Photographing families are simply beautiful. But sometimes it can be hard. So with that being said, I have a little secret to fill you in on: most people dread family photos.

A joyful family spending time together outdoors on a sunny day in the grass.

Many of my clients have either had a bad experience in the past, or their kids hate the camera, or the photos never quite lived up to their expectations. Whatever the reason for someone’s hesitation for family photos.

I pride myself in the fact that my clients come to me stressed or worried about the session, and leave encouraged and excited about the photos! If you want that same feeling— follow these tips!

A laughing child holds a chicken while others look on in a sunny outdoor setting.

Two children share a heartwarming moment of laughter while playing outside.

1. TIME OF DAY

Most photographers will say that golden hour is the best time for photos (last hour before sunset). But unfortunately sometimes that messes up with kids’ dinner or sleep schedule! Especially during the summer when the sun sets at 9pm. Speaking from a photographer, no matter how good the light is, if the subject of the photo (the baby) is upset and throwing a fit, the photo just isn’t the same.

Make sure you communicate to find out the times of day the kids are the happiest, and go from there. If it’s noon, you might talk about renting a studio or doing an in-home shoot instead of something outdoors with direct light! Go along with the child’s schedule. A happy kid = a happy parent = a happy photographer.

Close-up of hands gently touching during a tender family moment.

A family sharing intimate moments and laughter together in warm sunlight.

2. PICK THE RIGHT CLOTHING

The choice of clothing is so important! No one wants to put their baby or kid in an outfit that makes them uncomfortable on any normal day, so why should they on the day the kids are expected to smile at a stranger for pictures? I always tell parents to choose outfits their kids can move comfortably in, and to start preparing them for the shoot a couple weeks out by having them try on the outfit. This way the day of the shoot there are minimal meltdowns!

Three children sit together in grass, smiling and laughing on a sunny day.

3. PACK SNACKS

I always suggest to my clients to pack multiple snacks in a bag for those times you need to distract them. Goldfish or fruit snacks are great because you can give them one at a time without making the kids sick. (I mean ultimately, they know their kid best so I have them pack their favorite!) Always try to avoid bars or bigger foods that take a while to eat. The point is to quickly hand it to them in between photos!

A child in overalls holds a speckled chicken while beaming with joy.

A tender embrace shared in golden sunlight with a house in the background.

4. PLAY GOOD MUSIC

My favorite moments are when I have a fussy toddler in front of my lens, put on their favorite song on my speaker, and immediately get some smiles and dancing from them. Communicate with each other beforehand and have their favorite songs ready to go in case of emergency!

Close-up detail of arms holding in a polka dot dress against natural lighting.

5. WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT

This is probably my biggest tip for family sessions. I always dedicate the first 10 minutes of the session to strictly moving our bodies! We play tag, red light green light, do races— whatever we need to to get the kids comfortable and laughing. From there, I’ve found that it’s much easier to slow down the pace and get some still shots. Remember that kids need to be introduced to the photographer as well, not just the parents. If the photographer only addresses the parents, then assumes the kids will be okay with a stranger putting a camera in their face immediately, they are so wrong. Take it slow, and make sure they’re comfortable before beginning the session.