Stress-Free Family Photography Tips
As a family photographer who works with dozens of families every year and with kids of a range of ages, I know that getting family photos taken can be a stressful situation for some! I strongly believe that family photography should be fun and comfortable. It should also be a genuine representation of your family at that moment in time. I have complied a list of my top 3 tips for having a stress-free and FUN family photo session. Keep these tips saved for the next time you choose to update those annual family photos. Let’s do it!
Family Photography Tip #1: Pick an Activity They Love
When you think of family photography, it’s easy to picture golden hour sessions on a beach or in a sprawling open field. These classic setups create stunning images, and I often capture moments like this for families throughout the year.
However, if you have toddlers or young children, keeping them engaged during a traditional family photography session in an empty field can be a challenge. That’s why I encourage families to incorporate activities that their kids love into their photo sessions!
Imagine baking cookies together, chasing bubbles, exploring a nearby playground, or enjoying a beach day as a family. These activities not only keep your little ones entertained but also allow us to capture authentic, joyful interactions that reflect your unique family dynamic.
Think about the activities your family enjoys most, and I’ll work with you to seamlessly incorporate those special moments into your session. The result? Stress-free family photos filled with laughter, love, and genuine connection.
Tip #2 – Take Breaks!
As an experienced family photographer, I work with countless families with young children, and I know that an hour-long session can feel like a lot for little ones. Kids can tire easily, and their attention spans can only stretch so far. That’s why I always recommend incorporating short breaks throughout your family photography session.
When things start to feel challenging, or it seems like the kids are losing interest, a quick 5-minute break can work wonders. This time allows kids to run around, be silly, or simply take a moment to recharge. These breaks are also a perfect opportunity for me to capture candid shots or focus on just the parents—after all, when was the last time you took a photo together?
Pushing children to stay focused for the entire session often leads to frustrations or other big feelings. However, allowing them to take the session at their own pace ensures more authentic, joyful photos. By embracing flexibility, we can capture the beautiful, genuine moments that make your family’s story truly unique.
Family Photography Tip #3 – Bring Snacks or Comfort Items!
This tip should absolutely be number one because it’s a total game-changer for stress-free family photography! From a child’s perspective, taking family photos can feel very overwhelming. Think about it: they’re in a new place they’ve likely never been, meeting a person they’ve never met, and spending an hour being told what to do. That’s a lot for little ones to handle!
Bringing along snacks or comfort items can make all the difference in helping your child feel at ease during the session. Snacks are perfect for little breaks, providing a moment to recharge and reset. And if your child has a favorite toy or stuffed animal, how special is it to include that in your family photos? Not only does it help them feel comfortable, but it also adds a touch of authenticity and emotion to your images. Years from now, you’ll look back and remember how much that item meant to them at this stage in their life.
When preparing for your family photography session, my top recommendation is to bring anything your child loves—a favourite snack, toy, or blanket. These small touches help create a relaxed environment, resulting in genuine smiles and meaningful moments that truly reflect your family’s unique story.
Final Thoughts
As a family photographer, my goal is to create a fun and stress-free environment for all the families I work with. I hope these tips will help your family feel like your next family photo session is your best! If you are interested in learning more about my style and approach or want to inquire about a session with me, you can do so by clicking below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
I would love to introduce you to Brooke Lacombe, a family and newborn photographer in Ottawa, Ontario. She has written a great resource for having a successful in-home newborn session! You can check it out here.
