How to Prep Kids for Family Photos

Let’s be real—asking kids to behave for photos can feel like a big ask. But the truth is, your session doesn’t need perfect behavior—it just needs real connection.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I prep little ones (and parents!) so you walk into your session feeling confident, not stressed. It’s all about low pressure, real moments, and letting kids be themselves.

Photo Prep Ideas Overview

• Get kids excited by looking at old family photos together and noticing changes they’ll get to capture this year (missing tooth, new haircut, pretty outfit, new glasses, etc.).
• Coordinate outfits earlier rather than later to avoid last-minute stress.
• Avoid talking about bribes—focus instead on how excited you are to spend time together, tickle them, or fly them around while someone captures the love between you.
• Kids mirror your energy—do what calms you. Whether that’s coffee, wine, your husband having a beer, or even booking yourself a massage, prep ahead so they feel your relaxed vibe.
• For little ones, book the earliest time possible, make sure everyone eats before, and bring a favorite toy or let me know a favorite song to play.
• I incorporate play and “doing things” to create genuine connection—don’t stress about forcing smiles. Comfort them when needed, and I promise those moments will still be magic.

Help Take Away Anxiety by Letting Kids Know What to Expect

Some kids behave better when they aren’t caught off guard. I personally, like to know what to expect when going somewhere new or trying something different. Talk with your child and say something like this:

“We are going to a photoshoot and there will be another mama there who is a photographer and she’s going to be so happy and excited to see you. We are going to have some fun as a family (you know, how you like when daddy flies you like an airplane, or mommy tickles your ribs, or we see if we can find a cool bug, etc), and she’s going to take some pictures of us doing that. Her camera may make some clicking sounds or beeps. Mommy and daddy will be with you the whole time and they won’t leave you. We’re going to be outside and we may find some neat flowers or see something cool we haven’t seen before.”

You can describe it as a play date with mom and dad or a family adventure.

Keep it light and don’t overhype the importance of “smiling” or “being good”

For older ones, I like to suggest getting them excited by looking at old photos and noticing what’s different that we could capture this time- a new tooth, glasses, braces, new hair-do, etc.

Easing Nerves During the Session (With Little Tricks That Work)

I have a child-led approach and i’ll match their energy. If they are shy, I’ll meet them where they are, starting with the family shots first. If they are the outgoing kid, I’ll meet that with silly prompts and games.

Think about what helps your child feel at ease and safe. Is it a song we could play? Would they prefer a certain location? Maybe silence is better and taking a documentary approach would serve you better for a few? Maybe bring a small toy or comfort item would help.

I always have tricks up my sleeve with fun (aesthetic) props like blankets, magnifying glass, bubbles, etc or using nature or games to calm nerves.

Photos are a group effort. Kids feed off the parents’ energy, so remaining calm and reminding yourself that we will get meaningful moments captured can facilitate their mood so much.

Some tips for photo magic

If your child is cranky, comfort them or fly them or tickle them. If your child is sad or shy, pull them in close and soak in their cuddles. If they are rebellious, chase them or try to distract them by showing them something you found (even if it’s a stick or an airplane). You don’t have to remember this all, I definitely help prompt in these scenarios and make sure I’m in positions that curate the right moment.

Nothing surprises me with kids. It’s totally okay. I want this to be a fun memory so even if we have to cut it short or shoot another day, I don’t want it to be filled with dread.

Positive Reinforcement Is Everything—During and After

If your child is doing something great, acknowledge it. Say, I love seeing you smile or your laugh is the best or wow you can twirl so good or i didn’t know you could jump so high!

Distraction is my secret sauce. Use it to redirect their attention from what’s making them upset to something you found, saw, want to explore, how you put them on your neck to be high like the birds, etc.

Other helpful tips:

1. Avoid saying NO or Don’t (“you better smile”).. instead, say let’s do that over here or just go with the flow
2. offer a break ( even in these moments, I can capture little details when they don’t feel the pressure of being “on”)
3. use snacks/ rewards after the session as a celebration, not a bribe (the older ones, really get focused on the bribe and being done and can’t just have fun and enjoy the moment)

If your child has a meltdown mid-session, we’ll see if we can redirect and keep going, but if not, I probably have gotten all that is needed for a great gallery!

Outfit Tips For Family Photos That Keep Everyone Happy

Color Palette Tips:

• Light neutrals (creams, light tans, champagne) help you stand out from the background and give your photos a timeless, year-round look.
• Earth tones and jewel tones also work beautifully.
• Red adds a warm, cozy feel for more of a holiday vibe.
• Avoid cool tones like dark blue—it’s the hardest to photograph and edit with my style and takes away warmth.
• Be mindful with green—it may blend in too much with outdoor backgrounds.

Outfit choices for family photos can add SO much to the photo. The same photo with different outfits can make or break the look and feel of the photo. Competing warm and cool tones or patterns without styling can take away from the image and make it look blah. I send a style guide and inspo boards to help out as much as I can without being a full on stylist. I want the photos to be yours, but with an art background, I love when the photos become art- curated but still authentic.

Feel free to involve kids in picking out outfits. I typically pick a couple choices and then let them decide between my choices. Maybe your kids love cozy clothes, keep that in mind when shopping and don’t pick things that are too restrictive. I love soft textures, comfort and neutrals and they add warmth and easiness and comfort to the image.

Check out my Blog Post: What to Wear for Family Photos

Remind your child everyone is in clothes they typically don’t wear and it’s only for a little amount of time and they can change right after! If a kid feels confident in their outfit, they’re more likely to wear anything for a bit.. make sure to give compliments and even use me as an excuse- “mrs. brittany is going to LOVE your new dress, I bet she’ll want to see you twirl!” or “I bet she’s going to think you’re a princess/prince”

Check out my inspo boards here:

Want a Session That Works With Your Kids—Not Against Them?

Book Here for a Family Session that doesn’t feel awkward and stiff

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