Planning A Successful Family Portrait Session
- Make Sure the Kids Are Rested and Fed This is especially important for younger children. Ensure they’ve had their nap before the session, and bring a few snacks and some water to keep them comfortable and happy throughout the shoot.
- Plan Clothing in Advance Clothing can significantly impact how your portraits turn out. Choose comfortable, well-fitting outfits ahead of time—don’t wait until the night before to pick them out. Let kids have a say in their outfit choices when appropriate. If you’re bringing a baby or toddler, pack an extra outfit just in case.
- What to Tell the Kids Keep it simple and positive. Let them know you’re meeting a friend in the park who will take fun pictures. Reassure them that it will be an enjoyable experience. If your child is shy or anxious around strangers, inform your photographer beforehand so they can be aware.
- Bring a Favorite Toy or Book A familiar item can help your child feel more at ease. Choose something small and quiet—a toy or book—that they enjoy and can use to stay engaged or comforted during the session.
- Let Your Kids Be Themselves Allow the photographer to guide and interact with your children. Avoid pressuring them to smile or pose. Instead, focus on enjoying your time together—natural expressions and genuine moments often make the best photos.
- Prepare for the Unexpected Kids don’t always cooperate, and that’s okay. Some of the most beautiful images come from spontaneous, real moments. Embrace the chaos and trust your photographer to capture the magic.
- Remember the Why Why are you doing this? Whether it’s for holiday cards, gifts, or simply to document your family at this stage in life, keeping your purpose in mind will help you stay relaxed and focused on what truly matters.
- Relax and Have Fun Let go of expectations and trust your photographer. When you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself, your kids will feel it—and the photos will reflect that joy.