How to prepare for a family session with young kids
Preparing for a family photoshoot with young kids can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone! Here’s a guide to help:
1. Choose the Right Time
Picking a Time: Choosing a time that you know the kids will be happiest can be tough, especially with baby and toddler nap times. Over the years i’ve found that even when babies and toddlers don’t nap, they can surprise everyone and be the most photogenic person there! Overall, I like to recommend not putting too much stress on it.
Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon/evening light is my favorite for outdoor sessions! this creates soft lighting, a glow from the sunset, and really makes an outdoor setting come alive.
2. Outfits
Comfort Matters: Choose weather-appropriate and comfortable clothes, especially for kids! As adults we can usually get a smile out if we’re wearing an itchy sweater, but the kids may not be able to.
Pack Extras: Bring spare outfits for young children in case of spills or accidents (or blowouts if you have a baby!). Or if you have them dressed in their outfits on the way to the photo session, maybe put a blanket over them if they have a snack, or a bib if they’re drooling.
Lay them out the day before: This is very helpful. At least 1 or 2 days before, lay out your outfits at home for every family member. Make sure that you have all pieces of the outfits, socks, shoes, jewelry, headbands, bows, etc. Maybe even put them in a bag or a box, or hung up together in one place. That way when you get ready on the day of the session, you don’t have to worry about scrambling and looking for things at the last minute!
3. Bring Essentials
Snacks & Drinks: Non-messy snacks and water can keep kids energized. Snacks such as puffs, cheerios, goldfish, or small crackers work great. Try to avoid ones like donuts, chocolate, fruit gushers, anything that might melt or get sticky. If a child is getting frustrated during photos, a little snack or drink break can go a long way!
Comfort Items: Familiar toys, blankets, or stuffed animals can help kids feel more secure. This can sometimes work better for babies rather than older kids, who might not want to let go of the toy!
Wipes & Tissues: For quick clean-ups before or during the session.
4. Prepare the Kids
Talk About the Session: Let them know it’s a fun family activity and that they’ll get to play or explore while photos are taken. Show them picture frames on the wall at home, and explain how you will be able to put new pictures in there of your family or child. Tell them the name of the photographer, and mention them a couple of times before the session day.
Keep It Relaxed: Avoid putting too much pressure on kids to “perform.” Natural expressions are the most memorable! Kid’s smiles tend to shrink quite a bit when the parents are frequently getting after them for “not smiling good”.
5. Arrive Early
This one is important as well! Give yourself extra time to settle in, get familiar with the location, and help kids adjust to the environment. This also gives you time to check everyone for boogies, outfit mishaps, or offer bathroom breaks. When you are rushed, that can bring the stress and it’s hard to shake that off!
6. Stay Positive and Flexible
Kids may not always follow plans, and that’s okay! Let the photographer capture their personality, even if it means embracing the unexpected. As a parent of young kids, I know how easily frustrated I can get when i’m out in public and my kids are acting wild. But during my own family’s photo sessions, I have to actually remind myself that it’s ok, they’re laughing, having fun, and the photographer is getting some adorable photos of the kids being themselves.
7. Trust Your Photographer
Professional photographers are experienced in working with kids and can help guide poses, activities, and moments for the best results. If they say silly things, make funny noises, or try to get you to laugh, play along!
By preparing, you can help make the process for the kids a little easier, and hopefully easier for you too!
