How to Prepare Your Young Children for a Family Photo Session

Family photos are one of the best ways to capture your story right where you are in life complete with messes, joy, and love. Let’s be honest though, getting kids ready for a photo session can feel a little overwhelming sometimes.

My goal with Sweet As Tea Photography is to make your family’s experience relaxed, fun, and memorable from start to finish. Here are some simple tips to help your children feel confident and excited for any session.

1. Talk About It Ahead of Time

Kids love to know what to expect. A day or so before your session, tell them you’ll be meeting your photographer to play some games and take pictures together. Keep it light and positive, making it something to look forward to. Avoid strong language that will make them timid or concerned like "must sit still"... "only good smiles"... or threats like no dessert. We want them to walk in with only happy thoughts!

2. Keep Outfits Simple and Comfortable

Choose clothing that your kids can move in easily. Comfort leads to better moods, and that means better photos. Coordinate your colors instead of matching exactly, and avoid anything that might itch, ride up, or require constant fixing. Start your coordination around the pickiest child.

3. Plan Around Their Best Time of Day

If your little one tends to get tired or hungry at certain times, schedule your session for when they’re happiest. A well-rested, well-fed child is more likely to cooperate and smile naturally. Bring snacks and water just in case — simple, non-messy ones like crackers or fruit snacks work great.

4. Let Them Be Themselves

The most beautiful photos happen when your kids are being who they really are. Don’t stress if someone makes a silly face or twirls in the grass because those are the moments that tell your family’s story. I’ll guide them gently and keep things fun, so everyone feels comfortable and natural.

5. Bring Something Familiar

If your child has a favorite small toy, blanket, or stuffed animal, let them bring it along. Sometimes a familiar item helps them warm up faster, and it can even make for a sweet personal detail in your portraits.

6. Go With the Flow

It’s completely normal for kids to need breaks, giggle fits, or extra time to settle in. Don’t worry, I plan for that. My sessions are designed to be flexible so we can capture genuine expressions instead of forced smiles or tears.

Final Thoughts

Family photos are meant to be joyful, not stressful. With a little preparation and a relaxed mindset, your session can be an experience your kids actually enjoy and you’ll walk away with images that feel real, connected, and full of love.

If you’re ready to capture your family just as they are, I’d love to make that happen for you.

📸 Book Your Family Session with Sweet As Tea Photography

Keely Sayers is a Certified Professional Photographer and the owner of Sweet As Tea Photography LLC, serving Chiefland, Levy County, and surrounding North Central Florida areas. She specializes in timeless studio portraits, family photography, children’s photography, and weddings, with a focus on quality, consistency, and a relaxed client experience.