Photos With Wiggly Kids: What You Should Know

My kid won’t sit still for pictures.” If that thought’s ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone.

The truth is, toddlers and kids are built to move—and that energy is actually what makes their photos so good. I know… getting a photo can feel a little like trying to catch bubbles… the trick isn’t forcing stillness, it’s learning how to work with their wiggles.

So let’s talk about a few simple ways to capture photos that feel real and genuine—even when your kids are bouncing off the walls.

1. Give Their Hands Something to Hold

One of the easiest tricks for photographing kids at home is to keep their hands busy. Instead of telling your child to “hold still,” let them hold a favorite toy, a flower they picked, or even your hand. Busy hands naturally relax the rest of their body, and the photo feels more like them—not like a stiff, posed version.

2. Turn Play Into Poses

Kids are naturally full of movement, so use it. Ask them to twirl, jump off the last stair, run toward you, or play a quick game of “Simon Says.” The trick is snapping pictures during the fun and in the moment right after. The breathless laughing, hair in their eyes, or the ear to ear smile—those are the photos you’ll treasure. This is a perfect way to take actual natural (and beautiful) images of your kiddos when they won’t sit still.

3. Photograph at Their Eye Level

One of my favorite ways to capture kids naturally in photos is to see the world the way they do. Try kneeling, sitting, or even laying down so your camera is at their eye level. Suddenly, your photos feel intimate and personal.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Some of the best photos of children are a little off-center, slightly blurry, or show a goofy expression. And that’s okay. Actually, I personally prefer it because real life and childhood is messy. These are images that can be felt. Instead of chasing the “perfect” picture, aim for the picture that feels alive. When moms ask me how I photograph my own kids naturally, my answer is always to embrace the imperfection.

5. Keep It Short & Sweet

Kids don’t have the longest attention spans, and dragging out a photo session can end in frustration (for everyone). Instead, keep your picture-taking short and fun. Snap a few photos, let them go play, and try again later. A handful of beautiful images will always beat a dozen forced smiles (and a momma who’s on the verge of loosing it 😅).

6. Watch for Everyday Details

The magic often hides in small details you might otherwise overlook. The way your child curls up with their favorite blanket, lines up their toy cars and dragons, or plays with the sunlight streaming through the window—those are natural, unposed moments worth photographing. These little details are the ones you’ll miss years from now. And slowing down to notice these moments will be good for you and them.

7. Let Them Be Themselves

The heart of taking natural photos of your kids is letting them be who they are. If they’re silly, capture silly. If they’re quiet and thoughtful, capture quiet. If they’re bouncing off the walls, capture that energy. The photos will reflect your child’s real personality, and that’s what you’ll want to remember.

Learning how to photograph kids naturally at home isn’t about expensive equipment or waiting for the “perfect” smile. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and capturing the image during real moments.

Side note: if you’ve ever wondered why kids seem to move nonstop, the American Academy of Pediatrics shares in The Power of Play how that energy is actually essential to their growth and joy!