Simple ways to help your children feel comfortable and natural during your family portrait session.
Many parents feel nervous before scheduling family portraits with young children. One of the most common concerns I hear is:
“What if my kids don’t cooperate?”
When families begin planning a family portrait session, this is often the biggest worry they have.
The truth is that preparing kids for family photos doesn’t require perfect behavior or stiff posing. The most meaningful photographs often happen when children feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves.
With a little preparation and realistic expectations, family photo sessions can feel relaxed, playful, and even enjoyable for everyone involved.
Below are a few simple ways to prepare your children so your family photos feel natural instead of stressful.
The Biggest Worry Parents Have About Family Photos
Many of the families I photograph across Plum, Oakmont, and Fox Chapel share the same concern before their session.
Most parents assume children need to sit still and smile for the camera in order for family photos to be successful.
But in reality, young children are not wired to behave that way. Toddlers want to explore. Preschoolers want to move. Babies need comfort and attention.
When parents allow children to move, play, and interact naturally, it often creates the most genuine moments.
Instead of thinking of your session as a performance, try thinking of it as a short family outing where your photographer simply captures what unfolds.
How to Talk to Kids Before a Family Photo Session
One of the easiest ways to prepare kids for family photos is to set the tone before the session.
Try describing the experience as something fun and relaxed.
For example, you might say:
“We’re going to go spend some time together outside and someone will take a few pictures of our family.”
Avoid putting pressure on children by telling them they need to “behave” or “smile for pictures.” When kids feel pressure to perform, they often become shy or resistant.
Keeping the conversation light helps them approach the experience with curiosity instead of anxiety.
Research from the Professional Photographers of America has shown that children who grow up seeing family photographs displayed in their home often develop a stronger sense of belonging and identity.
Preparing Babies for Family Photos (0–12 Months)
Babies are often the easiest age for family photos because they are happiest when they are close to their parents.
If your baby is still very young, you may also enjoy reading about in-home newborn sessions and how relaxed those sessions can be.
A few simple steps can help keep babies comfortable during your session:
• Schedule your session after a nap when possible
• Bring a bottle or snacks for feeding breaks
• Pack a favorite blanket or comfort item
• Dress baby in something comfortable and soft
Babies do not need to be awake and smiling for every photo. Some of the most beautiful images happen when parents are simply holding and comforting their baby.
If you are planning portraits with a new baby at home, I also share helpful preparation tips in this guide on preparing your home for an in-home portrait session.
Preparing Toddlers for Family Photos (1–3 Years)
Toddlers are often the age parents worry about the most. They are energetic, curious, and rarely interested in sitting still.
Fortunately, toddler behavior can actually create some of the most joyful photographs.
To help toddlers feel comfortable:
• Let them bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal
• Tell them the session will include walking and playing
• Avoid telling them they must smile
• Be prepared to let them explore a little
Many of the best toddler photos happen when they are interacting naturally with their parents rather than posing for the camera.
Preparing Preschool and Early School-Age Kids (3–10 Years)
Children in this age group often respond well when they feel involved in the process.
A few ways to help them feel confident include:
• Letting them help choose their outfit
• Explaining that photos will only take a short time
• Encouraging them to focus on hugs, laughter, and interaction
Kids often relax when they realize they don’t need to perform perfectly.
Should You Bribe Kids for Family Photos?
Many parents ask whether rewards or treats can help motivate children during a photo session.
Small incentives can work well when they are presented as a fun celebration afterward rather than a reward for perfect behavior.
For example:
• Ice cream after the session
• A trip to the playground
• Family movie night later that evening
This keeps the atmosphere positive and relaxed instead of turning the session into a task children feel pressured to complete.
What Parents Should Bring to a Family Photo Session
A few practical items can make a big difference when preparing kids for family photos.
Consider bringing:
• Wipes
• Small snacks
• Water
• A backup outfit for younger children
• A favorite comfort item for toddlers
The goal is simply to make sure everyone stays comfortable.
What Parents Should Not Worry About
One of the most important things parents can remember is that family photos are not meant to capture perfection.
Children will move, laugh, wiggle, and sometimes even have emotional moments.
Those moments are part of childhood, and they often lead to the most authentic photographs.
You never need to apologize for your children being themselves.
If you’re still deciding who to work with, you may also find this guide helpful on how to choose the right family photographer.
Family Photos Are About Capturing a Season of Life
Preparing kids for family photos doesn’t mean controlling every moment of the session. Instead, it means creating an environment where your children feel safe, relaxed, and free to interact with the people they love most.
Family portraits are not about achieving perfect poses.
They are about capturing the connections, personalities, and everyday moments that make up your child’s childhood.
And often, those are the memories families cherish most as the years pass.
If you’re planning family portraits and want a relaxed experience with young children, I photograph families throughout Plum, Oakmont, and Fox Chapel and guide parents through every step of preparing for their session.
