Family photo sessions can be a stressful event for Mom’s, Dad’s & kids alike. But they don’t have to be! As a photographer and Mother of 2 boys myself, I get the feeling. You want your kids to behave so that you can get beautiful photos of your happy family – keyword, HAPPY. After all, these photos are going to be displayed on your walls and in heirloom albums. With these 10 Tricks for Happy Kids during photoshoots you’ll have stunning photos no matter what your toddler throws (figuratively, or physically) at you.

Prepare them for the photoshoot

Little kids don’t like to be surprised when it comes to their daily rhythms. It can make them feel out of control and a little anxious. So this first of the 10 Tricks for Happy Kids during photoshoots is a biggie. A couple days before the session, start talking about it. Tell your child about the session and explain the whole experience — from getting dressed up, to driving to the location, to behaving well at the session, to what you’ll do after. That way, on session day, they’re prepared mentally for the event.

Plan something special for after the photoshoot

Whether it’s a trip to your favorite ice cream shop or to the store for that toy they’ve been eyeing. Tell them what you’re going to do after and they’ll be thrilled to cooperate.

Comfort Items

Bring their favorite stuffed animal, toy or blanket as comfort items for when they’re upset. Stickers are another great thing to bring as we can ask them to stick them on Mom, Dad, or siblings to create some faux connection when they want no part in being touchy feely.

Enlist the bigger kids help

If you have older kids, they can be great models of the behavior we want to see. Ask them before to be your helper with the little one(s) and that way we have everyone working together on the effort.

Snacks

Bring snacks that are relatively mess-free and colorless as rewards for cooperating. Puffs, teethers, crackers, or cheerios are great options. Try to avoid chocolate and bright, gummy candy for obvious reasons.

Nap Timing

We should try our best to schedule the session for after their nap and not too close to bedtime. It can be harder to do as the sunset gets later in the day, but we can still make magic even if it isn’t golden hour.

Meal Timing

Similar to the last two, but do make sure they’re well fed before the session. Hungry toddlers aren’t the most friendly to the camera. Although, I don’t blame them! Hungry adults aren’t fun, either.

Be Early

Give yourself plenty of buffer time to get to the session a bit early. That way when the inevitable potty break or meltdown happens, we have the time to give them what they need and calm them down.

Roll with It

During the session, be excited yourself! Don’t stress and put too much pressure on them. Let them be kids and roll with the punches.

Connect no matter what

During the session, smile & show affection no matter what is happening. Tickle, kiss, dance, touch noses, snuggle, etc Those seemingly small actions will help with their mood and will be beautiful moments to capture.

BONUS

Find a photographer who has plenty of experience with photographing children. It can make all the difference and relieve so much stress off of your shoulders to work with someone who expects the inevitable mishap and can still make magic in the midst of meltdowns.