Tips from a Baltimore Family Photographer

If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids to cooperate for family photos, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns I hear from families here in Baltimore. Parents want beautiful, connected images to hang on their walls — but they worry their kids won’t “behave” or will have a tough time during the session.

Here’s the truth: kids are people, too. Just like adults, they have good days and harder days. They might feel shy, silly, or a little wild — and that’s okay. My goal as your photographer is to take the pressure off everyone (kids included!) and make the process fun and low-stress. Because when your kids feel relaxed and free to be themselves, that’s when the magic happens.

Here are my favorite tips for helping kids have fun — and for creating family photos you’ll love for years to come.

Before the Session

– Keep the day light. Avoid overscheduling or running errands right before photos. A calm day helps prevent overstimulation and overtired kids.
– Make sure everyone is fed and rested. Happy tummies and enough rest go a long way in setting your kids up for success.
– Set expectations. Let your kids know that you’ll be spending time with a friend (that’s me!) who will take pictures while your family plays and has fun together.
– Play up the excitement. If your kids love dressing up, lean into it. Sometimes, being “fancy” makes the experience feel even more special.

During the Session

– Release expectations. Sometimes kids are shy, sometimes they’re silly — both are wonderful. I’ll meet your children exactly where they are.
– Skip the discipline. Please don’t feel pressured to correct or reprimand your kids during the session. It often makes them more resistant, and I’m not easily fazed by wild or spicy energy.
– Trust me to guide them. Kids are often more cooperative for a stranger than for their parents. If I need help, I’ll tag you in. Otherwise, relax and let me take the lead.
– Stay playful and connected. The more you let your guard down and enjoy your kids, the more natural and loving your photos will be.
– Embrace the wild. If your kids need to run, splash, or twirl, we’ll roll with it. I can capture everything I need in about 40 minutes — even with energetic little ones. Some of the best images come from letting kids be themselves.

After the Session

Help your kids associate family photos with fun by planning something special afterward:
– Stop for ice cream or hot chocolate
– Grab dinner at a diner and have “breakfast for dinner”
– Or keep it simple with their favorite snack waiting in the car

Even small traditions help kids see family photo sessions as a joyful experience rather than a chore.

The Bottom Line

If you’re wondering *how to get kids to cooperate for family photos,* remember: cooperation isn’t about controlling your child’s behavior. It’s creating an atmosphere where kids feel free to be themselves. That’s where the magic happens — in the laughter, the hugs, the silly moments, and even the wild energy.

As a Baltimore family photographer, I’ve guided many families through sessions just like this. I know how to meet your kids where they are and create images that celebrate your family’s story in this season of life.

Ready to plan a family photo session that feels fun, natural, and stress-free? Let’s start planning today.