As a Brisbane-based family photographer with years of experience capturing authentic moments, I know firsthand that kids bring energy, unpredictability, and lots of personality to every session. But if you’re a parent worried your little one won’t sit still or smile on cue, don’t stress! The best family portraits often come from candid, playful moments — when kids are just being kids.
Here’s how I make photoshoots fun, relaxed, and memorable for children (and parents too!), plus a few tips to help you prepare your family for a joyful experience.
1. Set the Tone Beforehand
Kids are intuitive — they pick up on your mood and expectations. If you’re stressed, rushing, or overly focused on perfection, your child may feel pressure too.
Tip for parents:
- Talk about the photoshoot like it’s an adventure or a playdate, not a formal appointment.
- Show them a few photos from past sessions to help them get excited.
- Pack their favourite toy or snack to bring a sense of comfort and familiarity.
The goal is to set positive expectations: this isn’t about posing perfectly, it’s about having fun and making memories.
2. Choose Kid-Friendly Locations Around Brisbane
Location can make or break a child’s enjoyment. Luckily, Brisbane has no shortage of incredible outdoor spaces that double as play zones.
Some of my favourites include:
- New Farm Park: Open spaces, climbing trees, and a vibrant rose garden.
- Roma Street Parklands: Full of colour, winding paths, and great lighting.
- Shorncliffe Pier: A breezy waterfront spot with space to run.
- Your own backyard or home: Sometimes the most relaxed photos come from familiar spaces where kids feel totally at ease.
Choosing a location where kids can explore, run, or play makes it easier for me to capture genuine smiles and spontaneous moments.
3. Keep It Moving: Posing Isn’t Everything
Gone are the days of stiff, studio-style poses. Kids weren’t made to sit still — and that’s a good thing!
Instead of forcing poses, I encourage movement:
- Jumping
- Running toward the camera
- Spinning with Mum or Dad
- Playing chase
These actions often lead to big laughs, joyful expressions, and a gallery full of authentic moments. I’ll guide gently, but never force, allowing your child’s natural personality to shine.
4. Games, Prompts & Silly Sounds
One of my secrets? Turning the session into playtime.
Depending on your child’s age and personality, I’ll use fun prompts or games like:
- “Who has the stinkiest feet?” (cue giggles!)
- “Let’s pretend we’re dinosaurs for 10 seconds.”
- “Run and give Mum the biggest bear hug!”
- “Freeze dance” or “Simon Says”
Silly sounds and animal noises work wonders with toddlers, while older kids often love a bit of fun competition (“Who can jump the highest?”).
These mini-games create natural opportunities for interaction, laughter, and connection.
5. Timing Is Everything
Every parent knows the difference between a well-rested child and an overtired one.
I always recommend booking sessions:
- After naps for toddlers
- When kids are fed and hydrated
- At times when they’re usually at their happiest (often early morning or late afternoon)
Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives beautiful lighting and, surprisingly, many kids love the novelty of an early morning adventure!
6. Go With the Flow: Embrace the Unexpected
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan — and that’s okay. Tantrums, giggle fits, or snack breaks might happen, but they don’t ruin the session.
In fact, some of the most touching photos come from those in-between moments: a cuddle after tears, a shared snack, a quiet moment in Mum’s arms.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.
7. Let Them Be Little
The magic of childhood is in the messiness — crooked pigtails, grass-stained knees, and wide-eyed wonder.
Allowing your children to be themselves, without pressure to “behave” or smile on demand, helps me create portraits that reflect your family’s true story.
As a parent, the best thing you can do is relax and be present. I’ll take care of the rest.
8. Bonus: Involve Siblings in Creative Ways
Sibling shots can be both heartwarming and hilarious. To avoid awkwardness or bickering, I might:
- Ask them to whisper a secret
- Have them tell each other jokes
- Get them to do a “sneaky tickle”
Encouraging natural interaction helps create those genuine moments of love, rivalry, and connection that define sibling relationships.
9. Trust the Process — and the Photographer
You’ve chosen your photographer for a reason — trust that I’ve got the experience, tools, and tricks to bring out the best in your family.
Even if it feels chaotic in the moment, you’d be surprised how many beautiful images come out of what feels like a whirlwind session.
As a Brisbane family photographer, I know how to work with the light, location, and little personalities in front of my lens.
Ready to Capture the Magic?
Childhood moves fast — one minute they’re crawling, the next they’re starting school. There’s no better time than now to freeze those joyful, fleeting moments in time.
Let’s create a photoshoot experience that your kids actually enjoy and that you’ll treasure forever.
Whether it’s at the park, beach, or your own home, we’ll capture that wild, wonderful energy that makes your family uniquely yours.
Ready to book your family photoshoot in Brisbane? Let’s chat and plan something truly special.
