Every parent worries about this. What if they don’t sit still? What if they’re too shy? What if they’re way too wild? What if the whole thing feels like a disaster?
I hear these questions all the time during planning and I completely understand! Kids are unpredictable, and the truth is, that’s exactly what makes them so great. The good news is that I don’t expect children to behave like little statues in front of the camera. Everything about my Sinking Spring photo studio is designed to work with your child’s personality, not against it.
Why it’s okay if your child doesn’t “sit still”
Perfectly still kids with perfect smiles aren’t real life and they aren’t what you’ll want to remember years from now. Real family photography is about capturing who your children actually are right now: their goofy expressions, their curiosity, their energy, and yes, even their stubborn moments.
I follow their lead, keep the session fun and engaging, and let those giggles show up on their own. It always happens and parents are often surprised by how many beautiful moments come after they worrily asked, “are you getting anything right now?”
Creating a space where kids feel at home
One of the reasons families love coming to my Sinking Spring studio is because it’s set up with children in mind. There’s even a little play area with toys where kids can explore, settle in, and shake off the nerves before we get started. Sometimes we spend the first few minutes right there, just letting them play so they feel like they’re in their own space,instead of somewhere they’re expected to “behave perfectly.”
When children feel comfortable, they open up. And when they open up, that’s when the genuine laughter and personalities come through in your photos.
What happens if your child is shy (or extra energetic)
Not every child is outgoing, and that’s more than okay. Some kids need a few quiet minutes to warm up, while others run in ready to go. I’ve worked with both, and I adapt the session to fit their pace. For shy kids, that may mean taking it slow, letting them talk about their favorite toy, or keeping them close to you at first. For energetic kids, it might mean embracing the movement and building the session around games, tickles, or silly prompts.
The important thing is that they never feel pressured to “perform.” The goal is for your photos to reflect who they really are, whether that’s quiet and thoughtful or loud and full of belly laughs.
Why parents love this approach
One of the biggest reliefs for parents is realizing they don’t have to control every moment of the session. You don’t need to bribe your kids, threaten punishments, or constantly remind them to “be good.” When kids feel free to just be themselves, the photos are better, the parents relax, and the whole experience becomes something your family looks back on with a smile.
The photos you’ll take home
At the end of the day, you don’t walk away with pictures of stiff poses or forced smiles. You leave with photos that bring back memories of how your child laughed, said the most unexpected things, or made that funny expression you never want to forget.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Berks County who knows how to go with the flow, works with kids of all personalities, and makes photo day feel natural and enjoyable, I’d love to welcome you into my Sinking Spring studio. You’ll leave with photos that look and feel like your family, not a posed version of it.
