Helpful Ways to Prep Your Littles for a Family Portrait Session

We know the dread that often comes with scheduling a portrait session. So often people view documenting their family as a line item on a to-do list rather than an opportunity to create heirloom photographs to cherish for years to come.

We really, really want to help shift the perspective and lighten the load for clients as they prep for their child or family sessions. One of the biggest complaints (for our families too) about sessions is having uncooperative kids. Between our two homes we have 5 girls under the age of ten so we totally get that!

Rather than suffer through, we want to give clients the opportunity to feel prepared for their upcoming session. So we’re passing out a few tips to help bolster positive attitudes and more cooperative kids on portrait day:

1. Schedule your session around their best time of day.

If you’re in the thick of raising littles we know that some times of the day can be really hard for them. They are hangry at 11:30, exhausted by 1PM and need a nap desperately by 2PM. For these kids, usually a morning session is best. So communicate with us ahead of time on your time preferences so we can book your session at your best time of day!

2. Avoid sugary snacks/meals before the session, but bring parent approved snacks to the session, OR share some of ours (and use bribery strategically).

Getting ready for a session can be a feat in and of itself. Often, bribes start making their way out as we try to do the four year old’s hair or force the toddler into her portrait outfit.

As easy as it might be to resort to it, we highly recommend you avoid bribing them with sugar until after the session. Don’t get us wrong. We are all for bribery (ha!). We have fruit snacks on hand for this very reason. But, if you can, lay off the sugar before your session. It will help your kids focus during the session. Save the ice cream rewards for the end as a well-deserved treat!

3. Talk to them beforehand about what is going to happen.

It’s super helpful for kids to know what to expect when walking into a new situation. And, for a lot of kiddos, a portrait session experience can be unfamiliar territory.

Communicate to them whether your session is going to be outdoors or indoors. If it’s indoors you can let them know we have books and building blocks on hand when they need a break.

Tell them there will be someone taking their picture. Let them know we will have studio lights around the studio to help with pictures. You can also help them practice their smile in a kind and encouraging way. Usually threats end up stressing kids out more than helping so we recommend avoiding threats.