How to Keep Kids Engaged During Your Family Photoshoot

(Melbourne families — this one’s for you!)

If you’ve ever tried taking photos of your kids, you already know the truth: children have big feelings, big energy, and absolutely no interest in staying still and posing for photos just because a grown-up asked nicely.

And honestly? That’s what makes photographing them so fun!

As a Melbourne family photographer (previously in Perth!) who has spent over ten years photographing little humans with big personalities, I’ve learned that the most beautiful images come from leaning into who they are – not trying to control them.

If you’d like to see some of my favourite little personalities in action, you can take a peek at my Children’s Portfolio.

Here are some simple, real-life tips that help keep kids engaged, happy, and full of natural expressions during a photoshoot.

1. Keep the vibe relaxed

Kids are tiny emotional sponges! If the adults start stressing because things aren’t going “the way they should,” they pick it up straight away. So I always start my sessions with a deep breath and a relaxed, “whatever happens, happens” energy. Parents, take this as permission to let go. No need to make them sit still, listen, or act a certain way. Your job is simply to enjoy your kids being themselves.

Let your photographer take the lead. We’ve got a whole toolkit of tricks to softly guide little ones without forcing poses or fake smiles. And if I do need your help for a moment, I’ll let you know.

2. Become their buddy, not “the photographer lady”

Before I ever pick up my camera, I get down on their level and just… talk.

Kids don’t warm up to strangers who immediately start giving directions – but they do connect with people who are genuinely curious about them.

I’ll ask things like:
“What’s your favourite animal?”
“Are we pretending to be fairies or superheroes today?”
“Should we pretend this bush is a fairy house?”

“Should we do a serious walk… or a silly-sausage wiggle?”

When children feel seen, heard, and safe, they’ll happily let you into their little world – and that’s where the good stuff happens.

3. Let them explore — seriously!

Trying to make a child stand still in a gorgeous Melbourne park is like putting a puppy in a ball pit and saying, “Don’t touch anything.”

Let them move. Let them wander. Let them follow whatever fascinates them — sticks, leaves, puddles, birds, you name it.

Some of Melbourne’s best kid-friendly locations for exploring include:
• Jells Park – https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/parks
• Dandenong Ranges National Park – https://www.parks.vic.gov.au
• Warrandyte State Park – https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/warrandyte-sp

Some of my favourite candid portraits happen in between moments:
when they pause to smell a flower,
when they race their sibling,
when they spin so fast and they can’t stop giggling

Movement creates curiosity… and curiosity creates moments worth capturing.

4. Keep props simple and meaningful

Props don’t need to be fancy. In fact, the simpler they are, the more the focus stays on your little one.

Think:

• a small teddy bear
• a beautiful vintage book
• a little wooden plane or truck
• a basket to collect leaves
• a small musical instrument (kids guitar or ukulele)
• A radio flyer tricycle

Props give kids something to focus on, which is pure gold during a session. When their hands and minds are busy, they forget the camera is even there, and that’s when I can catch the most honest little moments.

When they’re turning the pages of a book, collecting leaves, or flying a tiny wooden plane, their attention shifts to the moment – not the camera! And that’s when I get those natural & candid expressions that every parent loves.

If you love vintage-inspired toys, Australian retailers like HipKids always have beautiful options:
https://www.hipkids.com.au

5. Shower them with encouragement

Kids LOVE being told they’re doing a great job.
(Adults do too, but kids show it more obviously!)

Positive feedback builds confidence and keeps them engaged longer.

Phrases like:
“You’re doing amazing!”
“That twirl was perfect, can you show me again?”
“You’re so good at this!”

…work wonders for older kids and toddlers alike. Encouragement turns the whole session into a game, not a task.

A little final note

If you’re photographing your own kids, remember this: the best images don’t come from perfect poses, they come from real moments.

Let them be little. Let them be wild. Let them be themselves.

And if you ever want those magical, heartfelt, whimsical portraits without having to juggle snacks, meltdowns, and your camera at the same time… I’d love to photograph your family here in Melbourne.

You can learn more about family sessions on my Family Page or get in touch anytime through my Contact Page.

Sacred Seed Photography

I am a Melbourne children’s photographer creating whimsical, heartfelt portraits across the Eastern suburbs — including Doncaster, Templestowe, Ringwood, Ferntree Gully, The Basin, Park Orchards, Warrandyte, and surrounding areas.