Tips for Stress-Free Family Photo Sessions

Family pictures are supposed to capture your beautiful, happy, loving family.

But let’s be honest for a minute.

Prepping for family pictures can sometimes feel less like a fun family activity and more like preparing for a military operation.

Someone can’t find their shoes.
Someone suddenly hates the outfit you picked out three weeks ago.
Someone spilled something on their shirt five minutes before leaving.
And somehow, the child who doesn’t normally nap 3 hours is preventing you from getting their hair done.

I’ve been there. 

The good news? Your family doesn’t have to be perfectly behaved, perfectly dressed, or perfectly happy for you to get beautiful pictures.

Lets face it: Life is not perfect. Here are a few things I recommend to make family picture day go a LOT smoother.

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Pick Out Clothes

I know. Easier said than done. If you need help, reach out to your photographer. I know I am always willing to help my clients find the perfect outfits.

Here are some good guidlines:

If you’re coordinating outfits, think colors and textures instead of everyone matching exactly. I usually recommend mom picking something first and working the family’s outfits around her.

Neutrals, earth tones, denim, subtle patterns, and soft colors tend to photograph the best and give your images a timeless look without distractions.

And remember: your kids still need to look like your kids. Their personality is more important than having the “perfect” outfit.

2. Feed Your Kids

This one sounds obvious, but it is worth mentioning.

HUNGRY CHILDREN ARE NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR FAMILY PHOTO DREAMS.

Give them a good meal or snack before your session.

A small snack for the car is also a great idea. Just choose something that isn’t likely to end up all over their freshly cleaned clothes.

I am definitely not above bribes, but if you decide to bring candy bring something like Smarties. No color, no mess, doesn’t stain their tongue!

3. Don’t Threaten your kids (Or Dad for that matter!)

You don’t have to spend the entire week telling your kids:

“You HAVE to smile for the photographer!”

“You better behave!”

Instead, keep it casual. Tell them you’re going somewhere fun, you’re going to play, and someone is going to take some pictures of everyone together. Your energy and enthusiasm will rub off on them.

The less pressure they feel to perform, the more natural their personalities can come through.

4. Let Them Be Kids

This is probably my biggest piece of advice.

Your child does not have to smile at the camera for the entire session.

In fact, I don’t want them to.

Some of my favorite family photos happen when kids are running, laughing, cuddling their parents, exploring, or doing something completely unexpected.

If your little one doesn’t want to stand still, that’s okay.

We’ll move.

If they want to run, we’ll run.

If they need a minute to warm up, we’ll take a minute.

If they make a ridiculous face, there’s a good chance I’m taking a picture of it. Those little moments are often the ones you’ll love the most years from now because we should focus on your family dynamic as it is RIGHT NOW in this stage of life.

5. Let Your Photographer Take the Lead

You’ve already done the hard part by getting everyone dressed and out the door.

Now you can relax.

You don’t need to tell your kids to smile every five seconds. You don’t need to fix every little thing. And you definitely don’t need to apologize because your toddler isn’t cooperating.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you through poses, interact with your kids, and look for those little candid moments happening in between.

Your only job?

Be with your family.

Laugh with them. Hug them. Chase them. Snuggle them.

And try not to worry about whether everyone is looking at the camera.

6. Remember Why You’re Doing This

At the end of the day, family pictures aren’t really about getting everyone to look perfect.

They’re about remembering this version of your family.

The tiny hands.

The missing teeth.

The wild hair.

The way your kids still want to be carried.

The way they laugh when Dad makes a ridiculous face.

The way everyone piles onto Mom.

These stages go by SO fast.

So take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and don’t worry if everything doesn’t go exactly according to plan.

I promise—we can still get beautiful pictures.

You don’t need a perfectly behaved family for beautiful family pictures. You just need your family.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed family photography experience, I’d love to help you capture your family exactly as they are right now—the silly, sweet, chaotic, wonderful version of them.

Ready to plan your family session? Let’s do it!