Some kids walk into the studio ready to show off, and others want nothing to do with the camera. Both are completely fine. As a children’s photographer in Berks County, I see it all the time. Some kids are shy, some hate being told to “stand still and smile,” and some just do not enjoy the idea of posing at all. That is okay, because my studio sessions are never about stiff poses anyway. They are about letting kids relax, have fun, and show who they really are.
Start With Conversation
The session begins before I even lift the camera. I spend time chatting with kids about their favorite shows, snacks, or hobbies. Once they see that I care about what they actually like, the nerves start to fade.
Keep It Playful
Kids who do not like posing usually thrive once the pressure is gone. I use silly sounds, quick games, or let them show me their favorite moves. Sometimes it means bringing along a stuffed animal or toy they love. A little play flips the switch, and suddenly they are laughing, being themselves, and forgetting all about the camera.
Give Them Breaks
Kids get tired, and forcing them to keep going only makes things harder. If a child needs a reset, we take one. Sometimes a snack, a walk around the studio, or a few minutes in the play area is exactly what they need. Breaks are not interruptions, they are part of keeping the session fun and stress free.
Parents Make a Difference
Parents set the tone in the studio. Kids notice your energy right away. If you are calm, encouraging, and relaxed, they will be too. Some of my favorite portraits happen when parents cheer from the couch and let me lead, because kids pick up on that calm and feel free to just be themselves.
The Photos That End Up on Your Wall
The best photos are never about stiff poses. They are about catching kids as they are. A quick laugh, a silly face, or the way they focus intently on something small often becomes the portrait parents love most. These are the moments that show your child’s personality, not just their “picture smile.”
A Studio Made for Kids
Studio photography is never about perfection. It is about letting kids be who they are. When the studio is fun and flexible, kids loosen up. Even the ones who say they hate the camera end up laughing, playing, and showing off their personality. Those are the portraits families treasure most, because they show their child exactly as they were in that age.
