How to Prepare Your Kids for a Family Photoshoot — Tips from Your Family Photographer (AKA Kid-Wrangler Extraordinaire)

If you’re getting ready for your family photoshoot, you might already be wondering: How do I get my kids excited — or at least cooperative — for this?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! As a family photographer serving NYC and Northern New Jersey, I’ve worked with plenty of little ones (and parents) who felt the same way. The good news? With a little preparation, your family session can be fun, relaxed, and full of those natural moments you’ll love seeing on your walls.

Here’s my parent-approved guide to preparing your kids for a family photoshoot — so we capture real smiles, sweet moments, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.

1. Start Talking About the Photoshoot Early

One of the best ways to prepare kids for family photos is by letting them know what to expect. A few days before our session, tell your kids we’re going to have a fun photoshoot where they get to laugh, play, and just be themselves.

For younger children, it helps to show them family photo examples — especially if they’ve never done this before. For older kids, involve them in the conversation. Let them know it’s not about sitting stiff or saying “cheese” — it’s about capturing your family just as you are.

The more comfortable they feel going in, the more natural (and enjoyable) the experience will be.

2. Choose the Best Time of Day for Your Kids

One of my top family photoshoot tips? Plan the session around your kids’ happiest time of day.

That could be mid-morning after breakfast, or late afternoon after a nap. Avoid nap times, mealtimes, or the dreaded “witching hour.” Well-rested, well-fed kids = a smoother session.

Yes, golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) gives us that beautiful, soft light photographers love — but no photo is worth a toddler meltdown. We’ll find the right balance between light and happy faces.

3. Dress for Comfort — and Cuteness

Outfit planning doesn’t have to be stressful. My biggest advice when preparing kids for family photos? Comfort comes first.

Here are a few styling tips that photograph beautifully:

• Stick to soft, neutral, or earthy tones — think creams, dusty blues, olive greens, and warm browns.

• Avoid neon colors, big logos, or cartoon characters — they draw attention away from your family.

• Coordinate outfits without being too matchy — think complementary colors and textures.

• Layers photograph great — cardigans, denim jackets, cozy sweaters.

And yes — if your child wants to bring their superhero cape or princess dress, let them! Sometimes those personal touches become your favorite images.

4. Bring Snacks — Trust Me on This One

Snacks are the unsung heroes of family photoshoots — especially with younger kids. Pack a small bag of mess-free, easy snacks: fruit snacks, dry cereal, or mini crackers. Nothing sticky or colorful, or anything neon (we don’t need blue tongues).

And don’t forget water bottles — especially if we’re shooting outdoors in NYC parks or North Jersey neighborhoods.

Snacks buy us time, reset energy, and keep the vibes happy.

5. Pack a “Just in Case” Bag

Life happens — especially during family sessions. I always recommend bringing a few essentials:

• Baby wipes

• A favorite small toy or lovey for comfort

• A backup outfit (because surprises happen)

• A fun reward or plan afterward — whether it’s ice cream, a playground trip, or family movie night

Having these on hand keeps things relaxed and helps us go with the flow.

6. Practice — But Keep it Fun and Casual

If your kids aren’t used to being photographed, practicing at home can help. Hand them your phone, take turns playing photographer, and make it a game.

Practice hugging, walking together, or making silly faces. The goal isn’t perfect poses — it’s showing them that being in front of a camera can be fun and easy.

7. Don’t Stress — Candid Family Moments Are the Best

Here’s a secret most families don’t realize: the best family photos aren’t always the perfectly posed ones.

Some of my favorite moments to capture are the candid ones — your child cracking up at a joke, sneaking in a hug, or even making a goofy face. These moments are real — and they’re what make your family unique.

So don’t stress if things get a little wild. That’s where the magic happens.

8. Leave the Directing to Me — Seriously!

The best thing you can do during your family photoshoot? Relax. Let me guide your kids (and you) through natural poses and fun prompts.

You don’t need to tell your kids to “smile” or “look at the camera” — I’ll take care of that. Your job is simply to be present, love on your family, and enjoy the moment.

I’ll handle the technical stuff — from wrangling the kids to making sure we get those must-have shots.

9. Expect the Unexpected — It’s Part of the Fun

No matter how much we plan, kids are unpredictable — and that’s okay. Someone might trip, someone else might need a break, or we may end up chasing toddlers through a park. Honestly? Those moments often turn into the best photos.

Our goal isn’t perfection — it’s capturing your family just as you are. Messy, silly, loving — all of it.

10. Manage Expectations — Forget "Perfect"

Of course, we’ll aim for that classic “everyone smiling at the camera” shot. But the photos you’ll love most? The ones that show your family’s connection — the little hand-holding moments, the hugs, the laughter.

So take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and trust me to capture the magic that’s already there.

Final Thoughts: Preparing Your Kids for a Family Photoshoot Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Family photoshoots are about freezing this moment in time — messy hair, giggles, silly faces, and all. This stage of life moves fast, and these photos are your chance to hold onto it just a little longer.

Come ready to laugh, snuggle, and love on your people — I’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot?

If you’re ready to capture your family in this season — chaos, cuddles, and all — I’d love to connect!

Let’s get your session on the calendar. I photograph families across NYC and Northern New Jersey — from Central Park strolls to cozy backyard sessions in the suburbs.

Contact me today — I’ll handle the camera, you handle the snacks.