One of the most common questions I hear from parents before a family photo session is:
“How do I get my kids to behave?” Here’s the honest answer: bribes and threats don’t work and they often backfire.
When children are told they’ll lose something if they don’t smile on demand or “behave” for photos, they show up anxious and guarded. Add a stranger walking into their home with a big camera, and suddenly the whole experience feels like a test they’re afraid to fail.
Instead, I always encourage parents to reframe the session entirely. Try telling your kids something like: A nice lady is coming over to take some pictures of us having a family playdate. That simple shift makes a huge difference. When kids feel excited instead of pressured, they relax. They move naturally. They laugh for real. And that’s when the magic happens. The photos that come out of those moments aren’t forced or stiff, they’re full of genuine smiles, connection, and personality.
As a family photographer in Ridgewood, NJ and throughout Bergen County, my approach is always low-pressure and play-based. I don’t expect children to perform or pose perfectly. I meet them where they are, and we let the session unfold naturally.
The result? Photos that feel like your family, not a performance.
If you’re preparing for an in-home family photo session and wondering how to set your kids up for success, start with this idea: take the pressure off. I promise it makes everything easier, for everyone!
