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You’ve booked your family session, picked out the perfect outfits, and now you’re counting down the days until your family photo session day. But if you’re anything like most moms, there’s one lingering worry: “Will my kids (and husband!) actually cooperate?” I get it. As a mom myself, I know how chaotic family photos can feel. But here’s the good news—there’s a way to make it a stress-free family photo session that’s fun for everyone! With a little thoughtful prep, you’ll not only get beautiful images but also walk away with a heart full of joy, knowing you captured the love in this season of life.
Here are my top five tried-and-true tips to ensure a smooth and happy session for your family.
1. Set the Tone with Positivity (Not Stress!)
Kids (and husbands!) feed off your energy. If you’re stressed about getting everything “just right,” they’ll pick up on it. Instead of presenting the session as a formal event, frame it as a fun family outing.
What to Say to Your Kids:
“We’re going to have a little family playdate where we laugh, snuggle, and take some fun pictures!”
What to Say to Your Husband:
“I promise—this won’t be one of those stiff, awkward photoshoots. Just think of it as an hour of uninterrupted family time while someone captures it for us!”
When everyone knows this is about creating long-lasting memories (not just getting “perfect” pictures), they’ll show up with the right mindset for a fully guided family portrait session.
2. Plan Nap and Snack Times
Tired, hungry kids (or husbands!) are a recipe for meltdowns. To set yourself up for success:
Schedule any necessary nap times prior to your session. This may require to you to make a few adjustments to your littles’ daily routine to align with your session start time.
I also recommend bringing easy, non-messy snacks (like fruit or crackers) to satisfy hunger and moods.
For husbands, the key is keeping it short and sweet—which is exactly why my sessions are designed to feel effortless and natural.
3. Dress for Comfort & Confidence
The right wardrobe makes all the difference in how your family feels (and looks!) during the session.
For the Kids: Choose soft, breathable fabrics that allow movement. Avoid stiff collars, itchy tags, or anything they might fuss over.
For Your Husband: Encourage him to wear something he feels good in while complementing the overall color palette. If he’s not a “dress-up” kind of guy, a well-fitted sweater or relaxed button-down with tailored pants is the perfect balance between casual and polished.
For You: Choose a flowy dress or soft textures that make you feel effortlessly beautiful and comfortable. The best part? I’m always here to help with personalized styling guidance to take the guesswork out of it!
For locations where quite a bit of walking is required, I recommend bringing a comfy pair of shoes to easily switch in and out of in between spots.
4. Rewards
Rewards are encouraged to motivate little ones!
However, I recommend reserving the surprise for AFTER the session to maintain focus and cooperation.
This can be a little toy trinket, a favorite toy, yummy treat or planned family activity. Prior to presenting the reward, express to your child how proud you are of them for being on their best behaivor or how much you appreciate their cooperation throughout the session. Giving them some praise goes a long way!
5. Let Go & Trust the Process
Here’s the biggest secret: The best photos come from real moments, not forced perfection.
Let your kids be kids. Let your husband relax. Focus on being present, not posing. My job is to capture your family’s connection as it truly is—beautiful, natural, and full of love.
So, breathe easy, Mama. Your only job is to show up, love on your family, and let me take care of the rest. With the right preparation and mindset, your stress-free family photo session will feel like a smooth, stress-free experience rather than another task on your to-do list.
Ready for a Stress-Free Family Photo Session?
If you’ve been longing for family photos that feel as effortless as they look, I’d love to guide you through the experience. Click below to book your session and let’s create something timeless together.
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