How to Prepare Small Children for a Family Photo Session

As a photographer, I know that family photo sessions with small children can feel a little unpredictable. Will they sit still? Will they smile? Will there be a meltdown right before we start? (Spoiler: It happens, and it’s totally okay!)

The good news is that with a little preparation, your family session can be fun, stress-free, and full of genuine smiles. Here are my top tips to help prepare your little ones so we can capture beautiful, natural moments together.

1. Set the Right Expectations

Small children don’t always understand what a photo session is, so talk to them about it in a positive, fun way! Instead of saying, “You have to smile for the camera,” try:

• “We’re going to have fun playing and taking pictures together!”

• “Our photographer is so nice! She loves to take pictures of families having fun.”

• “You get to run, play, and snuggle with us while we take pictures.”

When kids know it’s going to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience, they’ll be more excited and cooperative.

2. Pick the Right Time for Your Session

Scheduling your session around your child’s happiest time of day makes a huge difference. If your little one is at their best in the morning, consider a morning session. If they do well after a nap, aim for late afternoon.

While golden hour (right before sunset) provides the best lighting, it’s not worth it if it falls during your child’s usual meltdown time. I’m always happy to work with you to find the best balance between beautiful light and happy kids!

3. Dress for Comfort & Movement

Choose outfits that are comfortable, weather-appropriate, and allow for movement. Kids love to run, jump, and play—stiff or scratchy clothing can lead to discomfort (and grumpy faces!). Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid itchy fabrics, tight collars, or anything that might be irritating.

• Layers work great for unpredictable weather.

• Shoes matter! If your child hates dress shoes, opt for neutral sneakers or boots instead.

And don’t stress about perfection—happy kids make for way better photos than perfectly matched outfits!

4. Bring Snacks & Breaks When Needed

Hunger can turn a happy child into a meltdown in minutes. Bring easy, mess-free snacks like crackers, fruit snacks, or dry cereal. Water or a sippy cup is also a great idea.

If your child needs a break during the session, that’s totally fine! We can pause for a quick snack or cuddle before getting back to the fun.

5. Let Them Be Themselves

The best family photos happen when kids are just being kids. Don’t stress if they won’t sit still or give a perfect smile. Some of the sweetest moments come from giggles, curiosity, and spontaneous hugs.

Instead of forcing stiff poses, I’ll encourage natural interactions—like tickles, playing games, or walking hand-in-hand. If they need to run around for a bit, I’ll capture those candid, joyful moments!

6. Be Playful & Engaged

Children take cues from their parents. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. But if you’re relaxed and playful, they’ll have more fun! Laugh, snuggle, dance, or whisper something silly in their ear—these little interactions create the most heartwarming photos.

7. Don’t Worry About Perfection

Every family session is unique, and it’s completely normal for small children to have short attention spans. Some kids need time to warm up, and others may be full of energy from the start. No matter what, I’ll work with your child’s personality to capture beautiful moments.

If there’s a meltdown? No worries. We’ll take a breather, regroup, and keep things lighthearted. The goal isn’t a “perfect” posed picture—it’s to capture the love and connection between your family in a natural, authentic way.

Let's Wrap It Up

Family photos should be a fun, relaxed experience—not a stressful one! By preparing your little ones with positivity, comfort, and flexibility, you’ll set the stage for a session filled with genuine smiles and sweet moments.

Are you ready to book a stress-free family session? Let’s chat—I’d love to capture the magic of your family!