Worried Your Kids Won’t Cooperate for Photos? Here’s Why That’s Okay | Tips from a Minneapolis Photographer
You’ve been dreaming of hiring a photographer for a family session—but there’s a worry in the back of your mind. What if you invest your hard-earned money and your kids totally melt down? What if things don’t go as planned and you miss out on those dreamy, joy-filled photos full of connection and laughter?
I get it—life with little ones shifts by the minute. But here’s the good news: a beautiful session doesn’t require perfect behavior. With a little perspective (and some good old-fashioned grit), it can be magical—messy moments and all.
I’ve heard it all:
“My kids won’t last long.”
“What if they’re not in the mood or won’t listen?”
“My child is so shy—I’m worried they won’t even participate.”
“We’ve invested so much and just hope everyone cooperates.”
First, let me say—your worries are completely valid. It is vulnerable to invest in family photos when life with kids is beautifully unpredictable. You want to know that it’ll all be worth it—and I want that for you, too.
You know that old saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”? That’s my approach to photographing children. I can already hear the giggles as they take off running, the joy in their eyes as you chase after them, laughing right behind.
I once centered an entire session around a toddler who just wanted to run. No poses. No pressure. Just movement, freedom, and the magic of the moment. We followed their lead—and the result? A gallery full of photos that felt like that season of life.
Even through the big emotions, the meltdowns, and the chaos, I’m still quietly capturing the moments you don’t even realize are happening.
The way they reach for you when they’re overwhelmed.
The look on your face when you think no one’s watching.
The soft smile between the wiggles.
That’s the good stuff. These are the images that tell stories. YOUR story to be exact! Even in the wildest moments, this is exactly what I’m looking for.
Yes, we’ll still capture those beautiful, joy-filled images—the ones you’ll frame, send to family, and treasure for years. But we’ll also capture the truth of your connection. And that’s what makes your photos truly matter.
The wild, unpredictable moments? They’re not disruptions. They’re the very moments you actually want! The ones that will take you back someday.
I know the pressure can creep in—you want everyone to “behave,” to smile, to stay calm. But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t what we’ll remember. It’s the feelings. The connection. The love in the in-between.
So if your toddler melts down, needs a break, or turns the session into a full-on adventure... you’re not failing. You’re doing everything right.
My job is to meet your family exactly where you are—with patience, empathy, and an eye for the beauty unfolding in real time. These are the years of movement, energy, and unpredictability. Let’s lean into it—not fight it.
A few tips to help things flow:
Breaks are magic. To reset energy.
Nature helps. Bugs, flowers, sticks—simple things can ground curious little minds.
Let them lead. A little autonomy can go a long way.
Stay flexible. Offer ideas, but be willing to pivot or revisit them later in the session.
You’ve got this.
Let’s redefine what “beautiful photos” really are—so when your session unfolds differently than you imagined, you can still feel confident in the outcome. These photos are a portal into your story. And that story deserves to be remembered just as it was.
I hope this helps. :)
Warmly,
Angela Gonzalez