10 Ways to Prep Your Kids Like a Pro For Your Family Photo Session (Featuring a Licensed Children’s Therapist!)

The lead up to your family photo session doesn’t have to be filled with stress, and you don’t have to dread a misbehaving child running amok, ruining the session! Believe it or not, you can actually prepare any child for a successful family photo session. And with the help of Amanda Armbruster, a licensed children’s therapist and parenting consultant in Houston with Take a Break Tots , I’ve created a list of my top tips to prepare for your dream family photo session!

Paint a fun, carefree picture

Instead of presenting family photo sessions to children as something serious and weighty, try approaching the topic as a fun adventure! I do this with my own children before photo sessions, actually! A few days before the session, I share that we are going to go hang out with our friend who happens to be a photographer, and that we are going to take some pictures with her. By keeping the atmosphere fun and light, they anticipate a joyful experience. Pressure’s off!

Set expectations

Amanda advises that setting expectations for your children in advance can be very helpful for them. She suggests explaining the full process, start to finish, so they don’t feel uncomfortable or shocked by anything that happens. She offers this example: “Mrs. Kathleen is going to come over and take pictures of us. You haven’t met her before (or seen her in a while). She is super nice and has a big camera. We’re going to get cleaned up and put on cute outfits. Our job is to have fun and smile!”

Prepare with play

If your child struggles during picture time and is more likely to frown than smile, prepare for your session with play! Whether through physical activity or imaginative play with a new toy, this will put them in a wonderful mood that will translate into wonderful photos. Oh, and Amanda recommends limiting screen time right before your session, too!

Fill their tummies

Nothing makes for a grumpier little one -- or a grumpier adult, for that matter -- than a rumbly stomach. Avoid the “hangries” by eating a meal or snack before the session. Limit sugar to avoid a crash, opting instead for protein to crank up their energy levels.

Skip the incentives

Believe it or not, incentivizing good behavior before a photo session can actually do more harm than good! Amanda notes that, at the mention of post-session ice cream, that is all your little one will be thinking about until they receive it. This could lead to a meltdown mid-session, and we certainly don’t want that! Instead, rely on the groundwork for a lighthearted atmosphere you’ve already laid, and engage them in play.

Choose comfy outfits

Kiddos can often feel big ways about the clothes they wear. To avoid constant tugging at an itchy sweater-vest during your session, choose an outfit they feel comfortable in instead. And nothing makes a child more excited for photos than the opportunity to show off an outfit they helped choose!

Bring a smile-maker

If a particular toy or stuffed animal comforts your little one, bring it with you just in case!

Pack a snack

I have no problem with mid-session breaks for snacks and water, so please feel free to bring them! In fact, I encourage you to! I always build in time for a short breather to step away and regroup if we need to. Because family sessions are an hour long, we have plenty of time to take it easy and do what we need to do to guarantee beautiful photos.

Allow the session to unfold naturally

No matter how your family photo session unfolds, I assure you that your photos are going to be amazing! With that in mind, I want to encourage you to set aside any expectations you may have for how a family photo session should go. If this is your first time stepping in front of my camera, you might be surprised by how I do things, so be ready to go with the flow! Just act naturally and have a good time. This laid-back spirit will help your child get into the right mindset for amazing images. And if they are struggling, just remain calm. I’ve got tips and tricks for days to help get them back into the right mood!

Be yourself!

As a long-time family photographer and mom of three, I’ve truly seen it all! I know better than most how unreliable a child’s temperament can be. And that’s OK! I love hanging out with your kiddos, even when they’re feeling a bit cranky. So, don’t stress it. Amanda says that when you’re relaxed, it’s easier for your child to get there, too. The best thing you can do to avoid stressing out your child during a session is to be the mama or daddy they know and love. And I’ll take it from there!