Family portraits are more than just snapshots; they’re cherished keepsakes that capture the essence of moments and milestones. In the whirlwind of daily life, these photos become treasured memories that offer a glimpse into your family’s unique journey. With little ones, however, the path to these cherished photos can be filled with challenges, from fleeting attention spans to boundless energy. In this article, I’ll go through some tips and strategies to help you and your family prepare for your photos so that your experience can be a fun and memorable one.

Approach

The way you approach and prepare your little ones for family portraits can make a big difference in your experience. Photos can sometimes introduce stress to little ones, especially when they are told they need to look at a camera and smile. This type of pressure to perform can make your child be more reserved and you might find that even your social butterfly is suddenly camera shy. Rather than making the photos the focal point of your session, I would encourage you to approach the session as family play time. Make a memory, laugh, be silly together, and let your kiddos run the show. This will take the pressure off of your little ones so that they feel more comfortable and free to be themselves. This will also give you the most genuine smiles in your family photos!

Comfort Item

Another way to get your little one more comfortable with being in front of the camera is to let them bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy along to your session. A toy can be used to help calm them down or just give them a chance to play. And, while you do not have to, including these comfort items in your family photos can be a great way to make your photos unique to you and your family.

Allow For More Time

Depending on the age of your little one, they may need more or less breaks throughout your session. Maybe you need to take a break to feed your baby, or change a diaper, or maybe your little one just needs more time to warm up to being in front of a camera. Sometimes allowing 30 additional minutes for your session can be the difference between feeling rushed and feeling happy with your session. On the flip-side, maybe you have a toddler with a short attention span and a shorter family session is all that they can handle. Ultimately, you know your family best, but it is always good to consider that time or lack of time can have a direct impact on your photos and experience.

Location

Your chosen location is also an important factor to consider. If your little one is more reserved, then choosing a location that is familiar to them is a great way to make them feel more comfortable and in high spirits for your family portraits. A park you and your family frequent or a even your own home are great choices! Your home is especially great if your little one tends to require more breaks because you won’t have to worry about packing snacks or anything else you might need!

As you prepare for your family photo session, keep in mind that the key to successful photos with little ones lies in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable. Embrace the chaos, encourage playful moments, and don’t be afraid to go with the flow. These genuine interactions will result in photos that truly reflect your family’s unique bond. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and remember that the best memories often come from the most unexpected moments.