How to Get Kids Ready for a Family Portrait Session
Tips for a Fun and Stress-Free Shoot
Planning a family portrait session can feel like a big task, especially when you have little ones who may not be as excited about it as you are. But don’t worry—getting your kids ready for the photoshoot doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! With a little preparation and a few tips, you can ensure your family session is filled with laughter, love, and beautiful memories.
Here’s how to get your kids (and yourself) ready for a fun and relaxed family portrait session:
1. Keep it Fun!
First things first: keep the mood light and fun. Your kids will follow your lead, so if you’re excited and relaxed, they’ll be more likely to feel the same. Instead of thinking of the session as something they have to do, make it something fun and exciting. Tell them it’s an adventure! Remind them that they’re going to get to laugh, run around, and have a good time.
The more relaxed everyone feels, the better your photos will turn out.
Pro Tip: Plan a fun activity after the session, like grabbing ice cream or playing a favorite game at home. It’ll give the kids something to look forward to.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: Prepare Them Early
If you have younger kids, it’s a good idea to start talking about the photo session a few days before the shoot. Explain what will happen—no surprises here! Let them know they’ll get to wear their favorite outfits (or the ones you’ve picked out), and remind them that the session will be a chance for the family to hang out together.
If your little one is nervous, try practicing in front of the mirror or taking a few silly photos at home. This can help them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
3. Choose Comfortable Outfits
Comfort is key—if your kids are uncomfortable in their clothes, it will show in the photos. Choose outfits that allow for movement, and make sure they love what they’re wearing. If they’re uncomfortable in tight clothes or itchy fabrics, they’ll likely be fidgeting the whole time.
Also, think about the location of your session when picking out clothes. If we’re shooting outdoors, you might want to choose comfortable shoes that are good for walking around.
Pro Tip: Allow your kids to pick their own clothes (within reason). They’ll feel more confident and engaged if they get to express themselves through their outfit choices.
4. Bring Snacks and Drinks
Kids can get cranky when they’re hungry or thirsty, so be sure to pack snacks and drinks to keep them happy. A healthy snack is great for keeping their energy up, and water is essential to avoid getting tired or cranky.
Pro Tip: Avoid sugary snacks or drinks before the shoot—this can lead to a sugar rush or crash, and we all know how that goes!
5. Get the Energy Out Before the Shoot
Before your family portrait session begins, give your kids some time to run around and burn off energy. This is especially helpful for younger kids who might get a little restless during the session. If we’re shooting outdoors, let them explore the space, jump, play, or just stretch their legs before we start.
This will help them feel more relaxed, and when the camera comes out, they’ll be ready to smile and engage without feeling overly energetic.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Kids will be kids! And sometimes that means they might not want to cooperate, or they might need a break in the middle of the session. This is totally normal, and the best thing you can do is be patient and flexible. If a little one needs a moment to calm down, we can always take a break or capture some candid moments.
Pro Tip: I’ll guide your family through natural prompts to capture those genuine smiles and laughs—don’t worry about perfect poses. The goal is to capture your family just as you are.
7. Bring Their Favorite Toy or Blanket
If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy, it’s a great idea to bring it along to the session. This can help them feel more at ease and may even encourage some natural, loving moments. Some of my favorite family portraits have included a beloved toy tucked in a child’s arms, adding a special personal touch to the photos.
8. Give Lots of Praise and Encouragement
Throughout the session, give your kids plenty of positive reinforcement. Compliment them on how great they look and how well they’re doing. The more you praise their efforts, the more excited they’ll be to continue.
Pro Tip: Keep the session playful! Kids love to hear, “You’re doing an amazing job!” and “You look so cool in that outfit!”
9. Keep Expectations Realistic
Remember, your family photos don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to capture the real, genuine moments that represent your family’s unique bond. Expect some silly faces, funny moments, and a little chaos—it’s all part of the fun. And honestly, these are often the best photos!
10. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the moment. Your kids will sense if you’re stressed, so take a deep breath, enjoy the time together, and let things unfold naturally. The best family portraits come from moments of love, laughter, and connection.
Conclusion
Preparing your kids for a family portrait session doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little planning, patience, and plenty of fun, you’ll have a session that’s both enjoyable and full of beautiful memories. Remember—these photos will be treasured for years to come, so soak up the moments, and let me capture the magic.
I’m so excited to help you create lasting memories! If you’re ready to book your family portrait session or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make some magic together!
