From the Classroom to the Camera

What Teaching Taught Me About Photographing Children

From the Classroom to the Camera / By Lauren Vanni

With nearly a decade of experience teaching young children—many of whom are new to the country and just beginning to learn English—I’ve found that the key to working with kids isn’t control. It’s connection. In the classroom, my focus has always been on helping students feel safe, seen, and supported in an unfamiliar environment. That same heart-led, patient approach is at the center of how I photograph families.

When a child doesn’t yet have the words to express how they feel, they rely on gestures, expressions, and trust. I’ve spent years learning to read those quiet cues. Whether I’m welcoming a new student or meeting a toddler at the start of a photo session, I slow down, tune in, and earn their trust—because real connection always comes before cooperation.

From the Classroom to the Camera / By Lauren Vanni

As an English language learner teacher, I’ve learned how powerful it is to lead with empathy and patience. Kids don’t respond well to pressure—whether it’s to speak perfect English or to smile at the camera on command. They thrive when they feel supported and gently guided. In both the classroom and my sessions, I use simple language, repeat directions, narrate what I’m doing, and keep the environment calm. If a child is overwhelmed, we pause. If they’re full of energy, we move with it. I’m not chasing perfect poses—I’m watching for honest connection.

I never expect children to perform for the camera. I follow their lead, offering gentle guidance and encouragement as we go. The moments I love most are the ones in between: a child reaching for their parent’s hand, resting their head on a shoulder, bursting into laughter at something small. These are the unrepeatable glimpses of connection that matter most.

Teaching Me to See Differently

Teaching has made me a more intuitive photographer. When a child is learning a new language, they often experience the world with fresh eyes—and that sense of wonder has shaped how I look through the lens. I’m drawn to the details, the quiet moments, the interactions that might go unnoticed. I’ve learned to be patient, to pause and wait for something real to unfold.

Just like in the classroom, my photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about trust. When a family feels relaxed and truly seen, they open up. That’s when the most meaningful images happen.

Leading with Empathy

Young kids don’t always arrive at a session ready to be photographed. Sometimes they’re shy. Sometimes they’re wiggly or worried. And sometimes, they just need a snack and a minute. That’s okay.

What I’ve learned from my students is that showing up consistently with calm, kindness, and flexibility builds trust. In photography, that might mean playing a quiet game, letting a toddler take a break, or simply giving them time to warm up. The most genuine images come when children feel they can be fully themselves.

That trust helps parents relax, too. When I gently offer choices—“Would you rather sit here or over there?”—it takes the pressure off everyone. I’ll often get down on a child’s level, make a silly sound, or quietly ask about their favorite color or snack. These small moments build connection fast—and when kids feel safe, they open up.

Honoring Real Moments

I became a photographer because I’m deeply nostalgic. I’ve always felt the weight of time passing—how quickly a child grows, how fleeting each season is. I first picked up a camera to hold onto those fleeting moments—and now I help other families do the same.

My time in the classroom has shown me just how fast kids change. Their personalities, their confidence, the way they relate to the world—it shifts so quickly. My goal with each session is to freeze just a little piece of that. Not with forced smiles or coordinated poses, but with honest moments that reflect who they really are.

At the heart of both teaching and photography is the same goal: seeing children for who they are, meeting them where they are, and helping them feel safe to be themselves. Connection always comes first—and that’s what I hope every family feels when they look at the images we create together. Not just how it looked, but how it felt to love and be loved in that moment.

From the Classroom to the Camera – What Teaching Taught Me About Photographing Children

Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a family and newborn photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia, and an English language learner with nearly a decade of experience working with students in grades K-3. I’ve been photographing families for several years now, drawn to connection, emotion, and the beauty in everyday moments—whether it’s a quiet newborn snuggle or laughter echoing through a family walk. When I’m not behind the camera or in the classroom, I’m probably out with my husband and two dogs, flipping through a good book, or spending time with the people I love.

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