Let’s be real—getting kids excited for family photos can feel like trying to convince a toddler that bedtime is fun. (Spoiler: It’s not.) As an Atlanta photographer (and a mom of four!), I’ve learned a thing or two about turning photo sessions from meltdown city to fun memory-making time.

So, if you’re gearing up for family pictures, school portraits, or sports photos and your kids are less than thrilled, here are five ways to pump them up—without resorting to a last-minute candy bribe. (Okay… maybe just a little.)

1. Hype It Up Like It’s the Best Day Ever

Your kids will match your energy. If you’re stressing about outfits and dreading the session, they’ll pick up on it faster than they hear a crinkling snack wrapper from across the house.

Try this instead:

• Talk about the session like it’s an adventure. “We’re going to take awesome pictures today! We’ll laugh, play, and have so much fun.”
• Let them know the photographer (hey, that’s me!) is cool and fun—not some scary person making them pose like statues.
• Make it a special event—plan a post-session ice cream stop or a fun family activity to keep the excitement going. My girls LOVE getting “ice cream for dinner” after a session.

2. Let Them Be Themselves

If your kid is naturally silly, let them be silly! If they’re more reserved, let them warm up. Nothing makes a kid shut down faster than being told to “just smile” when they’re not feeling it.

As a photographer, I love capturing kids just as they are—whether they’re full of energy, a little shy, or somewhere in between. So, if your kid wants to strike a superhero pose, do a twirl, or show me their best ninja moves… I’m here for it!

3. Give Them Some Control

Kids love feeling like they have a say, so let them make small decisions about the session!

• Let them pick a pose or a “fun picture” after the “nice one.”
• Give them a small choice in outfits (“Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the green one?”).
• Let them bring a favorite toy or prop—sometimes holding something familiar helps them relax.

This little bit of control makes them feel like they’re part of the process, not just along for the ride.

4. Play the Secret Game

This is one of my favorite photographer tricks—and it works like magic.

Before the session, tell your kids they have a secret mission:

• Who can make the silliest face without laughing?
• Who can keep a fun secret between just them and the photographer?
• Who can sneak a “whisper giggle” into their sibling’s ear?

This turns the session into a fun game instead of a chore, and guess what? The best photos happen when kids are relaxed and having fun!

5. Expect the Unexpected & Roll With It

Let’s be honest—kids are wild cards. They might be all smiles one second and full-on gremlins the next. And that’s okay!

Instead of stressing over every little detail:

• Go with the flow—some of the best moments are the unplanned ones.
• Trust your photographer (hey, that’s me again!) to work their magic.
• Embrace the chaos—because let’s be real, that’s just part of parenting.

The best family photos aren’t the “perfectly posed” ones—they’re the ones where your kids are being themselves, laughing, and having fun.

Let’s Make Your Session Fun!

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth Atlanta photographer who will hype up your kids, make the session fun, and capture real, joyful moments, I’d love to work with you! Contact me here to book your session today!

Click here to see more of my work, check out www.afocusedlifephotography.com.

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