We all know that taking photos with little ones can be delightfully unpredictable. Getting kids to sit still, smile, and stay engaged for more than a few moments can sometimes feel like mission impossible! But here’s the wonderful truth: capturing their genuine personalities in a joyful and relaxed environment creates an experience that families will cherish for years to come. As a Columbus, GA Family Photographer, I’ve learned a few essential tips to make photo sessions with kids easy and stress-free, ensuring everyone leaves with happy memories and beautiful images to look back on. With a little planning and a lot of play, you’ll have an unforgettable session that truly reflects the joy and connection in your family!
Take Part in the Fun!
Sharing in the excitement during your photo session is one of the best ways to create memories you’ll cherish forever. When I say to share in the excitement, I mean to truly embrace the childhood wonder of the moment—play along with the games, explore with them, and let loose alongside your kids. Remember, they’re there to have fun, and more than anything, they want to have fun with you! Whether it’s a quick game of tag, a round of Simon Says, or simply running through a field hand in hand, your active participation fills the session with energy and joy. These moments naturally bring out those beautiful, genuine smiles and laughter that make for unforgettable photos. So jump in, laugh, and savor the playful moments with your little ones—it’s the shared joy that will make your photos truly special.
Stay Away From Pinterest
I love Pinterest! There’s something so inspiring about finding a new recipe to try or an arts and crafts project to do with my little ones. And I can’t deny that Pinterest is a treasure trove for posing ideas and photo inspiration. But when it comes to your family photos, Pinterest is best used just as that—inspiration. The magic of your family session lies in the moments that are uniquely yours. While it’s wonderful to bring ideas, remember that your little ones want to run, explore, and enjoy the moment in their own way. They aren’t thinking about recreating another family’s photos; they’re just excited to be with you and to have fun! So bring that Pinterest photo, I promise to try my best to capture something similar but allow your session to unfold naturally. It’s those real, playful moments that will capture your family’s one-of-a-kind personality and make your photos truly memorable.
Share Your Excitement!
In the days leading up to your family session, take a few moments to chat with your kids about the fun you’re going to have together. Let them know how excited you are to play games, laugh, and capture special moments as a family. Share how happy taking family photos makes you and how you can’t wait to fill your home with new photos of all of you together. You might even walk around the house together and let your little ones pick out spots where they think a family photo would look just right or where they’d love to see a picture of themselves. These simple steps can make them feel more invested and excited for the session, and according to Wellbeing Magazine, this can actually have a positive effect on their self-esteem by showing them they’re an important part of your family story and home. Family photography isn’t just about images; it’s about helping your kids feel loved and valued in the little moments that make up their world.
Be Prepared!
Coming to your family session prepared makes a world of difference in creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience. A few thoughtful touches can keep everyone comfortable and happy, and trust me, they’re worth the extra planning! Bringing snacks and water is a lifesaver—because we all know what it’s like to feel “hangry,” and the last thing we want is hungry, cranky kids (or husbands!) during your session. Simple snacks like apple slices, fruit snacks, or pretzels are great options because they’re easy, mess-free, and won’t leave sticky hands.
Consider whether you’d like everyone to arrive in their picture clothes or if you’d rather pack them and change at the location to avoid accidental spills or sticky fingers on the way. If you choose to change at the location, add an extra 15 minutes to your travel time so everyone has time to get ready before we start. Another tip: avoid screen time on the drive over and throughout the session. Phones can be tough to give up once they’re in hand, and keeping the focus on each other helps create the real, joyful moments that make your family photos truly special.
Pack Your Patience
This might be the most important tip I can share for a joyful family photo session is to stay calm and patient. Kids are quick to pick up on energy, so your calm presence can set a peaceful, reassuring tone for the entire session. Expect a few wiggles, giggles, and maybe even a meltdown or two – and that’s okay! As a mom myself, I understand these moments well, which is why I always build extra time into our session for those wiggles and breaks. The key is to avoid frustration or showing stress, as this can lead to tears that can be hard to recover from. If your little one has a tough moment, just take a minute to comfort them; often, those tender interactions lead to some of the sweetest, most heartfelt photos. Embrace the experience as it unfolds – these are the moments that make family photography so genuine and memorable.
5 Tips for Easy Photo Sessions with Kids
There you have it, my 5 Essential Tips for Easy, Stress-Free Photo Sessions with Kids, that I’ve tried for creating a joyful, relaxed experience that makes for beautiful family photos. Taking photos with kids can be a wonderful mix of energy, curiosity, and unpredictability. We know that getting little ones to stay still and smile on command can feel like a nearly impossible task, but the key to easy photo sessions with kids is letting go of perfection and embracing the moment. As a mother and a Columbus, GA family photographer, I’ve learned a few essential tips that help families enjoy a relaxed, joyful session where beautiful memories are naturally captured. By sharing in the excitement, preparing for the little needs, and focusing on connection over poses, families can create images that truly reflect their unique love and personalities. This blog, 5 Essential Tips for Easy, Stress-Free Photo Sessions with Kids, will guide you in making the most of your time together, creating a session that’s as memorable as the photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
