One of my favorite things about photographing children is that every session tells a story. It’s not just about smiles and poses. These sessions are about capturing authentic personalities and fleeting childhood moments. Over the years, I’ve found that a blend of photojournalistic instincts, thoughtful direction, and playful prompts brings out the magic.
I don’t want stiff smiles and forced poses. I want belly laughs, wind-tossed hair, and those in-between glances that parents will cherish years from now. Over the years, I’ve found little tricks; some photojournalistic, some just plain playful that make my sessions fun, stress-free, and filled with storytelling moments.
Here are 10 storytelling tips to help you photograph children in a way that feels genuine, joyful, and stress-free, for both your little subjects and their parents.
1. Plan a Simple Storyline
Before each session, I think about a story that fits the child’s age, personality, and location. A walk through a field, a wagon ride down a dirt path, or picking wildflowers and making wishes while blowing on a dandelion.
I choose one or two nostalgic/timeless props—like a red wagon, a wooden crate, or a vintage suitcase to sit on but not to stage the session. This helps to give children something to interact with naturally.
Remember to keep the storyline flexible. Let the child’s energy shape where the story goes.
2. Schedule Around Light and Comfort
Natural light is key for my outdoor storytelling sessions. I find open shade or plan when the sun is lower in the sky. That beautiful soft, warm light is perfect for backlit fields, flying leaves, and glowing dandelions.
For younger children, schedule sessions around nap and snack times—comfort matters just as much as light.
3. Build Trust Before You Shoot
I never rush into shooting. Instead, I talk to children on their level, show them my camera, or ask them about some of their favorite things and if they have any ideas for their session.
Sometimes I’ll sit on the grass with them while they explore a prop, like peeking into the wagon or lifting the suitcase lid. This gives them a chance to warm up and feel like part of the experience.
4. Start with Familiar Actions
Rather than immediately asking for big smiles, I begin with simple, familiar actions like:
- Holding a parent’s hand and walking down a path
- Sitting on a suitcase and kicking their feet
- Peeking over the edge of a wagon or just sitting in it while a parent gives them a short ride.
These are easy for children to do and allow you to document authentic, in-between expressions.
5. Bring the Session to Life with Movement
Movement is at the heart of storytelling. I love prompting kids to:
- Run through a field while holding hands with a sibling or parent
- Jump in the air together on “3…2…1!”
- Throw leaves high overhead in the fall
- Spin around in a patch of flowers
- Hold hands while facing one another
These prompts lead to genuine laughter and give your images dynamic energy.
6. Use Props as Story Elements, Not Centerpieces
A red wagon isn’t just a cute detail, it can become a vehicle for adventure. A vintage suitcase gives a child a place to rest between prompts. A simple wooden crate can elevate a composition without feeling forced.
I position props naturally in the scene and let the child discover them. This keeps the flow organic, not overly posed. However, sometimes I capture those “adorable look at the camera” and smiling my way poses too.
7. Anticipate Moments Like a Photojournalist
My photojournalism background kicks in here, I’m always watching and ready. When a child reaches for a dandelion, I know a magical wish is about to happen. When siblings exchange a glance mid-run, I’m ready to click.
📷 Settings Tip: I typically at F3.5 and keep shutter speeds fast (1/500s or more) to freeze playful action like leaf-throwing or wagon rides. I use my 70-200 2.8 coupled with one of my Canon R5(s).
8. Add Whimsy with Nature-Based Prompts
Some of my favorite prompts are the simplest:
- Blowing bubbles and chasing them through the air
- Casting wishes on dandelions
- Picking wildflowers or smelling them with exaggerated “sniffs”
- Tossing petals or leaves into the air like confetti
These bring natural wonder into the session and keep kids fully engaged.
9. Involve Parents Naturally
Parents are part of the story, too. I often have them:
- Walk hand-in-hand with their child down a path
- Lift their little one into the air
- Snuggle or hug into one another
These interactions create genuine emotional anchors in your storytelling images.
10. End in a Fun Way
I always close with something playful, a bubble finale, a wagon ride “home,” or one last joyful leaf toss or jump in the air all at once. Ending on a high note ensures the last moments are full of smiles and laughter, and kids leave the session happy (which parents always remember for next time!). It’s key for them to forget that stress of getting their kids dressed for the session or fighting with their toddler to wear shoes. Most of us have been there with our own children.
Final Thoughts
Storytelling sessions are all about letting children be children. With a few thoughtful props, well-timed prompts, and a willingness to let go of rigid posing, you can create images that feel timeless and true. Also to keep shooting through the moments, is really important in capturing the fun and happy unexpected moments parents love and miss because they might not even realize it happened.
By combining photojournalistic instincts with gentle direction, you’ll tell stories families will treasure for generations.
See more of Paula Swifts work here.
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