Washington Photographer Shares Family Photoshoot Advice

Planning a family photoshoot and feeling a little nervous? You’re not alone! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and worry—you want beautiful, meaningful photos to remember this chapter of your life, and you want everyone (especially the kids!) to have a good time doing it.

The good news? With a little prep and a positive mindset, your session can be both relaxed and full of fun. Here are my go-to tips to help you feel confident and ready before your next family photoshoot.

Talk to Your Kids about the Photoshoot

Before the photoshoot, take some time to explain to your kids what to expect. Let them know that you’ll be taking pictures as a family and that it’s a fun opportunity to create memories together. You could even show them some of your photographer’s work so they can see what the end result will look like! Here is a behind-the-scenes look at one of my family photoshoots that you could watch together as a family:

Make sure EVERYONE is Well Rested and Fed

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a family photoshoot is to make sure your kids are well-rested and well-fed. A tired or hungry child is much more likely to be irritable and uncooperative during the shoot. You might need to adjust nap and dinner times to accommodate the timing of your photoshoot, so it is good to plan ahead. It can be a good idea to bring non-messy snacks and water to keep everyone fueled and happy.

Pro tip: this applies to adults too! Because let’s be real, a hangry adult isn’t much better than a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. 😅 A mid to late-afternoon session can be tough if you haven’t had a real meal or coffee since breakfast. Take a moment to check in with yourself on the day of your photoshoot to make sure you are well fuelled. You’ll enjoy the experience so much more when you’re not running on empty.

Keep Calm: Your Engergy sets the Tone

Kids are experts at reading the room. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. If you’re having fun, they’ll join in. Try to relax, trust your photographer, and focus on enjoying the moment with your family. Even for adults, this mindset shift can be huge. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to “get it right,” but truly, the best photos happen when you’re just being yourselves

Incorporate Games and Activities into Your Photoshoot

Photos don’t have to be all posed and serious! Some of the most genuine, joy-filled images happen during simple activities. A few favorites to consider:

• Bring a guitar, ukulele, or harmonica and play a little music together
• Share a cozy picnic on a blanket
• Toss a ball or frisbee around
• Fly kites at the beach or a park
• Pack a card game like Uno or Skip-Bo

These kinds of playful moments help everyone loosen up and create more natural, story-filled images.

Avoid Telling Your Kids to Smile

It’s totally normal to want those perfect, smiling shots—but asking your kids to smile repeatedly can backfire and create pressure. Instead, let your photographer guide your whole family into prompts and poses that will elicit genuine smiles and natural interactions. Trust me: the biggest grins come when they’re not forced.

Let Your Kids Be Themselves

Remember that your family photos should reflect your family’s unique personality. Kids are very often, as they should be, quite silly! Encourage your kids to be themselves and show off their personalities during the shoot. If your child wants to wear a superhero cape or dress up in a tutu, embrace it and let them shine. If your kiddo insists on showing me their favorite dance moves or telling me the same joke over and over again, that is A-O-kay! These quirks are part of their story and can make for the most heartwarming images. The best photos of kids are always when they are just being themselves.

Be flexible and Embrace the Unexpected

Last, but not least…No matter how well you prepare for a family photoshoot, things may not go exactly as planned. A child may have a meltdown or it might start raining unexpectedly. Try to go with the flow and trust that your photographer will adapt to any situation. Sometimes the most unexpected moments can result in the most memorable photos.

Family Photos Don’t Need to be Perfect – They Just Need to be YOU

By preparing a bit, staying flexible, and trusting the process, you can create a photoshoot experience that feels fun, relaxed, and totally true to your family. Thanks so much for stopping by, and best of luck with your upcoming session!

If you’re still looking for a family photographer in Washington, I’d love to chat! Contact me HERE

With Love,
Lillian

p.s. Check out my Family Outfit Inspo Pinterest Board