Okay, let's be real-family photo day can come with a whole range of emotions. There's excitement, there's chaos, and sometimes...theres a tiny sprinkle of dread (we see you, dads!). But guess what? Your family session doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it can actually be fun. Yep, we said it-fun! With the right mindset, a few playful tricks (and bribes), and a photography team who knows how to bring out the best in everyone (hi friend! that's us!), your session can be full of giggles, cuddles, and real, joy-soaked moments you'll cherish forever.
Let's start with the kiddos. We know kids aren't always thrilled about standing still and smiling on command-and honestly? We don't blame them! That's why our approach is all about play, movement, a few sweet bribes, and letting their personalities shine. We'll let them twirl, explore, make silly faces, and tell us their best jokes. You'd be surprised how many "camera-shy" kiddos turn into total hams once we let them lead the way. The more fun they're having, the more genuine the smiles! Don't be afraid to let them run around a bit, or about over correcting their behavior. By letting them just be kids and have fun and lead us through the session, we get to deliver galleries that not only are chocked full of beautiful pictures, but also a gallery that tells the authentic story of your family love for one another.
Now to tackle those grumpy husbands, dads, and partners! We say this with love-but there's almost always one grown-up who needs a little extra convincing. If your partner is already dreading the camera before the car is even packed, don't worry-we've got this. Let him know the session is short, sweet, and actually pretty harmless! (we swear you'll survive it!). We'll guide with light direction, sneak in some jokes, and promise no overly stiff, prom-style posing. Bonus points if we get him laughing mid-snap. (Spoiler alert: we usually do.)
Now that we've gone over some tips for having a fun time during your session, let's talk about clothes. Dress to feel good, not just look good. You know what doesn't photograph well? A kiddo tugging at scratchy tights, a toddler losing it over tight shoes, or a dad feeling self-conscious in an outfit he doesn't like. Comfort is key! Our styling advice always starts with: wear what makes you feel like you, just with a slightly polished twist. We're always happy to help coordinate outfits that look cohesive but still let everyone move, breathe, and play. (Did you know we have a client closet for children and women from size small-5x? We also offer a complementary styling guidance with every session!)
Embrace the chaos (it's kinda beautiful when you do). Family sessions aren't about perfection. At least the authentic, genuine ones aren't. They're about connection. So if your toddler is clinging to your leg, if your son won't stop making goofy faces, if the baby cries mid-shot-that's okay. We roll with it. Some of our favorite images come from the in-between moments: the cuddles, the giggles, the whisper-in-the-ear tickles. Let go of "perfect" and lean into real. That's where the magic is.
Trust us, we've got you. From the moment we say hi to the moment we say goodbye, we're guiding the whole process with warmth, patience, and just the right amount of goofiness. We'll prompt, direct, and adapt on the fly. You don't need to have a Pinterest board of poses or bribe the kids with snacks (though we always love to see a client's vision and those snacks? yea, they can come in clutch sometimes). We're here to do the heavy lifting and create an experience that feels joyful and natural for the whole crew.
A few bonus tips from your friendly neighborhood photography team:
- Bring snacks and water for after the session (especially for the little ones!)
- Schedule around nap times and happy hours (kiddo happy hours, not cocktails-but hey, no judgement!)
- Give yourself plenty of time so no one's rushing or feeling stressed out
- Let the kids bring a favorite toy or stuffy-it's cute and comforting
- If you are a family of younger babies and teeny tiny tots, consider mini sessions vs. a full one hour session. This is a great introduction to being in front of the camera for short increments to help build up their "tolerance" so to speak
- Try to pick a location that is either familiar or comforting, or has something of interest for the kiddos (a playground nearby to go to after, a duck pond, maybe some pretty flowers)
- Try and stick to a few local photographers, branching out can be a fun way to see your family documented in different ways, but with smaller kiddos it sometimes works easier if the photographer is a familiar face!
Here's our final thoughts:
Your family session should feel like a fun day together-not a chore. It's a chance to press pause, love on each other, and create memories that go way beyond the frame. SO yes, well capture the "everyone smiling at the camera" shot, but we'll also catch the bear hugs, the belly laughs, and those blink-and-you'll-miss-it glances that say this is us. You bring the love-we'll bring the magic.
