Family photos with young kids can feel like a mix of excitement and chaos—and that’s completely normal! As a photographer, I know that little ones don’t always follow the plan, but that doesn’t mean your session can’t be fun and full of beautiful moments.

The key? Embracing the unpredictability and setting the stage for a stress-free experience. Here are my best tips to help your family session go smoothly and ensure we capture joyful, authentic moments that you’ll love forever!

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

Timing is everything when it comes to young kids. A well-rested, well-fed child is a happy child!

🕰️ Best time for photos:

✔️ After a nap (if they still nap)

✔️ After a meal or snack

✔️ Earlier in the morning or around golden hour (before sunset) for the best light

 Pro Tip: If sunset is too late for your child’s bedtime, we can adjust the session to find the best light without disrupting their routine.

2. Keep Expectations Realistic

Forget the idea of perfectly posed photos—the best family photos happen when kids are just being themselves! Instead of stressing over forced smiles, let’s focus on:

✅ Playful interactions (tickles, cuddles, or running together)

✅ Natural moments (laughing, exploring, or holding hands)

✅ Candid storytelling (showing real connections instead of stiff poses)

 Reminder: Not every photo has to be “picture perfect” to be meaningful. Sometimes the unplanned giggles and silly faces become your favorite images!

3. Dress for Comfort & Movement

Kids love to run, jump, and explore, so make sure their outfits allow them to move freely.

✔️ Soft, breathable fabrics (avoid anything itchy or stiff)

✔️ Properly fitted clothes (nothing too tight or oversized)

✔️ Comfortable shoes (so they can move around easily)

 Bonus: Avoid clothes with big logos, neon colors, or characters—they can distract from the overall look of your photos.

4. Bring Snacks & Breaks

Hunger can quickly turn a happy kid into a cranky one! Pack a few small, mess-free snacks (like crackers or fruit) in case they need a quick energy boost.

🍎 Good snacks: Small crackers, fruit snacks, dry cereal

🚫 Avoid: Chocolate, anything sticky, or snacks that stain clothes

 Pro Tip: If we need to take a short break mid-session, that’s totally okay! A little reset can go a long way.

5. Make It Fun & Interactive

Kids respond best when they’re having fun, so let’s make the session feel like playtime instead of a formal photo shoot.

🎉 Ways to keep kids engaged:

✔️ Games: Ring-around-the-rosy, Simon Says, peekaboo

✔️ Movement: Running, spinning, piggyback rides

✔️ Prompts: “Can you give Mom a big squeeze?” or “Who can make Dad laugh the hardest?”

 Pro Tip: Parents, don’t stress about getting kids to behave! I’ll guide them naturally so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

6. Bring a Favorite Comfort Item

If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy, bring it along! Sometimes having a familiar item can make them feel more secure and happy.

🐻 Bonus: If the item is special, we can even include it in a few photos—it makes for a meaningful keepsake!

7. Don’t Worry About the Little Things

Maybe your toddler refuses to stand still. Maybe your preschooler makes silly faces in every shot. Guess what? That’s totally okay!

✔️ Go with the flow – Kids will be kids, and their personalities make for the best photos.

✔️ Trust the process – I have lots of experience working with little ones, and I know how to capture genuine, heartwarming moments.

✔️ Stay positive – If parents stay relaxed, kids will feed off that energy!

 Reminder: Some of the best photos come from the in-between moments—the giggles, the cuddles, and the little glances.

Final Thoughts

A family photo session should feel like a fun, relaxed experience, not a stressful one. By keeping things lighthearted and playful, we’ll capture real smiles, real joy, and real connection—no forced poses needed!

📸 Ready to book a family session? Let’s create memories your family will cherish forever!