Embracing your Children’s Personalities and Energy
Family photos can be tricky when little ones with big feelings are involved. And honestly? If even adults can feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, imagine how a little human who is only a few years old might feel. They’re being asked to stand in a certain spot, look at a stranger with a big black camera, smile on command, and somehow act completely natural while everyone else is watching. That’s a lot to ask of a little person!
So if your child isn’t immediately smiling when we start your family session, please don’t panic. They don’t have to.
My goal during your session is to create an environment where your children can relax and be themselves rather than feeling pressured to behave flawlessly. As a family photographer in Orange County, I’m not looking for perfectly posed children. I’m looking for your family — the way your toddler reaches for you when they’re unsure, the giggles between poses, and even those big emotions that are very much a part of this season of life. Sometimes the best photographs happen after a little one has had a moment to warm up. Sometimes we need to take a break, have a snack, play a game, or simply let them be. And sometimes, we embrace the tears, because those moments are real, too.
That said, I do have a few tried-and-true tips and tricks to help your session run a little more smoothly—and, most importantly, help you get the beautiful, genuine images you’ve been dreaming of for your family.
8 Tips for Your Orange County Photo Session:
1.) Prepare your children before the photoshoot begins.
Let your kids know ahead of time that you’re going to take some fun family photos together. Rather than making it sound like they’ll need to sit still and smile for the camera, tell them about all the fun we’ll have. Explain that we’ll playing games, singing, dancing, exploring, and being silly together. You can even have a little pretend photoshoot at home with their favorite stuffed animals. Let them practice taking pictures, posing, and making silly faces so the idea feels familiar and fun. The more they know what to expect, the more comfortable they’ll feel when it’s time for the real thing. When they arrive thinking, “We’re going to play!” instead of “I have to smile for pictures,” we’re already off to a great start.
2.) Don’t let them go into the session sleep deprived.
A well-rested toddler is much more likely to enjoy the experience and give us those sweet smiles we’re hoping for. If your little one is happiest first thing in the morning, a morning session may be the way to go. If they’re a total ray of sunshine after an afternoon nap, let’s plan around that instead. Be sure to give them plenty of time to wake up and ease into the day before we meet. We don’t want to rush from bed to car to camera.
3.) Bring water and snacks.
Make them easy and quick to eat, but not too messy either (no chocolate or bright colors that can stain mouths!). Some options are Goldfish crackers, Cheerios, dried fruit, pretzels, Simple Mills Pop Mmms, Cascadian Farm Purely O’s, and Thrive Market Veggie Sticks.
4.) Stay positive.
Even if your kids are not cooperating, maintain your composure. It’s easier said than done, but it’s best to avoid scolding. If they sense your tension, your children might get overwhelmed and become even more uncooperative. They will match your energy so make sure it’s upbeat and positive. Meet them where they are: snacks if they’re hungry, cuddles if they’re distraught, and play time if they’re wriggly.
5.) Reward them afterwards.
Let your little ones know ahead of time that there will be something fun waiting for them after the session. Maybe it’s ice cream, a trip to the playground, a toy, etc. The key is to make it a reward, not a threat. Instead of saying, “You’d better behave, or we’re not going to the playground,” frame it positively: “After our photos, we’re going to get ice cream!” And if you promise a reward, be sure to follow through. This helps your child connect family photos with a positive experience. Of course, you know your child best. If you think knowing about the reward will make them anxious to rush through the session, you can always keep it a surprise! A fun surprise at the end can be just as effective for them to associate family photos with a special day, prepping them for the next shoot!
6.) Parents, keep smiling!
For those classic family portraits where everyone is looking at the camera, keep your eyes on me and continue smiling. Do it even if your little one isn’t cooperating perfectly. It can be so tempting to turn and check whether your child is smiling. However, when everyone is looking in different directions, it’s much harder to capture that beautiful family portrait. Unless they absolute need you, let me handle the kids! I’ll work my magic to get their attention and capture those sweet smiles. Your job is simply to stay connected with your family, keep smiling, and trust me to take care of the rest.
7.) Bring a stroller.
If the location is stroller friendly and requires a longer walk to get to, you won’t regret bringing it. Toddlers get cranky when they’re tired, so strollers are always great for transporting them around (and for storing your belongings during the shoot).
8.) Bring a back up outfit.
You’ll be so thankful you brought a back up outfit in case there are accidents and messes, especially if they’re potty training.
What to do after the photoshoot ends?
I promise these simple tips can help your session feel more relaxed and bring even more happy, genuine smiles to your family photos. And once your images are ready, don’t forget to show them to your kids! Little ones love seeing themselves in photographs, and it can help them build positive associations with being in front of the camera. Even better, print your favorite images and display them throughout your home. There’s something so special about children seeing their own faces on the walls around them—reminding them, day after day, just how deeply loved, cherished, and treasured they are.
