Scheduling a family photo session is exciting, but if you have young kids, you may also be wondering how in the world you're going to get everyone dressed, out the door, and happily smiling for the camera.
As a family photographer, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents before their session is, "What if my kids don't cooperate?"
The good news is that your kids do not need to behave perfectly for you to get beautiful family photos.
In fact, some of the best family photography happens when kids are simply being themselves. The giggles, cuddles, silly faces, movement, and little in-between moments are often what make your images feel the most meaningful.
Whether you're preparing for fall family photos, holiday card pictures, or an updated family photography session, these simple tips can help make your experience feel relaxed and enjoyable from beginning to end.
1. Talk About the Session Ahead of Time
A little preparation before your family photography session can make a big difference, especially for younger children.
Let your kids know ahead of time that you're going to spend some time together taking family pictures. Keep the conversation fun and low-pressure.
Instead of saying things like, "You need to behave," or "Make sure you smile for the photographer," try telling them that you're going to play, laugh, cuddle, and take some pictures together.
The goal is to help them see your family photo session as something fun rather than something they need to perform for.
When children feel relaxed, their natural personalities come through, which creates more authentic family photos.
2. Make Sure Everyone Is Fed
One of the easiest ways to prepare kids for family photos is also one of the simplest: make sure they're not hungry.
Many fall family photo sessions are scheduled later in the day because evening light creates that soft, beautiful glow that looks amazing in photographs. Unfortunately, that can sometimes overlap with your family's normal dinner schedule.
Try to give your children a meal or filling snack before you leave for your session.
You can also bring a small, mess-free snack for younger kids if needed. Choose something that won't stain clothing, get stuck in teeth, or leave colorful crumbs behind.
A fed kid is usually a much happier kid, and happy kids make family photography sessions a whole lot easier.
3. Choose Comfortable Clothes
What your family wears can make a huge difference in how your final family photos look, but comfort is just as important as style.
Choose clothing that allows your kids to move, sit, walk, cuddle, and play comfortably.
Try to avoid outfits that are itchy, too tight, constantly falling down, or something your child already dislikes wearing. Even the cutest outfit won't photograph well if your child spends the entire session uncomfortable.
Comfortable clothing helps kids relax, which means you'll get more natural expressions and movement during your family photo session.
When coordinating family photo outfits, I also recommend choosing complementary colors rather than having everyone wear the exact same thing. Neutral tones, earthy colors, soft textures, and subtle patterns tend to photograph beautifully, especially for outdoor fall family photos.
And if you're wondering what the whole family should wear, check out my What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session guide for more tips and inspiration.
4. Don't Practice smiles
You don't need to spend the days leading up to your family photography session practicing smiles.
Actually, I would rather you didn't!
While every family photo gallery usually includes a few traditional photographs with everyone looking at the camera, those aren't the only images we're trying to create.
Some of my favorite family photos happen when no one is looking at the camera at all.
During your session, I'll use prompts, games, movement, and interaction to help create real laughter and genuine expressions.
I may ask you to walk together, snuggle your kids, whisper something silly, tickle your toddler, or simply interact with each other.
Those little moments create natural family photography that feels like your family rather than a collection of forced poses.
5. Let Kids Be Kids
Your toddler may wander away.
Someone might make a silly face.
Your child may suddenly decide they're more interested in sticks, rocks, or whatever happens to be nearby than taking family pictures.
That's okay.
You do not have to spend your entire family photo session reminding your children to stand still and smile.
Family photography is about capturing your family during this particular season of life, and sometimes that season includes a toddler with absolutely no interest in standing still.
Let them explore a little.
Let them laugh.
Let them be silly.
I can guide your family throughout the session while still giving your kids enough freedom to feel comfortable.
Some of the most memorable family photos happen in those imperfect, unscripted moments.
6. Parents, Try to Stay Relaxed
Children are incredibly good at picking up on their parents' energy.
If you're stressed because your toddler isn't listening or worried because your child isn't smiling at the camera, they will usually feel that pressure too.
One of the best things you can do during a family photography session is focus on enjoying your family.
Hold your kids.
Play with them.
Laugh with your spouse.
Give your toddler a cuddle.
Let me worry about the photographs.
You don't need to constantly tell your children to look at the camera or smile. As your family photographer, I'll guide everyone when I need their attention.
Your job is simply to love on your family.
The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kids will usually become too.
And that relaxed connection is exactly what creates beautiful, natural family photos.
7. Remember What You're Really Capturing
It's easy to get caught up in wanting the "perfect" family picture.
Perfect outfits.
Perfect smiles.
Perfect behavior.
But years from now, those aren't going to be the things you notice first.
You're going to notice how little your kids were.
The missing front teeth.
The way your toddler's hand fit inside yours.
The way your child laughed when Dad picked them up.
The way everyone looked during a season of life that somehow went by much faster than you expected.
That is why family photography matters.
Your family photo session isn't about creating the illusion of a perfect family.
It's about documenting the family you have right now.
Fall Family Photos Are the Perfect Way to Capture This Season
Fall is one of the most popular times of year to schedule family photography, and for good reason.
The beautiful outdoor light, cooler weather, seasonal colors, and upcoming holidays make fall family photos perfect for updating the pictures in your home or creating holiday cards for friends and family.
Because fall photography sessions are so popular, session dates can fill quickly.
If you've been putting off booking family photos because you're worried your kids won't cooperate, please don't let that be the reason you skip them.
Your kids don't have to be perfect.
They just have to be themselves.
Bring me the silly kids.
The shy kids.
The energetic kids.
The toddlers who have their own agenda.
The kids who give you a beautiful smile for five seconds and then decide they're completely finished.
We'll work with it.
My goal as your family photographer is to create a relaxed family photo session where you can spend time together while I document the connection, personality, and love that already exists within your family.
Ready to Plan Your Family Photo Session?
I would love to photograph your family.
Don't wait for the perfect time, the perfect outfits, or perfectly behaved kids.
This season of your family is worth remembering exactly as it is.
Click the booking link here to view available family sessions and upcoming fall photography dates.
