Worried your kids won’t behave?

As an Interior BC and Alberta photographer and mom of 3 children, I completely understand your angst.

“Help! what if my kids don’t behave during our family photoshoot?”

Why You Can Breathe Easy and Expect Real, Beautiful Moments Instead

Let’s be real—if you’re a parent, chances are you’ve worried (at least a little) about your kids’ behavior during family photos. What if they won’t smile? What if they melt down? What if the whole thing turns into chaos?

I hear you—and I’ve got good news.

You don’t need perfectly behaved kids for a family photoshoot to be a success. In fact, some of the best moments come from the real, unscripted, wiggly energy your children naturally bring to the session.

Let me explain why you can let go of the pressure and trust that your family session will be a day to remember—no matter how your kids show up that day.

1. My photoshoots aren’t stiff, stuffed, or boring—so kids stay engaged

Gone are the days of lining up in uncomfortable clothes, plastering on fake smiles, and hearing “Say cheese!” for an hour. That’s not my style.

My sessions are designed to feel more like play than a portrait. We move. We explore. We laugh. Whether it’s a game of tag, a leaf fight, a twirl in mom’s dress, or a silly whisper in dad’s ear, the shoot is interactive and fun—for everyone, especially your kids.

This kind of relaxed, movement-based session helps children stay engaged, curious, and open. And when kids are having fun, they don’t “misbehave”—they shine.

2. I’m a pro at working with kids (even the spirited, shy, or strong-willed ones)

You don’t need to worry about whether your child is “easy to photograph.” I’ve worked with kids of all temperaments—wildly energetic, painfully shy, sensitive, stubborn, and everything in between.

And here’s the thing: I don’t need them to act a certain way. I meet them where they are.

If your child is high-energy, we’ll move with that energy—jumping, running, swinging, twirling. If they’re slow to warm up, we’ll take our time. I know how to read the room and gently draw out those genuine, beautiful expressions in a way that’s never forced.

The goal isn’t a “perfectly posed” family—it’s to capture the connection and personality that makes your family special.

3. Please don’t bribe them—Here’s what to do instead

It’s natural to want everything to go smoothly, and it’s tempting to say something like,
“If you’re good for photos, we’ll get ice cream after.”

But here’s the catch: That kind of language tells kids the photoshoot is something to get through—a chore or a test they need to pass.

Instead, try framing it as an adventure.
Say things like:

• “We’re going to play in a beautiful field and explore!”

• “Our photographer is so fun—you’ll get to run and play and snuggle with us!”

• “We’re going to make some special memories together!”

This creates anticipation and curiosity, not dread. And when kids feel like they’re going on a mini adventure, their natural excitement and engagement shines through in every photo.

4. It’s okay if things don’t go “perfectly”

Maybe your toddler skips her nap.
Maybe your preschooler refuses to wear the shirt you picked.
Maybe someone trips and gets a grass stain five minutes in.

Guess what? None of that ruins the photos.

Real moments are far more powerful than perfect ones. A spontaneous giggle, a teary-eyed hug, a windswept twirl—these are the little slices of life that tell your family’s story. And those are the moments I’m looking for.

Even if it feels chaotic in the moment, trust me when I say: You’ll be amazed at what I can capture.

5. You can relax—You don’t have to “manage” the kids

During your session, your only job is to love on your people.
Let me handle the kids.

I’ve got games, tricks, prompts, and a toolkit full of ways to draw out joy, connection, and authentic expressions. You don’t need to tell them to smile, bribe them, or worry if they’re being “difficult.” I’ve got it.

In fact, the more relaxed you are, the more your kids will relax too. When parents trust the process, kids pick up on that vibe and feel safe to just be themselves.

6. The photos you’ll treasure most aren’t the “perfect” ones

You might come in hoping for that one image—everyone smiling, looking at the camera, perfectly posed. And yes, we’ll try for that if it matters to you.

But often, the photo that tugs your heartstrings the most isn’t the one where everyone is perfectly still.

It’s the one where your daughter is laughing up at you mid-snuggle.
Or your son is squishing your cheeks with sticky hands.
Or the whole family is walking hand in hand, wild hair and wrinkled clothes, full of love.

That’s your life. That’s your love. And that’s what we’ll capture.

7. Final thoughts: let go of the pressure, and let the memories happen

I get it—you’ve probably invested time, energy, and maybe even some bribery-level snacks into this session. You want it to be worth it. But the best way to guarantee that?

Let go of the pressure.

Trust your kids to show up as they are. Trust me to meet them there. And trust that what we’ll create together will be better than perfect—it’ll be real, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

Family photos aren’t just about how you look—they’re about how it felt to be there, to love, to connect, to laugh. And I promise, we’ll capture all of it.

So breathe easy, mama. You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.

“i’ve had a few professional photoshoots and I have to say, Jackie is my favourite by far. She’s always been on time and brings such a warm and welcoming energy that my nerves go right out the door. My toddler has a lot of energy and is hard to get photos of him myself, but somehow Jackie always gets such beautiful photos of him even when he’s on the move.. constantly.

I cannot get over how beautiful all the photos turn out and how she captures the loving mood in them. They don’t feel flat.”

-Taylor