Tips for Stress-Free Photos of Your Kids
As a parent, I know how nerve-wracking it can feel when it's time for family portraits. One of the biggest worries we all have is: How on earth will I get my kids to sit still and smile? Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—trying to balance wrangling kids while hoping for that perfect shot where everyone is smiling at the camera.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to stress. Getting natural, joyful moments from your little ones doesn’t have to be a challenge. With just a few simple tips, we can make the experience fun and effortless, whether it’s for family portraits or those precious birthday pictures. Let’s document the real, beautiful chaos that is your family, without the pressure of perfection.
5 Tips to Prep Your Kids for Your Family Session
Scheduling
When planning your session, it's all about working around your kids' natural rhythms. Schedule the session when they’re well-rested and fed—right after naps or mealtimes is usually perfect. That way, they’ll be happy and relaxed, and we can capture them at their best without any fussiness or crankiness.
Make it a big deal!
To get your kids excited about the session, let them know about it ahead of time. Turn it into something fun and special—talk about how it’s a day just for them! Build up the excitement, so they feel involved and ready to take part. You could even promise a little treat or fun activity afterward as a reward. When they’re looking forward to it, their energy and smiles will shine through during the shoot!
Bribes
I know the idea of bribing might not sit well, but trust me—a little treat can work wonders! Having a small piece of candy or a fun reward ready for after the session can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your toddler happy and cooperative. It’s a simple trick that can help take the stress out of the moment, so everyone can enjoy the experience!
4. Let the photographer give the directions
It's completely natural to want to step in and direct your kids during the session, or fix their clothes, but trust me—it’s easy to get caught up in that and forget to look at the camera yourself! Let your photographer handle the details. They will take care of guiding the little ones so you can relax and focus on looking your best. Plus, kids often respond better to someone else giving instructions, which makes the whole experience smoother for everyone. Just enjoy the moment—you’ve got this!
5. Just enjoy the experience!
It’s totally natural to want every shot to be picture-perfect, but the real magic happens when you let go and just enjoy the moment with your family. Often, the most beautiful photos come from those perfectly imperfect moments that happen when you’re simply having fun together. Instead of stressing over creating the "perfect" family portrait, focus on making the best memories. The more relaxed and happy you are, the more your kids will feel it—and those are the moments that truly shine.
