5 Secrets to an Easy Photo Sessions with Kids Every Parent Should Know

Every parent dreams of capturing those precious moments with their little ones—smiles, laughter, and the genuine joy that makes family photos so special. But as anyone with kids knows, photo sessions can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming! As a Raleigh family photographer, I know that easy photo sessions with kids are truly achievable with a few key tips to help everyone stay calm and have fun. When your little ones feel at ease, it shows in every smile, laugh, and curious glance—creating photos that feel authentic and deeply cherished. These five secrets are designed to guide you in making your next family photo session a breeze, turning what could be a stressful time into one filled with genuine joy and memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Bring that Childlike Wonder

Bringing a sense of childlike wonder to your family session can make all the difference. As a mom myself, I know that kids sometimes need a little time to feel comfortable in front of the camera. That’s why I love to start each session with a simple game to help them unwind, laugh, and let their sweet personalities shine. Whether it’s a silly dance, a game of tag, or playing “Simon Says,” these moments help kids relax and feel free to be themselves. Often, the more you join in and show your playful side, the quicker your little ones will let go of any shyness and start to have fun. These shared laughs and joyful interactions bring out the truest smiles, and they make for the most heartfelt photos you’ll treasure forever.

Come Prepared!

One of the best ways to set your family up for an easy, enjoyable photo session is to be prepared—especially when it comes to everyone’s mood and energy. We all know that a hungry, cranky toddler (or spouse!) can make things challenging, so arriving well-rested and well-fed can make a world of difference. Simple snacks like pretzels, fruit snacks, or apple slices and a bottle of water are perfect to bring along; they’re mess-free and can help keep little ones happily fueled throughout the session. I also encourage arriving a little early, which allows for extra time in case a kiddo needs to finish a nap in the car or maybe instead of getting the kids dressed in their photo clothes when leaving the house to avoid any accidental spills you can change at the location when you arrive. 

Speaking of clothing and being prepared, did you know that I offer a beautiful client closet saving you countless hours looking for the perfect dress online or driving to multiple shops looking for the perfect coordinating outfits for the family. 

Step Away From Pinterest

While Pinterest can be a wonderful place for inspiration, when it comes to your family session with kids, it’s often best to let those perfect “Pinterest poses” go. Children have a natural magic all their own—whether it’s a silly face, a burst of laughter, or a spontaneous hug— these real, unplanned moments create some of the most cherished photos. Trying to recreate that flawless photo from Pinterest can sometimes backfire, taking you out of the moment with your kids and creating unnecessary pressure. Instead, I encourage playfulness, laughter, and little games that bring out your family’s unique personality. My approach is flexible, allowing me to capture the true essence of your family as you are, in your joy and connection. It’s these candid moments—where everyone is genuinely themselves—that you’ll treasure the most, as they reflect what’s beautifully and uniquely yours.

Share Your Excitement

One of the best ways to create a joyful, easy family session with kids is by sharing your excitement for the photos with them! In the week leading up to your session, talk with your children about how much family photos mean to you—how happy they make you and how you can’t wait to hang beautiful new moments on your walls. Let them feel the joy and anticipation by involving them in the process! Take a little “tour” of your home, asking them where they think a family photo might look nice or where they’d love to see a special photo of themselves. When kids feel that family photos are something to be excited about, they’ll come to the session with that same enthusiasm, ready to share their natural smiles and joyful personalities. This shared excitement, combined with a bit of childlike wonder, can work absolute magic in creating photos that reflect the heart and spirit of your family.

Patience, Patience, Patience!

Remaining patient during your family session can be tough—especially if you’ve been building up excitement all week about how fun it’s going to be, only to feel frustrated 15 minutes in. Kids are unpredictable, and that’s part of their magic! They just want to have fun, and more importantly, they want to have fun with you. It’s true that kids pick up on energy, so staying calm and patient can set the tone for a peaceful, enjoyable session. Expect a few wiggles, giggles, or even a meltdown or two, and try to go with the flow! As a mom myself, I understand and if we need to take a couple extra minutes to run and get those wiggles out, that’s okay! Remember, those little moments of unpredictability are what make photographing your family so beautiful and genuine. Avoid letting frustration show, as it can quickly turn smiles into tears, and it’s often challenging to bounce back from that. Plus, sometimes the sweetest photos come from comforting those meltdowns—capturing the love and connection that makes your family so special.

5 Easy Tips for an Easy Family Session with Kids

As a Raleigh Family Photographer, I believe family photo sessions should be as joyful and stress-free as possible, even with little ones in tow. This guide reveals five key secrets to making family sessions with kids a breeze, ensuring authentic smiles and beautiful memories that reflect your family’s unique connection. From keeping kids comfortable with snacks and simple games to stepping away from “Pinterest-perfect” poses, these tips help create natural, relaxed photos you’ll cherish forever. Ready to capture heartfelt moments with your family? Book your session today and enjoy an experience where everyone can shine.