How to Prepare Kids for a Stress-Free Family Photo Session

Family photo sessions are exciting, but let’s be real: they can also feel a little daunting, especially if you’ve got kids in the mix. And especially if they act like, well, kids! The key to a smooth and stress-free experience? Helping your little ones know what to expect. When kids feel prepared, they’re more relaxed - and that makes the whole session a lot more fun for everyone (including you!).

Did you know I also have a Social Story I’ve written especially for kids to read with you before our session. This can help HUGELY with what to expect during the shoot. I’ve got it added in the emails which get sent out before your session - but if you need me to email you another copy, just let me know!

Here’s a breakdown of how you can prepare your kids so they’ll show up ready to shine:

1. Introduce Me Before the Day

Ok, so obviously not face to face, but kids can be a little shy around new people, so let them know who I am! Tell them, “Karen is the friendly lady with the camera who’s going to take fun photos of us.” If they know I’m there to make them look awesome and have a good time, they’re much more likely to warm up quickly.

You can even show them a picture of me from my website or Instagram so they know who to expect. Making me feel familiar before we meet can make a big difference in how quickly they warm up on the day.

And it helps me too, if you can let me know before our session if you’ve got a particularly shy kid, or they have any wonderful neurosparkly personality traits! I try to make an effort to engage all kids, but sometimes it helps if I know some of these things first, and will try even harder to make sure they have a good time!

2. TALK ABOUT THE LOCATION

Whether we’re meeting at a park, a hill, or a favourite family spot, let your kids know where they’re going and what it’s like. Is it a big open space where they can run? Will there be trees to explore?

Framing it as an adventure helps them feel excited instead of nervous.

You might say, “We’re going to a beautiful park where we can play and have fun, and Karen will take photos while we do.”

3. Plan Their Outfit Together

Kids are more likely to cooperate if they have a say in what they wear. I know sometimes it can be hard to let go of your idea on what you should all look like. But maybe try letting them help choose their outfit within the options you’ve prepared.

Pick something comfy that they won’t mind moving around in, and make sure it’s weather-appropriate.

And if your child insists on wearing their beloved (but mismatched) dinosaur shirt, don’t stress—it can add personality to the photos!

My sessions are about capturing who your family is. Imperfect real life is where its at!

4. Emphasize the Fun, Not the Poses

Some kids hear “photo session” and immediately picture standing still and fake-smiling for hours. Reassure them that this isn’t that kind of experience!

Explain that I’ll be taking pictures while they play, laugh, and have fun.

Tell them, “You don’t have to sit still or smile a certain way - just have fun with us, and Karen will take care of the rest!”

I might ask you all once or twice to look at the camera, for the standard ‘family photo’, but after I’ve got that (which is usually the first one), I don’t have any expectation for anyone to look at the camera again!

And if your child has difficulty maintaining eye contact with the camera, that’s absolutely fine with me. I don’t need you constantly telling them to "look at the camera." In fact, I’d much prefer you spend your energy playing with them, engaging in those moments that bring out their real smiles at you, not forced ones at me. The best photos come from genuine interactions, and I’m here to capture those authentic, joyful connections.

5. Let Them Know We’ll Play Games

Kids love to play, so I make sure our sessions are full of lighthearted fun. Tell them, “Karen has games and jokes ready, so it’s going to feel like we’re just playing together.” Knowing they can run around, play silly games, or even hear a funny joke helps them relax and look forward to the session.

And I often move and walk a LOT in my sessions - if I see that someone is restless and doesn’t want to engage with the prompts I’m offering, I’m fine with that. Maybe I was trying to get a one on one interaction between you and your kid - and if I can see they’re just not into it I am never going to force it, I’ll likely say something like ‘lets go explore that tree with mum’ and will move their attention on to something else.

6. Remind Them to Stay Close

Kids can have a lot of energy and curiosity, which is wonderful - but it doesn’t work so well if they run off mid-session! Let them know that staying close to the family is important so I can take their photo. You might explain it like this: “Karen can’t take photos of your big smile if you’re hiding or running away. We want her to catch all your fun moments!”

7. Pack a Comfort Item

If your child has a favourite toy, blanket, or even a pet they adore, you’re welcome to bring it along! Comfort items can help kids feel secure in new situations, and sometimes these cherished items make lovely additions to the photos.

Imagine how special it will be to look back years later at a picture of your child with the toy they couldn’t live without!

8. Highlight the Family Connection

Explain that this photo session is about showing how much your family loves each other. Tell them, “We’ll be playing, hugging, and laughing together. Karen will take pictures of us just being a happy family.”

Focusing on the connection between you makes the session feel meaningful to them—and helps them feel part of something special.

Some kids even love to take the lead and suggest ideas for the photos - where to stand, how to pose, or even a silly idea for everyone to try. I’m 100% on board with that! I love a little organiser in the group. Before the session, you can even suggest they think up some photo ideas they’d like to try with you. This keeps them engaged, gives them a sense of ownership over the session, and often results in the most creative and fun photos of the day.

9. Allow for Breaks

Kids (and adults!) need breaks.

Pack a favourite snack, drink, or even a small activity to reset their energy if needed. You might say, “If you feel tired or need a snack, we can take a quick break and keep going.” This reassurance makes kids feel cared for and helps them avoid feeling overwhelmed.

10. Hype Them Up as Superstars

Kids love being the center of attention - especially when they know it’s for something fun! Build some excitement by telling them, “You’re going to be the star of our photos! When we’re done, we’ll have amazing pictures to look at and remember how much fun we had.” Hype them up in the car on the way there, and you’ll set the tone for a confident, cooperative attitude.

Why this works?

Kids thrive when they know what to expect. A little preparation beforehand can go a long way in helping them feel secure and excited. It also makes the whole experience more enjoyable for you as a parent—you’ll spend less time worrying and more time soaking in the precious moments we’re capturing.

Let’s make this a family memory worth framing. Ready to book your session? I can’t wait to meet your crew!