As a family photographer in the Minneapolis and Edina areas, I often hear from parents is, “How do I get my kids to cooperate during the session?” The truth is, kids are naturally full of energy, curious, and are unpredictible. Capturing authentic moments with your children doesn’t mean having them pose perfectly or sit still for the entire session. Below, I’ll share some tips to make your family photos session fun for your kids, and yourself so we get those genuine smiles and moments you’ll treasure forever.
Tips to Prepare for Family Photos
Talk to your family beforehand
If your kids are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you and make it sound like a fun experience rather than something they need to “get through.” Ask them if they have any special requests for the upcoming session. The more they are involved in the process the better!
Let them be themselves
As much as parents may want that perfect posed family photo, some of the most favorite photos come from letting your kids be themselves. Whether they’re giggling, running or playing a game with you these candid moments are the ones you’ll look back on the most. Allow your child to play and act naturally. The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
Incorporate playful moments
Children have shorter attention spans, and expecting them to stay still for an extended time can lead to frustration. Don’t shy away from giving a few extra tickles or asking them to join you in a running race. It’s a great way to keep them engaged, happy and moving throughtout the session. Often these playful moments can produce some of the best candid photos, capturing your family’s genuine connection and joy.
Pack mess-free snacks
Nothing derails a family photoshoot faster than a hungry or a thirsty child. Be sure to feed everyone (yourself included) a filling snack or meal before your session. Full bellies equal happy and engaging children. It can also be helpful to pack a few mess free snacks like raisins, cheerios, or marshmallows for younger children. A lot of families pick in advance a treat for AFTER the session (i.e. ice cream stop on the ride home).
Avoid asking your child to say “cheese”
Asking your child to say “cheese” is not a genuine way to get them to smile. It often puts stress on them and makes them want to be done immediately. Instead we will focus on them interacting with each other and getting that genuine smile for those perfect images to hang in your home.
Embrace the imperfection
Finally, remember that no family session goes perfectly, and that’s okay! Sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. Whether it’s a spontaneous kiss or a shared laugh, these moments are often what make your family photos truly special. Just keep smiling through the chaos and the little imperfections. The kids will feed off this energy and these photo may end up being your favorite ones.
As a family photographer serving the Minneapolis and Edina area, I’m here to provide tips to make your family photos a fun, stress-free experience for everyone, especially your children.
If you’re ready to capture those authentic family moments, click here to schedule your session.
What others are saying about their family session with Kristen:
– Alex
“We had a wonderful experience with Kristen! We scheduled her for a one-hour session for our family of three kids age 4 and under. She was well-prepared and has clearly worked with children before. She had games in order to coax them to cooperate, was quick on her feet, and kept us moving — important for toddlers! Communicating about and scheduling the session was easy. She was easy to reach and had helpful tips in order to prep for the photos. She was also lovely to spend an hour with! The conversation was very pleasant.”
