Pensacola Beach Vacation Family Photos
Hey, moms and dads!
I get it — you want your kids to behave during your family photo session. You want sweet smiles, happy hugs, and maybe even a few dreamy “everyone looking at the camera” shots. And you know what? So do I!
But here’s the thing: kids are kids. They get excited. They get wiggly. They might run when we say “stand still,” and they might laugh uncontrollably when we ask for a serious face. And that’s okay! In fact, that’s the magic.
Family Photo Tips – No Discipline Zone
I’ve seen it a lot — a kid starts getting a little too silly, and a parent, understandably wanting everything to go perfectly, steps in with a scolding or a pop on the bottom. Totally normal parenting move, but during a photo session? It almost always leads to frowns, pouting, tears… and a whole different kind of memory than the one you’re hoping to hang on your wall.
That’s why I lovingly ask all my families to treat your photo session as a No-Discipline Zone. Just for 45 minutes.
(Of course, safety first — if your child is about to dive headfirst into the ocean or sprint into traffic, by all means, scoop them up!)
But for everything else — let’s give our kids (and ourselves) a little grace. Let’s keep the mood light, keep the smiles coming, and just embrace whatever joyful chaos happens. Because when you look back at these photos, you won’t care that your little guy wouldn’t sit still for a “perfect” picture — you’ll see that sparkle in his eye, that genuine giggle, and that is what you’ll treasure forever.
A few things to remember during your session:
- Smile at your family like you really like them (because you do!).
- Laugh off the wiggles and sillies — they’re part of the story.
- Think about how much you love these people standing beside you.
- Trust me! I have lots of tricks and games up my sleeve to help your kids stay engaged, move their energy in positive ways, and bring out those natural smiles.
- Reward the good vibes. Consider telling your kiddos ahead of time that after photos, you’ll grab ice cream, hit the playground, or have a special treat. It gives them something to look forward to and helps keep the excitement going.
And dads, I’m especially talking to you here — I know you want to help. I know you want everything to go smoothly. But believe it or not, a laid-back, easygoing attitude actually gets better photos! Your relaxed energy will rub off on the whole family (and make the whole experience way more fun for you, too).
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection. It’s about joy. It’s about love. It’s about freezing this stage of your family’s story exactly as it is — wild, sweet, and completely yours.
And honestly? It’ll be over before you know it. Let’s make it a memory worth keeping. 💛
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