Family Photos with kids: tips for a fun & relaxed session

If you’re worried the kids won’t cooperate for your family photos you’re not alone, it’s one of the most common concern I hear. Luckily, some of the best photos happen with kids are simply being themselves. Your kids don’t have to sit still, smile perfectly, or act like little models for your family photos to be great, the real family moments are the ones you’d treasure the most. But if you are still a bit nervous, a little preparation (and some snacks) can help make for a relaxing and fun shoot.

Tips for a successful family photo shoot with kids, and with out stress

1. Choose the right time of day

   • Think about naps, meal times, and routines, consider what times make sense for your kids

   • If your kids have a time a day that they are happiest or most energetic that makes for a great time for your shoot

   • Yes, golden hour and sunset are beautiful, but if your kids are tired from the day then no amount of pretty light will fix a tired kiddo

2. Make sure kids are rested and fed

   • Make sure kiddos have had a meal or a snack before the session so no ones getting hangry

   • Bring easy, mess-free snacks and water

3. Bring comfort items

   • Any toy, blanket, or stuffed animal that makes your kids feel comfortable and happy

   • Toys or items that go with the location and can provide some entertainment, like sand toys for a shoot at the beach or binoculars for a shoot in a meadow

4. Let kids be kids

   • We’ll focus on authentic movement rather than sitting still and posing

   • Exploring is encouraged, run through the fields, find cool rocks or flowers, play with their siblings and parents these sorts of movements make for great candid moments

   • When the kids need a break we’ll take a little breaks, it can be a lot to take a bunch of pictures so little breaks to shake it out are totally acceptable

   • We’ll play some games like red light/green light or tag to get the wiggles out and get some fun candids

   • Expect the unexpected, if someone cries, get dirty, won’t smile, it’s not the end of the world. These moments are totally normal and sometimes can become a funny moment that turns into your favorite picture

5. Trust your photographer

   • You don’t need to know how to pose, I’ll give you prompts and guide you through everything

   • I’ll let the kids take the lead on things, if they want to run around I’ll let them run and snap some candids, if they are feeling shy I’ll start with other family members and let them warm up

   • If kids are feeling unsure I’ll let them look at the photos on the back screen of the camera and even let them push the shutter to take their own photo

Family photos should feel like an experience your family gets to enjoy, not something to stress about. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where your kids can be themselves and your family’s story can unfold naturally.