How I Handle Big Feelings During Family Photo Sessions | Arkansas Family Photographer
- kalenekemp
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Family photo sessions are full of movement, emotion, and connection; and sometimes, big feelings too.
If you’ve ever worried about how your child might behave during photos, I want you to take a deep breath. There is no “perfect behavior” required here. Children are tiny humans with emotions, needs, and opinions, and that is not something I ever try to work against.
As a Central Arkansas family photographer based in Conway, my approach is rooted in creating space for kids to feel safe, relaxed, and fully themselves. Because when that happens, we don’t just get beautiful photos, we get meaningful ones.
"Because Kalen gave her the space to just feel her feelings, and then run around and do what she wanted to do, the pictures really captured my daughter’s personality without the pressure of being posed and perfect."
- Katelyn S.
Let’s talk about how I gently guide sessions when kids need extra time, comfort, or freedom to settle in.
First Things First: Traditional photoshoots aren't child-friendly.
Kids get tired.
Kids get overwhelmed.
Kids feel unsure in new spaces.
That doesn’t mean your session is ruined;
it means we slow things down.
If I notice a child has just woken up from a nap, seems overstimulated, or is feeling resistant, I don’t jump into posing. Instead, I pivot. My goal is always to meet kids where they are, not force them into something they aren’t ready for.
Some of the most heartfelt photos I’ve ever taken came from these moments — the quiet pauses, the curious wandering, the soft connections between parents and their children.
My Go-To Approach: Let Them Roam, Play, and Settle In
If we’re in an unfamiliar place:
New environments can feel overwhelming, especially for young kids. If we’re shooting outdoors or in a new location, I often suggest starting with a walk or letting them explore for a bit.
This gives children time to understand their surroundings and feel safe in the space. And naturally, these moments lead to the sweetest candid photos: curious glances, holding hands, crouching to look at flowers, and I can almost guarantee there will be a genuine smile along the way.
(This is exactly how we captured some of my favorite images of Stella exploring the Disney World train station — playful, relaxed, and completely herself.)
If we’re at home
When sessions take place at home, I almost always recommend letting kids start with play.
Instead of asking them to sit still and smile, I encourage parents to let them grab a favorite toy or start an activity in the space we want to photograph in.
This does two things:
It helps kids relax.
It creates natural movement, interaction, and authentic emotion.
The result is imagery that feels real, warm, and deeply personal; not stiff or forced.
Why I Don’t Rush or Bribe Kids Into Smiling
Parents often feel pressure to immediately fix things by offering incentives such as snacks, toys, screens, or rewards.
And while I completely understand that instinct, especially when patience is running thin, I’ve found that slowing down almost always leads to better results.
When kids are given space and time, they naturally relax. And when parents are invited to play with them instead of directing them, real smiles appear every time.
Image A Taken at 1:05:44 PM & Image B Taken at 1:05:46 PM | Literally a 2-second difference!
These photos were taken within 60 seconds of each other. LOL.
My Top Ways to Gently Avoid Emotional Overload During Photo Sessions
1. Build in a Craft or Game
Hands-on activities create instant engagement and take pressure off kids to “perform.”
One of my favorite sessions involved a gender reveal painting activity, where big sister was encouraged to paint freely. The result? Messy hands, genuine laughter, and heartfelt connection; exactly what documentary-style photography is all about.
2. Take a Walk in New Spaces
Movement is grounding. Walking allows kids to release nervous energy and become comfortable in unfamiliar environments. Exploring together almost always leads to laughter, curiosity, and organic moments, which makes for powerful storytelling imagery.
3. Let Them Play at Home
When children start sessions playing with their favorite toys, everything softens.
Their guard drops.
Their personality comes out.
Their real smiles follow naturally.
This is why I often recommend in-home family sessions for younger children.
The Hill I’ll Never Die On: Your Kids Have to Smile at the Camera
Your child does not have to smile at the camera.
Some of the most meaningful photos come from:
thoughtful expressions
comforting moments
playful interaction
When we stop chasing perfect behavior and allow kids to be themselves, real joy unfolds naturally, and the images feel timeless.
My Promise as Your Arkansas Family Photographer
I’m not a parent, so I will never pretend to fully understand what it feels like to be exhausted, overstimulated, or at your emotional limit.
What I do understand is:
Families invest deeply in their photos
These moments matter
And you deserve a calm, supportive experience
My role is to guide sessions in a way that honors your child’s emotions, your family’s dynamic, and the story you want to remember.
There is always a gentle path forward, and I’ll walk it with you.
Looking for a Family Photographer in Conway or Central Arkansas?
If you’re searching for a family photographer in Conway, AR, or anywhere in Central Arkansas, I’d love to create something meaningful together.