Let Kids be Kids

Kids Being Kids: The Best Photos Come from Real Moments

If you’ve ever tried to take photos of kids, you know it can be... well, chaotic. You might spend a bunch of time setting up the perfect shot, only for the kids to do the complete opposite of what you planned. But you know what? That’s actually a good thing. Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves—no posing, no “cheese!”—just them living in the moment.

Why Unposed Photos Are the Best

When we think of a photo session, we often imagine kids standing still, looking at the camera, smiling on cue. But honestly? The best photos are the ones that happen when they forget about the camera altogether. Kids have this amazing ability to be totally free and spontaneous. They’ll laugh, run, jump, or do something totally unexpected—and that’s when the magic happens.

Think about it. A kid laughing because they’re chasing bubbles, or a brother and sister sharing a goofy moment? That’s the stuff that makes photos memorable. You can’t plan for those moments—they just happen, and that’s exactly why they’re so special.

Kids Are Unpredictable, and That’s Awesome

Kids don’t do what we expect, and that’s a big part of the fun. You might be trying to get a cute family photo, but your toddler suddenly decides to do a cartwheel or your little one gets distracted by a flower. Instead of trying to force them into a pose, just let them be. They’ll surprise you with the most adorable, hilarious moments.

And you know what? The “unplanned” moments are often the best. Maybe they turn a quiet second into a burst of giggles. Or maybe they come up with their own version of a pose, like holding hands and jumping in the air at the same time. These natural, goofy moments are the ones that make you smile every time you look at the photos later.

Why Candid Photos Matter

Candid photos do more than just capture what someone looks like—they capture who they are. A kid’s laughter, their goofy grin, or the way they hold onto a favorite stuffed animal: these are the moments you’ll want to remember. The stuff that makes them them. Years later, you’ll look back and remember not just the pose, but the feelings that were there in that moment.

Candid shots tell a bigger story: the joy, the silliness, and the wonder of being a kid. They’re a snapshot of a feeling, not just a pose. And honestly, those are the photos that mean the most.

Let the Kids Lead the Way

As a photographer, the best thing you can do is give kids room to just be themselves. Instead of worrying about getting the perfect shot, focus on letting them have fun. Ask them silly questions, play a game, or just let them run wild. When they’re enjoying themselves, that’s when the real, heartwarming moments happen.

You don’t need to be strict with poses or try to make everything perfect. Sometimes, all it takes is letting go and capturing the fun that’s already happening.

In the End, It’s All About the Moment

So, next time you’re taking photos of kids, forget about the perfect pose. Let them laugh, run, jump, and explore. The best moments aren’t the ones that are planned—they’re the ones that happen naturally, in the middle of playtime or a moment of pure joy.

Because at the end of the day, the best photos are the ones that truly capture what makes childhood so special. The unplanned, carefree, and totally real moments. That’s what makes kids’ photos unforgettable.