What if My Children Don't Behave During Portland Family Photos?
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
As a Portland Family Photographer, I hear this concern a lot from parents. In fact, besides the #1 question, "What do I wear?" - worrying about what will happen if your kids don't behave is a close second, and honestly, I was concerned about that myself when I booked a family photographer for my own family.
What If My Toddler Doesn't Get Their Usual Nap?
I must warn you - what will probably happen the day of your photoshoot will be the first day your toddler skips their nap in a long while - I know because this happened to me - my daughter always naps from 12:30 - 1:30pm predictably every day for months until, of course, the day of our family photos in the Columbia River Gorge where she decided to skip her nap altogether. WHY?!?? Not even in the long car ride out to the gorge did she nap! Not a wink!
I was very nervouse to see how it would go but honestly, she did great. She was all smiles, even in the 20+mph winds, the chilly autumn air, & waaaay past her bedtime with no nap. Why? Because I fed her treats all throughout the shoot, it was an interactive, lifestyle shoot (meaning no posing, just prompts and games) so it kept her active, and it helped that she usually acts on her best behavior when around new people (aka the photographer!). Our photographer was great and kept the shoot moving quickly and light-hearted.
My Approach to Family Photos in and around Portland
I do the exact same thing where I keep the pace of what the children need. Do they need high energy prompts or gentle, soothing activities for photos? I am constantly gauging the situation to see what will help the children best. We can do running chase games that make great photos, or they can rest on a blanket and cuddle with mom if they want. Whatever it means for your family in that moment.
I will never have your family stand stiffly, posing and force smiling. My style is story-telling, lifestyle photography where we walk, run, play and snuggle.
What If My Toddler Has a Meltdown?
Then we slow down.
We take breaks. We let them reset. We follow their pace instead of forcing a timeline. Parents are often surprised by how little perfect cooperation actually matters during a session.
I used to be a preschool and elementary school teacher. I know kids and I have seen it all. Don't sweat it.
If your child cries, what a great opportunity to capture you comforting them. There won't always be a time they come running to you and hugging you for comfort - capturing moments of you comforting them will be something you'll cherish as they've grown.
Children feel safest when they’re allowed to be fully themselves. That’s where genuine connection comes from.
The Goal Is Not Perfection!!
I like viewing family photos from the children's perspectives, but 20 years from now when they've grown. Your children will not study these photos looking for perfect behavior.
They’ll notice the way you held them.
The way you looked at them.
The way your family felt together during this season of life.
That matters so much more than everyone smiling at the camera at the exact same time.
Practical Advice
Bring snacks, and a couple more snacks. lol Any food that doesn't produce crumbs or stain the tongue. I recommend coco-melts for little ones (and honestly I eat these, too, they are so good! And relatively healthy!) or you could do cheese cubes or cliff bars...or their favorite snack that doesn't produce crumbs or tongue-changing colors.
Bring a bottle of water to share. Plan to breastfeed or bring a bottle of milk for your young ones.
Bring their favorite toy or stuffy.
And finally, DON'T TELL THEM you are bringing any of these items!! It's for emergencies only. Otherwise, they will only think about what you brought and keep asking for it.
We can ALWAYS stop for a snack break if need be!! I'm flexible and we roll with it.
Need more tips on a stress-free shoot? Click here.
Ready to book? Or ask me a question? Click here! I hope to photograph your sweet family soon!
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