Family photo sessions with little ones can feel daunting. As a mom of 3 crazy kiddos, I’m right there with you. You want to make sure everyone has perfectly coordinating outfits, clean faces, and that no one is overtired or hangry going into the session. I feel overstimulated just thinking about it!
As both a fellow mom and experienced family photographer, I’ve seen it all: extreme post-naptime meltdowns, mid-session blowouts and emergency outfit changes, plenty of grumpy moods…you name it! No matter what happens during your session, we’ll make the best of it and still have so much fun together!
I have put together a list of 7 ways you can help prepare your littles for your upcoming family session. When there are kids involved, some level of chaos is inevitable. But these tips will help your session go as smoothly as possible and help ensure everyone is having a fun and memorable time!
1. Dress Them Comfortably
It’s best to prioritize your kiddos’ comfort over fancy or elaborate outfits. When planning your family’s outfits, choose clothing that allows your kids to run and play freely. We want them to feel comfortable and like they can be their wild and fun selves! I always recommend dressing in simple and timeless outfits in whites or neutrals paired with soft earth tones. These colors tend to look best in photos.
2. Timing is Everything
As a parent, you already know this. Timing can be the make it or break it between your session going super smoothly, or dealing with the meltdown of the century. When booking your session, plan for a time of day when your little ones are usually well-rested and content. Do your future self a favor and avoid scheduling your session too close to naptime or mealtime. I highly recommend the morning whenever possible!
3. Talk Up Photos Leading Up to the Session
If your kids aren’t big fans of getting their photo taken this might not seem like it will help much, but trust me. How you talk about it to them leading up to session day does make a difference! Try to avoid telling them you’ll be going to take photos and that they should behave themselves, or bribing them by telling them you’ll get a fun treat after if all goes well. Instead, make it sound like fun! Tell them you’ll be going to a park and they’ll get to play outside. Or if it’s a studio session, tell them the photographer you’re going to see has fun toys and bubbles that they will get to play with!
Even if your kids hate sitting still for photos, a family session with a photographer will usually be a very different experience for them. I keep my family sessions relaxed and fun. We go at your family’s pace and the kids get to run around and play and just be themselves while I capture the chaos. Chances are they will have a blast and not even care about the camera!
4. Bring Plenty of Snacks and Drinks
A well-fed kid is a happy one! Bring along some of their favorite snacks and drinks to keep your little ones energized, hydrated, and content throughout the session. Make sure to avoid messy or stain-prone foods to keep their outfits picture-perfect!
5. Embrace Candid Moments
Perfectly curated family photos are overrated. I’m all about capturing all the candid moments that show your family’s personality. Seriously, I welcome ALL the chaos…even if that means the kids will be running around like crazy.
When it’s time for your session, try to relax and not worry about whether or not everyone is perfectly posed or even looking at the camera. Just have fun embracing playfulness with your family and let your photographer handle the rest. Heading into your family photos with this mindset will set you up for having an absolute blast during your session and making so many fun memories with your fam. Plus you’ll get to treasure those real, unposed moments for years to come.
6. Patience is Key
Photography sessions can sometimes take longer than expected, especially when working with young children. Be patient and don’t worry if you need to take a break for a little bit. Most photographers plan timing for their sessions with this in mind. Remember, the best shots often come from those spontaneous moments. If your child isn’t sure about being in front of the camera at first, just take things at their pace and let them do their thing for a while. You’ll end up with some precious shots of them playing naturally!
7. Play Their Favorite Tunes!
This is one of my favorite ways to get kids smiling and having a fun time during a session. Come to your session ready with ideas of songs we can play to get them out of a grumpy mood if needed. We’ll play their favorite songs and start snapping photos of them dancing and singing! These photos always end up being some of my favorites because kiddos always look SO happy in them! Totally worth having to listen to the Bluey theme song 20 times in a row 🤪
Want more session tips, family outfit inspo, and chaotic mom life humor? I’m your gal. Come hang with me over on Instagram! I share my daily life with a strong side of sarcasm. Link to follow me below!
