Prompts for Photographing Children: how to keep their attention AND get pictures mom will love

Jul 27 2026 | By: Animal House Photography

Photographers and parents alike can take beautiful photos of the most wild children with these easy prompts.

You heard me. Even your most wiggly-giggly distracted child will be pulled in with these simple but effective directions. They won't even realize they're being prompted, and you'll love the photos you get. 

Whether you're a parent or a professional photographer, try out these prompts with your kids and see which ones work best for you!

1. "Show me."

Don't fight distractions; follow their interest instead.

An added benefit of this instruction is that your photos will naturally show what the child is interested in. Unique personalities come out when kids are allowed to enjoy and explore with freedom.

Wicker basket filled with white and brown eggs on dark grass
Young girl holding an Easter basket outside a rustic house.
Adult holding two young children outdoors, one blond toddler looking up at an adult
Man holding a child outdoors on a farm with chickens, dogs, and rustic buildings in the background

2. "Give a kiss."

Kisses are great for showing relational connection.

Asking a child to give their sibling or parent a kiss works especially well for young children. It helps show the relationships between people in the photos while also bring out some pretty adorable scrunched faces.

3. "Smoosh your cheeks together."

A step further than asking them to get close and smile.

Not only will this one bring out the giggles, but you'll be able to get those grins in frame. This kind of concrete prompt is good for children because it's specific and gives them something tangible to do.

Three smiling children cuddling together outdoors, wearing light-colored outfits.

4. "Let's race!"

Get them moving in a controlled and organized way.

Competition is a sure-fire way to get them engaged. Save this one for when you see them losing interest and draw them back in with a fun game.

This session was held at home which is perfect for helping boost cooperation in a family session. Children are so comfortable in their own environments and can truly open up. 

If you want some other options for locations where children can do great for family photos, check out my location blog here. 

Four children and two adults holding a long white cloth in a grassy field near a small building.
Children and geese in a grassy field under a hanging net at sunset
Woman and young boy standing in a wooded garden with a rake and flowers in the background

5. "Can you hold this?"

Give them something to be responsible for while also adding visual interest.

Older kids especially will enjoy being entrusted with a prop. Additionally, props add visual interest and storytelling to your images.

6. "Jump to mom/dad."

Climbing + jumping = adorable photos

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Getting them moving and connected through touch is always a great way to show relationships and keep the kids' interest.

Two young girls sit on a log with one jumping off into her father's arms

7. "Let's go for a walk."

Exploration is key.

Whether you're on the family property, in a park, or on a city street, going for a walk together gives you a natural glimpse into the unique connections in a family. Plus, you might encounter an adventure on the way!

People standing near a chicken coop with geese and chickens in a grassy field
Family holding hands in a garden beside a greenhouse, with a woman in a red dress and children in fall clothing
Family walking in a wooded yard near a small white shed and red building
Family in Fall clothing standing in a grassy field with a wooden structure in the background
A woman in orange dresses and three blond children walking on grass near a white round tent outdoors.

Looking for more educational content?

In addition to my own photography business, I have a photography education business with coaching, helpful blogs, and more. If you're looking to improve your photography business, head over there by clicking the button below!

More educational content please!

And if you're a parent worried about your own kids during family photos...

Please don't practice saying “CHEESE!” for the next six weeks. 😂

Your kids don't need to perform for me.

This is quite literally my job. I'll give them things to do, games to play, places to explore and plenty of space to be themselves.

If the thought of your kids not cooperating is what's keeping you from booking family pictures, I promise, you can take that one off your worry list.

SEE MY 2026 FALL FAMILY SESSIONS

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