What If My Kids Don’t Behave During Family Photos?

Let me say this first, they won’t “behave”.

And that’s fine.

Actually, expected.

If your children arrive calm, quiet, and cooperative… I will assume they’ve been replaced by actors.

Real kids wiggle. Cry. Refuse. Laugh hysterically. Run away mid-photo. Demand snacks like tiny negotiators.

This is not failure.

This is childhood.

My Job is Built Around Chaos

Family photography is not about forcing obedience.

It’s about working with energy instead of fighting it.

I expect:

✔ meltdowns

✔ snack breaks

✔ bribery

✔ wild running

✔ emotional plot twists

And I photograph through all of it.

Some of the best images happen in the in-between moments parents think are disasters.

The Secret: We Don’t Chase Perfect

The goal isn’t stillness.

It’s connection.

A laughing cuddle after tears.

A parent comforting a frustrated toddler.

Siblings collapsing into each other mid-giggle.

That’s the stuff that ages beautifully.

Not stiff smiles.

You Cannot Ruin This Session

You cannot bring the wrong energy.

Your kids cannot fail.

Nothing is wasted.

The only job parents have is to show up and love their children loudly.

I’ll handle the rest.

Ready for a Session That Welcomes Real Life?

If you want family photography in Canberra that embraces the chaos instead of pretending it doesn’t exist:

Messy is welcome here.

Always.