5 Ways to Prepare for Family Photos With Little Kids
If you've ever tried to get little kids ready for family photos, you already know that things don't always go according to plan.
Someone spills something on their outfit. Someone doesn't want to put their shoes on. Someone suddenly decides they absolutely do not want their picture taken. And somehow, you're supposed to arrive at your photography session looking calm and put together!
But here's the secret: your family photos don't need to be perfect.
Some of the sweetest photographs come from the unexpected moments—the giggles, cuddles, silly faces, and genuine personalities that make your children who they are.
With a little preparation, you can help your session feel relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. Here are five of my favorite ways to prepare for family photos with little kids.
1. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
One of the biggest mistakes you can make before family photos is completely changing your child's routine.
If your little one normally naps in the afternoon, try to keep that nap. If they usually eat dinner at a certain time, plan accordingly.
A tired or hungry toddler is much less likely to enjoy a photography session—and that's okay! They're little humans with little needs.
If your session falls close to nap or mealtime, try to give them a good meal or snack beforehand and allow enough time for them to rest.
A happy, rested child makes for a much more enjoyable session.
2. Don't Tell Them They Have to "Smile"
This one is especially important.
Before your session, you may be tempted to tell your children, "You need to smile for the photographer!"
Instead, try telling them we're going to have fun.
Children don't always understand the pressure of getting the "perfect picture," and asking them to smile on command can sometimes make them uncomfortable or even resistant.
During your session, I'll give them opportunities to interact, play, explore, and be themselves. Some of my favorite images are the ones where children aren't looking directly at the camera.
A genuine laugh is always better than a forced smile.
3. Bring a Few Essentials
You don't need to bring an entire diaper bag, but having a few essentials nearby can save the day.
Consider bringing:
Snacks
Water
Diapers and wipes
A favorite comfort item
Hairbrush or comb
Extra clothes
Tissues
Any necessary baby supplies
For snacks, I recommend choosing something that isn't messy and won't leave residue around their mouths or on their clothing.
And if your child has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that helps them feel secure, don't be afraid to bring it!
Sometimes that little comfort item is exactly what they need to settle into the session.
4. Let Them Be Little
This might be my biggest piece of advice:
Let your kids be kids.
They may want to run.
They may want to pick flowers.
They may want to hold your hand.
They may make silly faces.
They may refuse to sit still.
And that's okay.
You don't have to spend your entire session saying, "Sit still," "Look at the camera," or "Stop doing that."
Instead, I'll work with your children and incorporate their personalities into the session.
Some of the most beautiful images happen when families are simply interacting with one another.
Tickle your toddler.
Snuggle your baby.
Hold hands.
Run together.
Laugh.
Let them be silly.
Those are the moments you'll treasure.
5. Give Yourself Extra Time
If there's one thing I recommend to every family with little kids, it's this:
Don't rush.
Give yourself plenty of time to get everyone dressed, fed, and loaded into the car.
Leave a little extra time for unexpected things—because with kids, there are always unexpected things!
Arriving stressed and rushing into your session can make it harder for everyone to relax.
Instead, give yourself enough time that you can take a breath before we begin.
And if you're running a little late because your toddler decided they needed to change their outfit three times?
Don't panic.
We're working with real families, not a perfectly scripted photoshoot.
Remember: Your Kids Don't Have to Behave Perfectly
I want you to remember something before you arrive at your session:
Your children don't have to be perfectly behaved for your photos to be beautiful.
They don't have to sit still the entire time.
They don't have to smile in every photograph.
They don't even have to look at the camera.
They just need to be themselves.
My job isn't simply to photograph everyone looking at the camera. My job is to capture your family as you are—the love, connection, laughter, and little personalities that make your family yours.
So come prepared, but don't come stressed.
We'll play. We'll laugh. We'll snuggle. We'll make memories. And I'll take care of capturing them.
Because years from now, you probably won't remember whether your toddler smiled perfectly for every photograph.
You'll remember how little their hand felt in yours.
And that's what we're really here to preserve.
