Tips for Your Family Photo Session


Thank you so much for being here! In this post I share 7 Tips for Your Family Photo Session that produce genuine emotion with kiddos under 7. I promise it is possible and will transform your sessions! This is also a great resource for both families and photographers getting ready for an upcoming family photo session. Keep reading to learn more! 

Be Positive

First and foremost, BE POSITIVE and give them praise praise & more praise! This is one of my favorite tips for your family photo session. To achieve photos with the MOST joyful expressions, you have to continually praise children, even if they are not fully “listening” to the directions. At this age, I only expect them to pay attention to directions for a short time and then they will want to explore their environment/play freely, and that’s A- okay! I can snap some candids while they explore or interact with their loved ones. The key to a successful shoot is keeping them happy!

Therefore, it’s important to constantly encourage them and give them compliments throughout the session. Say things like “ You look so cute!” or “ You are doing such a great job!”. After they’ve explored for a bit, gently direct them back to the family photo session and encourage them to “follow photographer’s (insert name of photographer) Simon says game.”

Avoid Negative Reinforcement

I totally get it, in everyday life we have to sometimes threaten taking away a toy or not getting that ice cream, or even… a time out. However, it won’t work well to use any negative reinforcement to get kids to cooperate during a family photo session. What you will get is a forced, strained, and unhappy smile that will not look natural or joyful. They are smart! They know you can’t take away what they want if they are technically cooperating. However, they will let you know they aren’t happy about doing it! My goal is for them to ACTUALLY be having fun, laughing and connecting with their family during our session. That way you will get the most beautiful photos.


Bring a Small Reward

A family photo session can be a lot for a young child, especially a toddler. So, bring a small match box car or a tiny treat or a tiny little animal figurine/stuffed animal, whatever your child LOVES as a reward for doing such a good job during the session! Don’t show it to them before the session because they will want it NOW, but maybe half way through the session tell them, guess what… in the car we have a special present for you for being so good! and if you can just take some more photos with mommy and daddy you will get that reward! This will perk them right up and give them incentive to keep going. 

Just Keep Smiling!

You know how Dory always sings, “Just keep swimming”? Well in this case, just keep smiling… just keep smiling…AND Just keep moving!  Kids do NOT like to be in static positions too long, so we want to encourage you to swing, chase, and tickle them as much as possible to keep your kiddo engaged and loving all the one on one attention. Just keep smiling while you do it because you never know when we will capture that perfect smile from them! 


Naps and Snacks! – One of the Most Important Tips for Your Family Photo Session

This one may seem obvious, but I have to throw it in here and is one of the most important tips for your family photo session! Make sure your child has had plenty to eat and also make sure you adjust your nap schedule accordingly for the timing of the family photo session. For instance, if the session is a bit late in the evening for them, try to push nap time off til later so they have a nap right before they come and will be happy during the photoshoot. I know this is easier said than done, but at least try and plan ahead accordingly. 🙂


Connect with your Photographer before the Family Photo Session

Let your photographer know your child’s interests, favorite songs, and activities so we can bring up these topics with them. Talking about their interests can often prompt a natural smile or a cute little dance!


Relax!

Last but not least, relax! Try to enjoy this time of bonding and playing with your little one. The best photos come from snuggles and tickle fights, anyway. I will guide you through poses for some more traditional shots, but for the rest, just soak it all in making these memories to keep forever in your home. 


Embrace the Moment and Follow these Tips for Your Family Photo Session

I hope this has given you some great tips on how to work with little ones and create genuine emotion!

Hey Family and Maternity Photographers! For more detailed prompts and poses designed for the littles download my free posing guide here! If you are looking for a more in-depth instruction on the key to playful posing and my step-by-step process in capturing genuine moments for families, check out my Playful Posing Course here!

xoxo, Amber

Bay Area Family Photographer, Light Livin Photography
  1. Calli says:

    These tips are great! Thank you so much!

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