Family photos are some of the most meaningful images you’ll ever have. But if you’ve got little ones involved, it can also feel a bit unpredictable. Trust me, as a mom and a photographer, I get it. And that’s exactly why I feel so confident talking about it.
The number of times I hear “but my kids don’t sit still…” from families reaching out is endless. And just to reassure you: that’s completely normal, and actually part of what makes the photos so special. The goal isn’t perfection or perfectly posed smiles the entire time. It’s about capturing your family as you are right now. That means all the personality, chaos, and laughter included.
That being said, a little preparation can go a long way in helping things feel more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. So, here are a few simple ways to help set your kids (and you!) up for a great family session.
Let Your Children Know What’s Happening
Kids do best when they know what to expect. If they are old enought to understand, a simple explanation goes a long way. Let them know something like, “We’re going to go hang out with a photographer who’s going to take some fun photos of us playing together.”
Keep the conversation light and positive. The goal is to frame it as an experience, not an obligation. The less pressure they feel to “perform,” the more natural everything will be.
Involve Them in the Planning
One of the easiest ways to help kids feel excited instead of nervous is to bring them into the process. Let them know you’re going to take family photos and make it feel like something fun and special, not something they’re just being dragged along to.
You can show them the location beforehand, talk about what you might do during the session, or even let them help pick part of what they wear. When kids feel included, they’re way more likely to cooperate… and often even get excited about it.
Dress Comfortably
Comfort is everything when it comes to kids. If they’re uncomfortable in what they’re wearing, it’s going to show pretty quickly. Trust me, I have seen this time and time again. Choose outfits that allow them to move freely, sit, run, and play without restriction. Soft fabrics, breathable layers, and weather-appropriate clothing will always win over something stiff or overly formal. When kids feel good physically, they’re much more likely to stay happy and engaged during the session.
Tip: bring an extra change of clothes too. Having a backup ready to go can be a lifesaver if any little “oopsie” moments happen.
Encourage Them to Be Themselves
This might be the most important one. The best family photos almost always come from moments where kids are just being themselves. As a photographer, I love capturing those authentic moments where you’re all laughing, being silly, or walking around exploring together.
Instead of trying to keep them perfectly still or constantly smiling at the camera, give them the freedom to move, play, and interact with you naturally. Those natural, in-between moments almost always end up being my clients’ favorite images.
Plan Your Timeline with Location in Mind
Running late is usually a recipe for disaster. The best thing you can do is plan and keep your location in mind when planning your timeline for the day. With little ones, especially, it’s not ideal to be rushing in and trying to jump straight into photos the second you get out of the car.
If you’re able to, try to plan your day around the session as much as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, so you’re not scrambling out the door at the last minute.
For those travelling to your session location, try to arrive about 10–15 minutes early as well. It gives your children a chance to stretch their legs, explore a little, and release some energy before we officially start. While these might seem like small things, they can make a huge difference in how settled they feel once the photos begin.
Bring Snacks and Refreshments
Hangry? We’ve all been there. That’s why this one is such a lifesaver. Having a few easy snacks and drinks on hand can help keep everyone’s energy levels up and avoid any mid-session meltdowns. Think simple, non-messy options that won’t leave sticky hands or faces.
I always like to remind parents that meltdowns happen. You don’t need to feel embarrassed or stressed about it. My goal is to help keep the session relaxed and flowing naturally. If we need to pause for a quick snack break or a little reset moment, we do that.
As a photographer (and a mom), I’m always rolling with the punches… and sometimes those in-between moments end up being the sweetest photos anyway.
Trying Offering Incentives (Not Bribes!)
Rather than using treats or sweets as bribery during the session, it works much better to offer something fun to look forward to afterwards. Maybe it’s a trip to the park, ice cream, or a visit to their favourite toy shop. This gives them something exciting to focus on after the photos, rather than relying on constant rewards during the session.
Ready to Book Your Session?
I hope these tips help ease any worries you might have about your upcoming family photoshoot. At the end of the day, the goal is to create a relaxed experience where your family can just be together and enjoy the moment.
If you’re still looking for an experienced family photographer in Vancouver who can guide you through the whole process and make things easy (even with little ones), let’s chat. Fill out the contact form so we can connect and create memories that last a lifetime.