Family photos don't have to be a perfectly orchestrated event. In fact, some of the best photos happen when everyone relaxes and lets the session unfold naturally. But a little preparation can make a big difference, especially when you're bringing young kids along.
Here are 7 things I recommend doing before your family photography session.
1. Don't over-plan the day
Try not to schedule a million things before your session. If everyone arrives rushed, hungry, and already tired, it's going to be harder for everyone to settle in. Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed, get out the door, and arrive without feeling like you're racing the clock. And if something goes wrong before you leave? Don't panic.
2. Feed everyone first
This one sounds obvious, but it is easy to overlook when you're trying to get everyone dressed and out the door. A hungry kid is rarely interested in cooperating for photos. I don't recommend arriving with a completely full stomach, either. Just aim for a normal meal or snack beforehand so nobody is thinking about dinner halfway through the session.
3. Choose clothes everyone can actually move in
Your kids don't need to wear something they've never worn before just because it looks good in a photo. Comfort matters. If your child hates stiff clothes, itchy fabrics, or shoes that pinch, the session probably isn't the best time to introduce them. Choose something that feels like them and allows them to move, run, sit, play, and be themselves. And remember: coordinating is not the same as matching. A mix of colors, textures, and patterns usually feels much more natural than putting everyone in the exact same outfit.
4. Don't worry about getting your kids to behave
You do not need to spend the entire drive reminding your kids to "listen to the photographer." In fact, please don't worry too much about it. Kids are kids. They may be shy when we start. They may want to run. They may refuse a photo. They may suddenly become fascinated by a stick on the ground. I'll give them direction when they need it, but I also want room for the unexpected moments. Sometimes the photos you weren't planning on are the ones you end up loving the most.
5. Bring a snack...and hide it
Snacks can absolutely save the day. Just keep them somewhere out of sight and avoid anything particularly messy, sticky, or brightly colored. A quick snack break is completely fine if we need one.
You don't have to power through a session with a hungry three-year-old just because we are taking photos.
6. Don't overuse the bribery
A little incentive isn't the end of the world, but I wouldn't promise a child a huge reward for "being good" during the entire session. That can put a lot of pressure on everyone, including you. Instead, let the session be an experience. We'll move around, play, talk, take breaks, and give everyone opportunities to reset. Remember, you brought a little snack!
7. Come ready to participate, and then relax
Parents often think their job during family photos is to make sure everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. It's not. Your job is to interact with your kids. Talk to them. Hold their hands. Chase them. Laugh with them. Give them a hug. Let them climb on you. Tell them a ridiculous joke. There will be posed portraits, movement, little interactions, and plenty of moments that happen without anyone planning them.
That's what makes a gallery feel like your family instead of a collection of perfectly posed people.
One last thing: don't expect perfection
Your kids may not cooperate perfectly. Someone may get grass on their clothes. A toddler may need a break. Your teenager may roll their eyes. That's okay. You don't need everyone to behave perfectly for us to make great photographs. You just need to show up as yourselves.
I'll take care of the rest.
