifting our perspective and finding joy in the unexpected. A sudden sprint across the field during our outdoor family photography session can become a game of tag, filled with laughter and energy. A stubborn refusal to pose might lead us to discover a new, more natural setting that beautifully frames your family’s dynamic.

Click here to check out my blog about how outdoor family photography sessions are great for impatient children.

The Importance of Patience and Understanding

In my journey as a photographer, I have learnt that patience is more than just waiting. It’s an active, nurturing presence that invites each family member to be themselves, quirks and all. It’s about understanding that little ones operate on their own timelines. Their moments of reluctance can be invitations to engage with them more creatively.

I find joy in taking the time to connect with each child, to discover what makes them giggle, what intrigues them, or even what soothes them. This understanding allows me to tailor the family photography session to them, creating a space where they feel safe and happy to participate.

Setting the Right Expectations

From our very first chat, I place great importance on clear communication, making sure we are all on the same page about how our family photography session will unfold.

It’s about painting a realistic picture that, whilst we may aim for those picture-perfect shots, the true beauty often lies in the unexpected moments. I find that when families come with an understanding that it’s perfectly okay for life to happen as we are capturing it, everyone relaxes. 

This relaxation is key, allowing natural, joyful, and authentic interactions to unfold. We discuss the possibility of tears, laughter, and every genuine emotion in between, setting a foundation of trust and ease. This approach not only prepares us for a smoother session but also enriches the experience, ensuring that we are all at the same level.

Book Your Family Photography Session

So, if you have been putting off capturing those special family moments together because you’re worried about how your children will behave, please…don’t! Together, we can overcome uncooperative children to get those amazing family photos that you’ve been imagining.

Choose a photographer who understands, like me. I will be by your side throughout the session capturing the realness of your family dynamics.

And after your session, you can be sure you’ll go away with some beautiful photos to cherish. I offer an aamzing range of books, prints and wall art. Read here about the benefits of printed family photographs for you and your children.

Get in touch with me today to book a call – I would love to hear from you and discuss what your family photography in Worcestershire or beyond could look like!

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