Kid-Led Family Photography: Why I Won’t be Saying “Say Cheese”

October 9, 2024

Emily Gbadamosi

At Emily Woodall Photography, things feel different—and that’s on purpose. My sessions aren’t just about taking photos; they’re about capturing the real moments—the laughter, the connection, the quiet joy you share with your family. I want your session to feel like time well spent together, where your kids can explore, play, and just be themselves. No stiff poses, no forced smiles, just you and your family, as you are.

You won’t hear me saying, “Say cheese.” Here’s why.

Getting Down to Their Level

The best way to capture real moments is through kid-led family photography. Instead of standing back and directing the session from afar, I get down on their level. I let them explore the space, talk directly to them (not the parents), ask questions, and show genuine interest in their world. This helps them feel comfortable and seen, which leads to authentic, joyful expressions that simply can’t be forced.

Kids and parents fall on each other during a kid-led family photography session in San Francisco
Kids laugh uncontrollably during a kid-led family photography session in San Francisco.

Why a Kid-Led Session Works

Moms always want that one perfect shot of everyone smiling at the camera—and we get that, but in kid-led family photography, that shot happens naturally. When the focus is on play, fun, and exploration, the pressure is off for both the kids and the parents. Moms especially feel more at ease when their children are happy and engaged. By letting kids take the lead, the session becomes more like an adventure. The kids’ natural curiosity and need for play guide us, making every moment more exciting and unpredictable, which leads to incredible photos.

We don’t stay in one place too long because, let’s be honest, that’s when the boredom—and the whining—starts. Instead, we’re constantly switching it up with games, silly moves, and even a little dancing. It becomes an hour of fun, and the photos are just a bonus!

Handling Different Kid Personalities

Every child is different, and kid-led family photography embraces that. Whether your child is full of energy, running from place to place, or more reserved and shy, we’ll work together to bring out the best in both. For the high-energy kid, we’ll channel that excitement into fun games and activities, like dancing, running into mom and dad’s arms, or playing a game of “crash” (a fan favorite!). For the quieter child, we’ll take it slow, allow them time to warm up, and capture their beautiful, thoughtful moments as they unfold naturally. The goal is to make every child feel comfortable, no matter their personality, and capture their unique spirit.

Creating Connection Through Play

The heart of my sessions is capturing the connection between you and your family. But how do we create those moments of connection? Simple—we make them happen. Kids love doing something new, silly, or fun. One of my favorite games is “crash,” where kids run into their parents’ arms. Or we might play a game where they tell a secret or share a giggle. These aren’t just distractions; they create real, emotional moments that lead to genuine smiles and laughter. And those are the moments you’ll treasure.

What to Expect During the Session

Parents often wonder how they can prepare their kids for a session (beyond planning your outfits). The beauty of a kid-led session is that there’s really no pressure to “prepare” the way you might for a traditional shoot. However, here’s what I recommend: encourage your kids to see the session as playtime, not picture time. You don’t have to worry about getting them to “perform.” Once we start, they’ll be running around, exploring, and having fun before they know it. And when they’re happy, you’ll feel more relaxed, too! My goal is for the session to feel more like a fun family outing rather than a chore on your to-do list.

Why It Matters

Your child’s personality right now is unique and precious. They won’t stay this little forever, and these genuine, candid moments are a snapshot of who they truly are at this age. My sessions are about more than getting the “perfect” photo; they’re about preserving the moments you’ll want to remember—the joy, the silliness, and even the serious expressions that capture the essence of who they are.

Mom and Dad play with kids during a kid-led family photography session in Walnut Creek
Mom and Dad hold little girl as she smiles at the camera.

Real Results, Real Joy

Kid-led sessions are almost always a success, even though they may not look like the traditional portrait sessions you’re used to. Instead of stiff, posed photos, you’ll get images that reflect real moments—ones you’ll gush over again and again. One client recently told me, “These pictures are so, so, so good! You gave us perfect pictures. We love them!”

That’s what it’s all about—photos that feel perfect because they’re real.

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