Let’s be real...getting kids ready for family photos can feel like herding cats in fancy outfits. But it doesn’t have to be chaos. Here are six real-life, mom-tested, photographer-approved ways to keep your next photo session totally stress-free and full of laughs.
(from your local Kentucky family photographer at ninefifteenphoto)
No sugar before photos!
I mean it. No candy, juice, donuts, or sugar bombs before your session. The sugar crash hits fast, and once it does — the smiles are gone.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water and a low-mess snack like goldfish or crackers if your little one needs a quick bite mid-session.
Plan Around Their Natural Rhythms
You’ve done your part, now relax. If I need to get attention or bring out the giggles, I have plenty of tricks. You don’t have to call out “Smile” or “Look over here.” That usually backfires.
💡 Pro Tip: Step back and let me connect with your kids. The best shots often happen in the in-between moments, not the perfectly posed ones.
Keep expectations real and playful
The best photos happen when you let go of perfection. Kids will be kids... someone might giggle mid-pose, chase a bug, or decide that now’s the time for silly faces. That’s okay! Real moments beat forced smiles every time. Trust your photographer to guide things and capture the magic in the chaos.
💡Pro Tip: The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kids will be. Let them explore, laugh, and just be, that’s when the magic happens.
Bring comfort items
Blankets, stuffed animals, or favorite toys are welcome. They help kids feel safe and often lead to the sweetest, most genuine photos.
💡 Pro Tip: If it’s a cute comfort item, we can include it in the photos. These little details are part of your child’s story.
Plan around their happy time
Choose outfits that let everyone move, snuggle, and breathe.
Flowy dresses, layered neutrals, and soft textures photograph beautifully.
Avoid anything itchy, stiff, or matchy matchy. The more comfortable you are, the more natural you’ll look.
Need help planning your look? I’m always happy to send inspo or guide you through what photographs best.
💡 Pro Tip: Lay everything out ahead of time. Snap a phone pic of your outfits together. If it looks cohesive in a photo, it’ll look great in your session.
Trust the process
Kids will be kids. And that’s the best part! The most real, heart-melting photos come after the wiggles, giggles, or even a few tears. Real life photographs beautifully.
💡 Pro Tip: Take a breath, enjoy your family, and let your photographer work their magic. The less pressure you feel, the more natural and joyful your photos will be.
