Preparing Your Kids for a Fun and Stress-Free Family Photoshoot
Family photoshoots are such a wonderful way to document your family as they are today and create lasting memories. However, the thought of getting everyone, especially the kids, to cooperate and smile for the camera can sometimes feel a liiiiittle daunting. As a photographer who loves photographing genuine family connections (and has two young kids!) , I'm here to tell you that with a little preparation, your family photoshoot can actually be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone! Here are some tips to help you get your kids ready for a stress-free session :)
1. Talk About It in Advance (and Make it Sound Exciting!):
Build Anticipation: Don't just spring the photoshoot on them the day before. Start talking about it a few days or weeks ahead. Explain what it is in a way they can understand. "We're going to go have some fun in a beautiful place, and Ms. Lindsay Anne is going to take pictures of our family being together!"
Focus on the Fun: Frame it as an adventure or a special outing. Mention any fun elements involved, like exploring a park, being silly together, wearing a fun new outfit, and/or the idea of having these pictures to look back on.
Show Them Examples (Maybe!): If your kids are visual, you could show them a few examples of happy family photos. If you’ve worked with me before, this is especially fun for them!
2. Timing is Key (Think Nap Schedules and Energy Levels):
Consider Their Routine: This is crucial! Try to schedule the photoshoot around your children's usual nap times and when they are generally well-rested and happy. A tired or hungry child is less likely to be a cooperative one. Typically morning is best for one-nap kiddos and between the morning and afternoon nap works well for babies who still nap 2+ times a day.
Location Matters: If you’re doing a mainly in-home session, midday can be best to have bright light coming in the windows. All-outdoor sessions are typically better-lit in the morning or evening, if your kids are old enough to still have energy that late.
3. Pack Smart (Snacks, Drinks, and Comfort Items):
Fuel the Fun: Bring along some easy, non-messy snacks and drinks. A little pick-me-up can work wonders for morale, especially during a quick break in the session. Think yogurt melts, puffs, fruit slices, or small treats. Don’t forget the wipes in case of any mess :)
Creature Comforts: If your child has a favorite small toy or blanket that brings them comfort, bring it along! It can be a great prop or just something to hold onto between shots. We’d rather get happy/content photos holding a stuffy than primarily fussy moments without any comfort items available.
Emergency Kit: Pack a small bag with essentials like wipes, tissues, and maybe a change of clothes, just in case of any little accidents. Basically all the diaper bag usuals!
4. Wardrobe Prep (Comfort and Coordination):
Involve Them (Within Reason): Let your kids have some say in what they wear, perhaps by giving them a couple of options within your chosen color palette. This can make them feel more invested and excited.
Prioritize Comfort: Make sure their clothes are comfortable and allow for easy movement. Stiff or itchy outfits can lead to grumpy kids (and give yourself the same, too!).
Coordinate, Don't Match Exactly: Aim for a cohesive color scheme rather than everyone wearing the exact same thing. This looks more natural and can be less stressful to coordinate.
5. Manage Expectations (Yours and Theirs):
It's Not About Perfection: Remind yourself that the goal is to have genuine moments, not only posed, everyone-looking-at-the-camera shots (even though I do my best to get several of these, too!). Embrace the little imperfections – those moments may be even more fun to look back on in 20 years :’)
Keep it Short and Sweet: For younger children, shorter photoshoot sessions are usually more successful. Check out my upcoming tiny session dates (20 minutes) to keep it short and sweet, or book a full session (1 hour) and simply insert a snack or bottle breaks in the middle to help keep everyone regulated.
Bribery (Used Sparingly and Strategically!): A small reward promised after the photoshoot can sometimes be a good motivator, let’s be real. I remember getting a camping lantern at age 4 after getting my portrait done at Target, true story.
Treat Yourself, Too! Don’t forget about you! Being the parent organizing all this is exhausting, so head to your favorite lunch spot or coffee shop afterwards if that feels good to you.
6. Trust Your Photographer (I’ve Got This):
Relax and Let Me Lead: Choose a photographer whose work you love and whose personality you connect with. Obviously I hope that’s me! :) During the session, try to relax and trust my guidance. I have a ton of experience working with families and children. We can’t rush the process.
Embrace the Candid Moments: Some of the most precious photos really are the unposed, in-between moments. Let your kids be themselves and allow your me to capture those genuine interactions. I promise we’ll do our best to get a photo of everyone smiling too!
7. Most Importantly: Keep it Positive!
Your Attitude Matters: Your own mood will greatly influence your children's experience. Stay smiling, patient, and encouraging as much as possible throughout the photoshoot :)
Offer Praise and Encouragement: Acknowledge their efforts and give them lots of positive reinforcement. "Great smile!", "You're doing such a good job!", "I love how you're holding your brother's hand!" go a long way.
Have Fun! Ultimately, the goal is to create happy memories. If everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves, it will shine through in your photos.
By taking a little time to prepare your kids, you can really increase the chances of having a fun, stress-free, and memorable family photoshoot. And trust me, those genuine smiles and silly moments are the ones you'll treasure the most! What are some of your biggest concerns when it comes to family photoshoots with kids? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Check out my upcoming tiny session dates or book a full session on my booking page :)