5 ways to prepare for your family photoshoot with young children
Here are some tips below on how to prepare your children for your photo session:
Set The Tone!
Your little ones are like tiny mirrors, reflecting your energy. If you’re feeling stressed on the day of your session, chances are they’ll pick up on it too. Instead, lean into the excitement—talk about how much fun it’s going to be and how you can’t wait to create memories together. Your positive vibes will set the stage for a joyful session.
Little Incentives Go A Long Way
Let’s face it, a little encouragement can make a world of difference, and there’s zero judgment here! Depending on your child’s age and attention span, plan a special treat for after the session or bring along a small, non-messy snack like fruit snacks or smarties to keep their spirits up. Just steer clear of anything that might get messy, like chocolate or crumbly snacks.
Embrace A Little Mischief
Kids are naturally full of energy and can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed during a family session. Letting them be a touch mischievous (within limits, of course) can help them feel relaxed and free. If you prepare for this mindset ahead of time, you’ll find it easier to keep a genuine smile on your face while they play. The real magic happens in those unfiltered, playful moments where their true personalities shine through.
Keep It Simple
While a little inspiration is great, I actually recommend not having a list of exact poses to replicate. It can make your images feel stiff or unnatural if you’re chasing a Pinterest-perfect shot. Instead, focus on connecting with your loved ones. Without rigid expectations, your photos will turn out beautifully, uniquely you.
Let The Moments Unfold
This might sound familiar, but it’s often easier said than done. When you book a photography session, your goal is to capture cherished memories, right? Kids are unpredictable, and as parents, it’s natural to want to control the situation. But during your session, let go of that urge and follow their lead a bit. The spontaneous moments are the ones you’ll treasure most.
Location: Croasdaile Farm
Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.