Tips for Making a Photoshoot with Children Go Smoothly

Children are so much fun to photograph. One of the best things about photoshoots with children is they are always a wild card. You never know what you’re going to get, but you always know the photoshoot will be exciting and full of beautiful expressions.

I know photoshoots with children can be very stressful - especially on Mom. As a mother myself, I understand how much pressure we put on ourselves to make everything perfect. It can be difficult to smile and relax when your kids are running around or crying.

Despite our best efforts, photoshoots can often be overwhelming for our littles too. Sometimes that expresses itself as shyness or crying, other times it can be an overabundance of energy. Both are natural and ok.

Take a deep breath. I promise both reactions are completely normal. At your session I will do everything possible to make it a fun, relaxed experience for everyone.

How can you help your child be prepared for their session?

1.) Make sure your child has napped before the session. Try not to book a session during or in the middle of nap time, that is when your child will be at their crankiest.

2.) Feed your child before their session. Hungry children are grumpy children.

3.) Bring a snack. Fruit snacks, crackers, blueberries are all good options.

4.) Bring a favorite toy or comfort item. It can be scary meeting a stranger who is going to be taking your picture a toy can help distract your child and give us something to talk about.

What will I do to help make your session go smoothly?

1.) Fun props (where appropriate) chairs/benches/blankets/baskets

2.) We will be active! Moving around to different areas, running in the grass, climbing, just overall moving and grooving.

3.) The session will go at your family’s pace. We can slow down and relax or take a break when and where needed. Or if you have a very active child we will keep moving.

4.) Jokes, funny faces, fun prompts to get the whole family laughing - it’s totally fine to laugh at me and my antics!