3 Tips for Family Pictures with Young Kids
We all know the many reasons to schedule family pictures with young kids. I don’t think you need me to tell you how special this stage is—it’s definitely worth capturing! But I do think you might want a few of my pro-tips for planning your photo sessions with your young children.
Be Realistic
Let’s face it, your little ones won’t behave perfectly the entire session. There will be moments when they act a little shy or even ham it up. They might not cooperate, throw a tantrum, or fall down, probably getting dirt on their white tights.
That’s the reality. And here’s the truth—there’s no magic wand to wave that will make them feel completely at ease with the camera. Sometimes these things happen in the first 10 minutes of the session, but you know what? It’s all part of the process.
If you don’t have realistic expectations, it’s easy to get flustered or irritated. And trust me, I’ve been there. I’m a mom too! You’ve invested time and money into this session, and you want it to be perfect. The truth is, it won’t be. But I promise, you will still get amazing pictures of your family!
Trust Me
This tip is close to my heart. There’s something so magical about working with families who trust me completely. Sure, it’s fine to bring some Pinterest inspiration and ask for a specific shot or location. But if you can let go and truly trust me, the session becomes so much more magical.
During one of my sessions, little lady immediately fell down, and mom said two of the most amazing things: “It’s real life!” and “I trust you!” She didn’t even ask me to edit out the little specks of dirt on her knee. And you know what? It’s those little imperfections that make the moment feel real. We’re capturing life as it happens!
Don’t Force It
I have a ton of ideas during sessions, and I know you probably have some of your own. But here’s the thing: if the little ones aren’t feeling it, don’t force it! If I see that a certain pose or idea isn’t working, I’ll shift gears and try something else. The worst thing you can do is point at the camera and say, “Smile!” I have countless photos of parents doing this, and it ruins the magic of the moment. Instead, try engaging with your kids, laughing with them, or letting them look off into the distance. Those are the moments that make for beautiful, natural photos.
When you don’t force anything, you’ll be much happier with your gallery!
I asked Amy what her favorite photo was, and here’s what she said:
Client Love
Favorite Image
You're asking me to choose ONE favorite?! This is really hard for me, but I think it is the one of the four of us that is below. I love the smiles, the togetherness, and how natural it looks. It also captures this phase of life so perfectly (lots of laughs and kids on top of you all the time!).
Ready to capture those special, candid moments with your little ones? Let’s make your family’s memories last a lifetime with a fun and stress-free photo session. Contact me today to book your session and start planning your perfect family photo experience!