How to Pose with Young Kids for your Family Photo Shoot (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Sanity)

For this shot I had mom and dad stand in the middle while the girls' played tag:) Don't be afraid to let the kids run (a little bit) wild.

So you’ve booked a family photo session (yay!) and now the panic sets in.“What if my toddler won’t smile?”“What if someone throws a tantrum?”“What if we get zero good pictures because someone’s pants are on backwards?!”

Take a deep breath. I’ve seen it all. And spoiler alert: the “imperfect” moments? They usually make the BEST photos (honesty time: mostly.). But just to help you feel extra prepared, here’s my totally official, 100% tested-and-approved guide to posing with young kids (and keeping them entertained long enough to get The Shot).

1. Don’t Aim for Perfect—Aim for Playful

If your goal is everyone smiling, standing in a line, with angelic glows on their faces… you might be setting yourself up for stress. (And possibly a meltdown. Yours or theirs.) Instead, we’re going for real moments. A snuggle. A tickle. A game of chase. That sweet forehead kiss. The way your toddler grabs your face when they’re excited. Those are the moments that tell your story.

Pro tip: Movement > perfection. Let’s play, not pose.

Who doesn't like a fun game of twister with Dad? Also: adorable.

2. Bring the Bribes (Zero Judgment Here)

Goldfish crackers, mini marshmallows, fruit snacks, tiny dinosaurs, stickers—whatever your kiddo LOVES, bring it. Better yet, hide it and let me use it like a magician with an emergency snack wand. Just remember: chocolate melts. Especially in the Texas heat.

Bonus: I also keep emergency bubbles, silly noises, and possibly a stuffed flamingo in my bag. You never know. Just don't be alarmed by the random fart noises.

3. Sit, Sway, and Squish Together

Posing tip: If your toddler is on the go (aka, in my experience, ALL toddlers), we’ll work with it, not against it. We might do seated cuddles on a blanket, hold-hands-and-walk shots, or have you toss your little one in the air (bonus smiles and cardio!). No stiff, frozen poses here.

This little lady liked the look of this bench. Excellent eye, my dear. The bench lines give some fun perspective to this shot. Allow the littles to control the pace and see where it takes you.

Pose ideas that actually work:

• Sit together and let them crawl into your lap.

• Pick them up and swing side to side.

• Whisper a secret in their ear (they LOVE this).

• Group hug + tickle attack.

• Bubbles! (Also, they photograph really well, especially when backlit with golden sunshine.)

  
  

4. Let Them Be a Little Wild

Listen, no kid wants to stand still and smile for an hour. And I don’t want them to! I want them to run, jump, twirl, laugh, squish your cheeks, and make silly faces. Those are the memories that matter. Let them be goofy—we’ll capture the magic in between.

Bonus: Those wild “blooper” shots? They often end up being favorites.

Family photos? No thank you. Gathering leaves? Yes please. Work with your toddler because, trust me, that's the best way to get authentic smiles.

5. Don’t Stress—Kids Can Smell It

Okay, maybe not literally, but they do pick up on tension. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they’ll be. So even if they’re spinning in circles yelling about dinosaurs, trust me: I’m used to it, I’m capturing it, and it’s going to be so good.

Also, you looking lovingly at your child while they do chaos? It’s pure art. Frame it.

6. Trust the Process (and Your Photographer)

Kids are unpredictable, sessions are never “perfect,” and that’s what makes them beautiful. I’ll guide the flow, keep things moving, and give gentle direction that keeps everyone looking and feeling their best—even if someone is mid-tantrum in Paw Patrol pajamas.

All you have to do is show up, love on your kids, and laugh when things go sideways.

Final Thoughts (From Your Chaos Coordinator/Photographer)

If your child throws dirt, picks their nose, refuses to wear shoes, or licks their sibling mid-photo… it’s okay. It’s part of the story, and honestly? I’m here for it.

I’ve worked with toddlers, babies, big kids, tired parents, and snack-fueled meltdowns—and somehow, we always end up with something magical.

Want to chat about a family session with your little wild ones? I'm always happy to strategize with my mommas and game plan our best photo day strategy together. Let's wrangle those little ones so that one day, long from now, when they are in therapy blaming you for their childhood trauma, you have photo evidence that you were a pretty kick-a** momma.

(Joking. Mostly.)