I’ve spent more time than I can count trying to photograph families when little ones have other plans. Sometimes they want to be in the photos. Other times, they’re busy exploring a spider, kicking a boot, or running in the opposite direction. Here’s what I’ve learned about creating intimacy and warmth, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
The reality is you’re not photographing the perfect moment. You’re photographing the real moment. And that’s where the warmth comes from.
When I work with families with children, my approach is simple: I wait. Not the kind of waiting where I’m standing still holding a camera. I wait in between the chaos. When the kids are taking a breath, when a teacher or parent has grabbed their attention, when the moment settles for a second. That’s when I shoot.
Here are two things that help me create connection, even in chaos.
**Focus on interaction, not direction**
Instead of telling children where to stand or exactly what to do, I give them something to do together. This works whether we’re in a house, a yard, or out in the landscape around Central West Queensland. I might ask parents and children to whisper something to each other. I might suggest a game of tag for thirty seconds. I might encourage a parent to carry the youngest while the older ones show them something.
When people are engaged with each other, I’m photographing connection. When they’re performing for the camera, I’m photographing poses. There’s a difference you can feel in the images.
**Protect the calm moments**
Outback Queensland can be unpredictable. The heat, the wind, the dust. With children, it’s even more unpredictable. I’ve found that trying to capture every second results in a collection of forced smiles and distracted eyes. Instead, I watch for the quiet seconds. The parent resting a hand on a shoulder. The family walking slowly between the chaos. A child looking up with curiosity rather than rushing away.
These quiet moments create the warmth in the photos. They show what the family is really like together.
The goal isn’t perfect. It’s real. And when you have that, the intimacy shows through.
Leave a Reply