Can My Child Sit Still for Photos? What Brisbane Families Need to Know (Spoiler: They Don’t Have To)

This is one of the most common questions I get from Brisbane families—especially those with neurodiverse kids:

“Can my child sit still long enough for photos?”

And here’s my honest answer: they don’t have to.

As a dad to a neurodiverse child and a professional photographer who specialises in working with high-energy families (and dogs that definitely don’t sit still either), I’ve learned that the most meaningful images are rarely taken when everyone is posed perfectly.

They happen in the middle of movement. Of laughter. Of stimming. Of jumping. Of spinning. Of chasing the dog or digging in the dirt or leaning in for a cuddle at just the right moment.

The Problem with “Picture Perfect”

The pressure to ‘sit still and smile’ is outdated. And for many kids—especially neurodiverse ones—it’s uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and frankly, unfair.

When a child feels like they’re being watched or judged, they may just shut down. Or they mask. And the photo might look okay, but it doesn’t show who they are.

That’s not what I’m about.

I want you to look at your photos years from now and say, “That’s so US.” Whether it’s their cheeky grin mid-run, their curious gaze while picking up a stick, or the way they relax when the dog climbs into their lap and licks their face, those are the moments that tell the story.

What We Do Instead

Here’s how we create space for real magic:

1. We move with your child
If they need to run, we run. If they need to stim or bounce or flap, that’s beautiful—it’s part of who they are. I work with that energy, not against it.

2. We take the pressure off
There’s no “smile at the camera” here. There’s connection. Games. Cuddles. A bit of cheek. Your child isn’t expected to perform—they’re just invited to be themselves.

3. We use the outdoors to our advantage
Nature gives kids space to move, breathe, and feel free. We choose quiet locations around Brisbane that suit your child’s and dogs needs and energy levels.

4. We give them control
Sometimes, just letting your child make a few choices where to stand, which direction to walk, when to take a break—makes all the difference in how comfortable and important they feel.

The Results

Parents are often blown away when they see the final images. They’ll say, “I didn’t think we got anything,” because it felt chaotic in the moment.

But that’s the thing beauty often hides in the chaos. A gentle look. A laugh that escapes between big feelings. A split-second of stillness as your child leans against your shoulder.

That’s where the magic lives. And that’s what we capture.

So if you’ve been avoiding family photos because your child doesn’t sit still—please know that’s not a problem. It’s a gift. Their energy, their spirit, their way of being in the world—it deserves to be remembered exactly as it is.

You don’t need a perfectly posed photo. You need your family, as they are, right now.

Let’s create something real.

Want to see how it works in action? Download the free prep checklist HERE or Book a discovery call HERE to chat about your family’s needs and how we can create something relaxed, honest, and beautiful together.

Paul Elby | Outdoor Family & Dog Photographer – Brisbane