How to Prepare Kids for a Photo Session
If you’re planning family photos and wondering how to prepare your kids for a photo session, you are not alone. This is one of the biggest concerns I hear from moms.
You want beautiful photos, but you are also thinking about moods, cooperation, and whether your kids will actually want to participate.
The good news is your session does not need to feel stressful. With a little preparation and the right expectations, it can feel easy, connected, and even enjoyable.
Start Here: What Kind of Session Are You Planning?
Before preparing your kids, it helps to understand what kind of session you are walking into.
If you are planning a personality or milestone session, the focus is on your child. These sessions are more flexible and allow space for your child’s personality to lead. If they have something they love, we can often incorporate it in a meaningful way.
If you are planning a family session, the focus shifts to connection. There is a little more coordination involved, but the goal is never perfection. It is simply capturing your family as you are in this season.
Knowing this ahead of time helps you set expectations for both yourself and your kids.
The One Thing to Be Thoughtful About Before Your Session
There is one thing I always want parents to think about ahead of time.
Whatever your child is holding or attached to right before your session will likely show up in your photos.
When kids feel unsure, they hold onto what feels familiar. That might be a toy, a stuffed animal, a snack, or even a device.
This does not mean you need to avoid those things. It just means you want to be intentional.
If your child brings something, choose something you would be happy to see in your photos, because once the session starts, they may not want to let it go and I’m not going to be the bad guy 🙂
How to Prepare Kids for a Photo Session
When it comes to how to prepare kids for a photo session, every age shows up a little differently, but often the biggest difference comes down to how you prepare them leading up to your session.
Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
At this age, less is more. Toddlers do best when things feel simple and low pressure.
About a week before, keep it casual:
“We are going to take some pictures together. It will be fun.”
The day before:
“We are going to see a friend tomorrow and take some pictures.”
The day of:
Keep things calm and light. No big build-up.
Toddlers are going to move, explore, and stay close to you. That is exactly what we want. Some of the most meaningful images at this age come from connection, not posing.
Young Kids (4 to 10 years)
Kids in this stage like to know what to expect, but still need things to feel easy and fun.
About a week before:
“We are going to take some family photos. We will all play together while someone takes pictures of us.”
The day before:
“Tomorrow we get to spend time together and take some fun pictures.”
The day of:
“We are just going to have fun and play together.”
Giving them a small role can help too. Letting them feel included makes a big difference.
Middle School (11 to 13 years)
This age can feel a little more aware and sometimes unsure.
About a week before:
“We are going to take some updated photos. It will be fun and laid back.”
The day before:
“Tomorrow is just a relaxed session. Nothing stressful.”
The day of:
Keep it simple and avoid over-talking it.
Letting them have a little input, especially with outfits, can help them feel more comfortable and confident.
Teens (14 and up)
Teens usually respond best when they feel respected and not overly directed.
About a week before:
“We are going to take some photos. It will be simple and easy.”
The day before:
“Tomorrow is just a quick session. You don’t have to overthink it.”
The day of:
Keep things relaxed and efficient. We don’t want to take too much time out of what they would rather be doing 🙂
At this stage, sessions tend to feel more like a portrait experience with light guidance so they can feel confident and natural.
Creating a Session That Feels Easy
One of the biggest things I remind my clients is this:
Just enjoy your family and be with them, and I will take care of the rest.
You do not need to worry about getting your kids to smile perfectly or behave a certain way.
Some families need more guidance during a session and some need less. I adjust my guidance based on what your family needs in the moment so everything feels natural and not forced.
I also always remind clients to hold hands, play with hair, hug, and touch whenever possible to create connection that will surely show threw in your photos.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
A little preparation goes a long way, but it does not need to feel overwhelming.
You might consider bringing:
- simple, non-messy snacks (keep these top secret – we only pull them out in emergencies!)
- water
- a comfort item if your child needs one
And always keep this in mind. If it comes with you, it may end up in your photos.
A big no-no: DO NOT feed your kids candy or refined sugar of any kind before your session! This can lead to melt downs and tantrums that we are trying our best to avoid.
A Quick Note on Outfits
Choosing what to wear can feel like one of the more overwhelming parts of planning your session.
I help guide you through outfit selections so everything feels cohesive and natural, whether that is pieces from your own closet or options I provide.
The goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable so you can focus on being present with your family.
What If Your Kids Don’t Cooperate?
This is one of the biggest worries parents have, and I want you to know it is completely normal.
Kids do not need to behave perfectly for your session to be successful.
Some of the best images come from movement, connection, and those in-between silly moments that cannot be planned.
A big no-no: REFRAIN from disciplining your kids before and during your session! Disciplining will just end up in hurt feeling and sour faces for all involved :/
The Goal Is Not Perfection. It Is Your Family
At the end of the day, this is not about perfect behavior or perfect posing.
It is about your family as you are right now.
The way your child reaches for you
The way they laugh
The way they stay close
Those are the moments that matter most and that’s what we are looking to capture.
Ready to Plan Your Family Photos?
If you are thinking about scheduling family photos and want a session that feels guided, fun, and meaningful from start to finish, I would love to help!
As a Barrington, IL maternity, newborn, and family photographer, I create a full-service experience so you can enjoy your time with your family while I capture the memories for you.
Check out my session details:
Hi, I’m Jessie, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer who loves capturing the beautiful seasons of motherhood and family life. My sessions are designed as a full-service experience, thoughtfully guiding you from planning to finished artwork. If you’re looking for a thoughtfully guided, stress-free maternity, newborn, or family photography experience, I’d love to connect.
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