What to Do When Your Kids Won’t Cooperate for Photos

Real-life advice from a mom (and photographer) of four

If your kids won’t cooperate for photos, trust me — you’re not the only parent dealing with that. As a mom of four (and a family photographer), I’ve seen it all: toddlers refusing to wear shoes, older kids who suddenly forget how to smile, and little ones who would rather run in circles than sit still.

Here’s the good news: those imperfect, wiggly, silly moments often make for the best family photos. Some of my favorite pictures of my boys are the ones where nobody is looking at the camera — they’re laughing, moving, and just being themselves.

But if you’re taking pictures of children (whether with your iPhone or during a professional session) and it feels like nothing’s working, here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make a big difference:

1. Keep it short

When you’re photographing toddlers or young kids, shorter is always better. Kids don’t love being told to sit still, so instead of dragging it out, snap a few quick photos and let them move on. Five minutes of fun usually beats twenty minutes of frustration.

2. Make it playful

Forget “say cheese.” Try asking your child to make their silliest face, roar like a dinosaur, or whisper something silly. If you’re using an iPhone, this is a great time to use burst mode — you’ll catch the giggles and in-between expressions that make photos feel real.

3. Embrace the chaos

Some of the best family photo tips I can give come down to this: let go of perfection. The photos where your kids are mid-giggle or tugging on each other’s sleeves often end up being the ones you’ll treasure most.

4. Take a break if you need to

If you’re photographing kids and a full-on meltdown starts, pause. Hand out snacks, give hugs, and try again later. Taking pictures of children should feel fun, not forced.

5. Don’t forget to hop in

Even if your kids are wiggly, get in the frame yourself. Years from now, you won’t care if someone was making a goofy face — you’ll just be grateful to see yourself in the photo with them.

So the next time your kids won’t cooperate for photos, don’t panic. Real life isn’t always neat and posed, and that’s okay. By keeping it playful and flexible, you’ll capture memories that feel authentic — and that’s what really matters.

If this post resonated and you’d love a few photos of your own kids just being themselves, fall is such a great time for family mini sessions. Nothing fancy — just fun, natural moments that capture your family the way it really is.