How to Prepare Your Family for a Fun and Stress-Free Photo Session

Are you feeling nervous about your photo session? Maybe your kids (or your husband) aren’t as excited about family photos as you are. Or maybe they are actually dreading the whole thing. Maybe your photo sessions in the past have felt like herding cats? I can relate.. I have 5 kids after all. The good news?? With the right approach, you can turn something stressful into a fun experience that your entire family will enjoy. Here are my top tips to prepare your family for your upcoming photo session.

Family standing happily on the jordan river parkway during their utah photo session.

1. Avoid Bribes and Rewards

Your attitude sets the stage, so set the tone with positivity! Build anticipation, and talk up the session in the days leading up to it. When you bribe them, you are sending the message that the session is going to be a negative experience they are forced to endure, rather than enjoy.. Instead, talk about the session in a way that makes it sound fun. (And I promise to make it fun. More on that in a second.) Share how much you are looking forward to spending time together with your family – playing games and having fun.

Try to help everyone feel their best at the session, and feed + hydrate them before! Hungry or tired kids (or spouses!) can lead to meltdowns. Pack non-messy, energy-boosting snacks to enjoy beforehand.

A family laughs together while playing telephone in a field at their family photo session.

2. Share What to Expect

Tell them a friend is going to capture your family having a good time together… because that’s exactly what we will be doing.

Help your kids understand that I will never make them stand stiff and say “Cheese!” (or Boogers!) Instead, we are going to play games that help you interact with, and hang out naturally with each other. For example, I might have you play “telephone”… and I’m going to get great photos of you and your kids whispering to each other, looking at each other smiling and giggling. Then when the last person shares what wacky phrase they ended up with, I’ll get photos of your whole family laughing about it.

Family photos look best when there is *contact* between family members. So, hopefully you are all on board to lean in, hug, dance, and hold hands with each other!

A family holds hands and walks together through a a field with tall trees for a family photo session.

3. Involve the Kids + Dad in the Process

Give them a sense of ownership. Let them help choose one or two fun ideas for the session. This is *your* session, and I want to capture your family exactly how they are. Do you have any fun games, silly poses or inside jokes that would create real smiles and laughs from your family members? Let’s do them! These poses are great for the end of the session when everyone has loosened up a little, and I’m all on board to hear your (and their) ideas!

You can mention it to get their imagination going, but don’t worry if they don’t come up with anything. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve.

Let’s face it, most of the time dads aren’t as enthusiastic about family photos as moms are. Explain to your spouse why these photos matter to you and the family. Reassure him that the session will be relaxed, fun, and not about “posing” or feeling awkward. Let him know how much it means to you to have these memories as a family.

Young girl laughs joyfully as her mom expresses how much she loves her.

4. Moms, Plan for Individual Moments

One of the most meaningful parts of the session is often the individual moments captured with each mother and child. I love asking moms to whisper something they adore about each child with them during these moments.

Why? Every time your child sees that photo on the wall or in an album, they are going to remember the warm fuzzies they had inside when they heard what you had to say. So not only will this heartfelt interaction give us great photos of authentic smiles and hugs, but it will build your relationship with them as well! (In fact, did you know this can actually build their self-confidence?)

So, be thinking about what you want to tell each one of your children: why do you love them? What is your favorite thing about them? Why are you proud of them?

Dads will get their individual moments too, but they will be more about surprises and fun laughter, rather than heartfelt and meaningful.

Dad happily surprises his two children with a big bear hug.

Dad looks up at his young son sitting on his shoulders during their family photo session together.

5. Trust Your Photographer

Finally, after doing what you can to prepare your family for your photo session… remind yourself (and your family) that it’s your photographer’s job to create beautiful photos. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to make sessions fun and natural—like games that create real smiles and interactions. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the moment.

But, what if my kids aren’t well behaved? Seriously, mama. I’ve got 5 kids… 3 of which are crazy, energetic boys. Your kids are NOT the craziest kids I’ve met, promise. I’m SO okay if they are a little “naughty.” In fact, if I’m being honest, I kinda like it. Why? Because we see real expressions when they can be themselves!

Final Thoughts

Family photo sessions don’t have to be something to “suffer through.” When you prepare your family for a photo session by helping them go into it with the right mindset, it becomes a chance to connect, laugh, and create memories. And when you see those photos hanging on your wall, you’ll remember not just the images but the joy behind them.

If you’re ready to book your next session, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories—and make it a fun experience for everyone.