If working with kids feels like the hardest part of your sessions…
- you feel confident with your camera, but not always with kids
- you rely on bribes or distractions
- you freeze when things don’t go as planned
- you want more natural, connected moments
...you're in the right place.
I'm alyx jones.
A family photographer and former early childhood educator who found a way to freeze time with a camera.
Before photography, I spent years in the classroom, as a nanny, and working closely with families, building deep connections with kids of all personalities, backgrounds, and needs. From managing 20+ students to caring for three under three, I learned how to meet kids where they are and help them feel seen, safe, and understood.
This course is built from that experience and created to help you do the same in your sessions.
Hi!
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A teacher’s approach to family sessions
If you’ve ever walked away from a session feeling like you couldn’t quite harness a toddler’s energy or get a genuine smile… you’re not alone.
Most photographers are taught to focus on light, location, and direction. But kids aren’t thinking about any of that. They respond to connection.
I used to manage a classroom of 20 preschoolers, and everything shifted when I started approaching my sessions the same way — focusing on their needs and giving them space to play.
In this course, I’ll show you how to guide your sessions with that mindset so they feel more natural, more connected, and a whole lot easier.
Most photographers are taught to focus on light, location, and direction. But kids aren’t thinking about any of that. They respond to connection.
I used to manage a classroom of 20 preschoolers, and everything shifted when I started approaching my sessions the same way — focusing on their needs and giving them space to play.
In this course, I’ll show you how to guide your sessions with that mindset so they feel more natural, more connected, and a whole lot easier.
Here's what you'll learn:
✔ Confidently guide your sessions so kids work with you, not against you
✔ Navigate unexpected moments without feeling thrown off
✔ Capture genuine smiles and real, natural interactions
✔ Create photographs families can’t wait to hang in their home
✔ Work with kids of all backgrounds, including neurodivergent children
✔ Feel calm, prepared, and in control from start to finish
Most importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how kids think and behave. We’ll break down simple behavior science so you can better connect with your littlest clients.
✔ Confidently guide your sessions so kids work with you, not against you
✔ Navigate unexpected moments without feeling thrown off
✔ Capture genuine smiles and real, natural interactions
✔ Create photographs families can’t wait to hang in their home
✔ Work with kids of all backgrounds, including neurodivergent children
✔ Feel calm, prepared, and in control from start to finish
Most importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how kids think and behave. We’ll break down simple behavior science so you can better connect with your littlest clients.
Create frame-worthy family moments every time
Create frame-worthy family moments every time
(Perfectly behaved kids not required.)
“I just loved how the photos showed our family and each of the cousins in an authentic way. There were moments when each child was joyful, but it wasn't overfully "so happy" since that's just not reality.”
“I loved how the photos showed our family... in an authentic way. "
- Allisence C.
love notes from previous clients
"You make the session feel play-focused and fun, rather than directive - taking time to make kiddos laugh, letting them see the photos on your camera, lollipops at the end and of course... the monkey camera accessory! When I asked the kiddos what they remember about our most recent photo shoot they talked about how much they liked your monkey and looking into his tummy. It's such magic because I remember HATING family photos as a kid, and so far the kiddos remember sessions favorably and look forward to future ones.”
