Every parent wants fun family photos that show your real personalities—not stiff smiles or forced poses. But if your kids are camera-shy (or just not in the mood), it can feel impossible to get those genuine, joy-filled shots you were hoping for.
The good news? You can have fun family photos, even if your child tends to hide behind your leg or avoid eye contact with the lens. It just takes the right approach, a little patience, and a whole lot of play.
As a San Diego family photographer, I specialize in helping families relax and enjoy the moment—because the best photos happen when you’re truly having fun! Let’s dive into how to make that happen, even if your little one isn’t thrilled about being in front of the camera.
Make it Playful
The quickest way to turn awkward into awesome? Play. Kids don’t naturally want to sit still and smile for a camera, and honestly, I don’t blame them. Instead of trying to force traditional poses, I encourage movement, games, and imagination. Want your child to laugh? Let’s have them chase bubbles. Want a sweet sibling photo? Let’s play a game of follow the leader.
Playful prompts not only help kids feel comfortable, but they also create natural expressions that are way better than “say cheese.” Whether it’s a round of Simon Says or a silly dance-off, incorporating play helps the session feel like an experience, not a chore. And when your kids are having fun, it shows in every single photo.
If you’re kids are taking a while to loosen up, my biggest tip is to keep it light. I’ve seen plenty of moments where kids get a light scolding for not paying attention, but it tends to sour the entire rest of the shoot. By keeping everything light, they’re more likely to come out of their shell naturally, and everyone can have fun!
Keep Things Moving
One of the secrets to fun family photos is to keep the energy up. Long, slow sessions can lose kids’ attention quickly, especially younger ones who just don’t want to stay in one place for too long. That’s why I like to keep the pace dynamic and responsive. During a family photo session with me, we’ll be switching things up often, moving to different spots, or trying out new prompts on the fly.
When your child senses that this isn’t a rigid, structured event, they relax. And when we can move from one fun family activity to the next, it doesn’t give them much time to get bored or anxious. I’ll often guide families through a series of fast-paced moments, like walking hand-in-hand, tickle fights, or jumping contests. The key is keeping things light and flexible, so the session flows in a way that feels natural.
Choose the Right Setting
Location makes a big difference when you’re trying to get those effortless, fun family photos. For camera-shy kids especially, a familiar or exciting environment can help them open up and feel more at ease.
We can meet at a place your family already loves—like your favorite beach spot, the park where you always go on weekends, or even your own backyard. Sometimes, being on “home turf” helps kids feel more confident and playful.
For families who want something new, I also have a list of beautiful San Diego locations that are perfect for family sessions. I’ll help you pick one that matches your family’s vibe, whether that’s a nature trail with space to run, a colorful mural backdrop downtown, or a quiet garden that gives your little ones room to explore.
My Approach for Shy Kids
Every child is different, and I always take the time to understand what each kid needs in order to feel safe and confident. If I notice your child is feeling shy, I never rush or pressure them. Instead, I start with gentle interactions, let them observe, and allow space for their personality to shine when they’re ready.
One of my favorite things to do is involve kids in the process. I might let them “help” by pressing the shutter button (don’t worry, I’ll guide them!), or show them a fun prop they can play with. I also talk directly to them, not just through you, so they feel like they’re a part of the experience and not just along for the ride.
And sometimes, we just need to give them time. I always build in space in my sessions to allow shy kids to warm up at their own pace. Before we even start, we’ll spend some time getting to know each other and just chatting. By the time I start pressing the shutter button, they won’t even realize it’s photo shoot time–it all happens naturally.
Often, those quiet beginnings turn into the most joyful photos by the end. Because when your child realizes this is fun, not stressful, that’s when the magic happens.
Final Tips for Parents
A great photoshoot starts before I even get there. Especially if you have young ones, it always helps set the stage for successful and fun family photos. Otherwise, kids can act out when they’re not sure what’s going on. I get it–if I’m ever in front of the camera, I need my prep time too!
Here are a few simple things you can do to prepare kids before and during the session:
- Talk it up beforehand: Let your kids know you’re doing something fun as a family—not something they have to “perform” for.
- Make sure everyone’s fed and rested: A good snack and nap before can go a long way. Plus, it’s always great to have some food on hand during the photo shoot.
- Bring a comfort item if needed: If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or toy, we can incorporate it into a few shots.
- Trust the process: It’s okay if your child doesn’t smile right away. I promise I’ll capture those moments when they do.
And remember: we’re not aiming for perfection. We’re aiming for connection. Sometimes, the best photo isn’t the one where everyone is looking at the camera—it’s the one where you’re all giggling together, or your child is wrapped up in a hug. That’s what fun family photos are really all about.
Let’s Make Your Photo Sessions Fun!
At the end of the day, you don’t need perfectly behaved kids or model-level confidence to get photos you’ll love. You just need a photographer who knows how to bring out the best in your family, and that’s where I come in.
My goal is always to create an experience that feels joyful, easy, and memorable. Whether we’re climbing over rocks at the beach, playing tag in a field, or just sharing a quiet moment on a blanket, I’ll help guide you through every step of the session so you can focus on what matters: being together.
If you’re ready to book a session for fun family photos that actually feel fun (even with a camera-shy kid), I’d love to chat! Let’s create images that reflect your family’s real connection—playful, beautiful, and perfectly you.
Get in touch to start planning your session today!
