The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session

Are you planning a photo session for your family and worried about how your kids will behave?

In this post I’m going to share with you one simple tip to help get your kids to cooperate during a photo session!

silly brothers on bench in front of pittsburgh home for a photo session The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


A lot of parents (including myself) tend to use begging, bribery and maybe some gentle threats to ensure their kids will be on their best behavior for the photographer and to smile and “act normal” for the camera.

But guess what? I don’t want you to threaten them with taking their screen-time away and I don’t want you to bribe them with ice cream.  You don’t even have to tell them they need to smile, behave or act normal!

mom with son in grass smiling at each other  The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Instead, this is what you should say to them…

“On [insert day here] we’re going to meet this super awesome lady named Mary Beth. (no lies here, I’m actually pretty awesome). She’s going to come hang out with us and we’re going to go for a walk/play/run around/explore/climb trees/throw rocks in the creek [pick the right one for you!] and she’s is going to bring her camera and take some pictures of us having fun!”

mother and daughter snuggling on a bench photo session The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Yep.  That’s it.  

You don’t even have to tell them to “say cheese” (let’s avoid those forced smiles) and don’t tell them to be on their best behavior because they’ll be less likely to just relax and have fun with me. Just let them know we’re all going to have a fun time together and I’ll just happen to bring my camera along.

This strategy takes the stress of them and it takes the stress off of you.

dad helping daughter up hill while hiking in Frick park pittsburgh The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Listen, I know you’re probably worried they’re still going to be a little crazy. It’s ok, trust me, I’ve been doing this for 12 years AND I have three boys of my own who’ve given me LOTS of practice and tons of ideas for handling all kinds of behavior. 

Also, our kids almost always behave better for someone other than their Mom.  Besides, I love me some chaotic fun and I love to photograph it. 

By the way, this strategy also works on dads who are not 100% on board with this whole family photo session thing…and trust me, I’m married to one of those. 


Want more tips and tricks?
Let’s connect over on Facebook



If you are interested in a Family photo session, here are the details.

I’d love to plan a session for your family! 
Just shoot me a message!


Do you have other questions or concerns about a photo session?
Please get in touch to ask me anything or to book your session!  

~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in lifestyle newborn photography in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.  

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The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session

Are you planning a photo session for your family and worried about how your kids will behave?

In this post I’m going to share with you one simple tip to help get your kids to cooperate during a photo session!

silly brothers on bench in front of pittsburgh home for a photo session The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


A lot of parents (including myself) tend to use begging, bribery and maybe some gentle threats to ensure their kids will be on their best behavior for the photographer and to smile and “act normal” for the camera.

But guess what? I don’t want you to threaten them with taking their screen-time away and I don’t want you to bribe them with ice cream.  You don’t even have to tell them they need to smile, behave or act normal!

mom with son in grass smiling at each other  The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Instead, this is what you should say to them…

“On [insert day here] we’re going to meet this super awesome lady named Mary Beth. (no lies here, I’m actually pretty awesome). She’s going to come hang out with us and we’re going to go for a walk/play/run around/explore/climb trees/throw rocks in the creek [pick the right one for you!] and she’s is going to bring her camera and take some pictures of us having fun!”

mother and daughter snuggling on a bench photo session The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Yep.  That’s it.  

You don’t even have to tell them to “say cheese” (let’s avoid those forced smiles) and don’t tell them to be on their best behavior because they’ll be less likely to just relax and have fun with me. Just let them know we’re all going to have a fun time together and I’ll just happen to bring my camera along.

This strategy takes the stress of them and it takes the stress off of you.

dad helping daughter up hill while hiking in Frick park pittsburgh The number one tip to get your kids to behave during a photo session


Listen, I know you’re probably worried they’re still going to be a little crazy. It’s ok, trust me, I’ve been doing this for 12 years AND I have three boys of my own who’ve given me LOTS of practice and tons of ideas for handling all kinds of behavior. 

Also, our kids almost always behave better for someone other than their Mom.  Besides, I love me some chaotic fun and I love to photograph it. 

By the way, this strategy also works on dads who are not 100% on board with this whole family photo session thing…and trust me, I’m married to one of those. 


Want more tips and tricks?
Let’s connect over on Facebook



If you are interested in a Family photo session, here are the details.

I’d love to plan a session for your family! 
Just shoot me a message!


Do you have other questions or concerns about a photo session?
Please get in touch to ask me anything or to book your session!  

~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in lifestyle newborn photography in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.  

Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

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724.371.6575
mbmillerphoto.com

best newborn photographers in Pittsburgh Expertise logo award
PPA Professional Photographer Of America

Mary Beth Miller Photography

The facebook logo in a circle.
The instagram icon on a black background.
best newborn photographers in Pittsburgh Expertise logo award
PPA Professional Photographer Of America

724.371.6575

Mary Beth Miller PHotography