5 tips to enjoy your session with kids

One of the most common things I hear from my clients is, "My children don’t like taking photos." As a mother, I’ve been there too. When my daughter was two, it felt impossible to get a photo of her without her making funny faces, turning away, or hiding behind me. I vividly remember one Fall session where she had a bag of gummies in every single shot because that was the only way to stop her from crying.

I used to be one of those moms who promised treats or threatened punishments just to get my kids to behave. I would tell them I’d take away the TV for the weekend or promise them ice cream if they listened. During the shoot, I’d be stressed, raising my voice, and only forcing a smile when the photographer asked me to. All I could think about afterward was how stressful the session had been.

Now, as a photographer, I want my clients to look back at their photos and remember a beautiful day spent with their family—the connections, the love, and the joy of that stage of life. That’s why I always share these 5 tips to help families have a stress-free photoshoot:

1. Embrace your child’s personality
Every kid is different, and no one knows them better than you. Respect their individuality during the session, and focus on capturing who they really are. Forcing them to act a certain way will show in the photos, so let them shine as they are!

2. Let this be a time for fun, not discipline
This isn’t the moment to correct or discipline your kids. Let them enjoy themselves! Some of the best photos come from candid moments when everyone is relaxed and just being themselves. Don’t worry too much about them looking at the camera or standing perfectly—let kids be kids.

3. Avoid snacks or distracting items
Based on personal and professional experience, try not to give your child something to hold, like a snack, during the session. While it might feel like a quick fix, it often becomes something they rely on, and it’s harder to get natural photos without the item sneaking into shots.

4. Plan your session on a low-key day
Weekends can get busy with sports and parties, but try to schedule your session on a day when you’re not rushing from one activity to another. If possible, make the photoshoot the highlight of the day so everyone feels relaxed and refreshed, ready to enjoy the moment.

5. Relax and have fun
Most importantly, have fun with your family! Play, laugh, hug, and kiss—these are your special moments together, and the more relaxed and happy you are, the more those emotions will shine through in your photos.

And now, are you ready to book your family session?