Parent Tips for a Stress-Free Photo Shoot

So, you’ve found your photographer, booked your session date, and now it’s planning time! Getting ready for a photo shoot with children often leaves parents feeling stressed out. Even as a photographer, I have felt this when it has been my family’s turn in front of the camera. And a camera will pick up on stress.

You are investing time and money into your photo session, and I am here to give you a few tips on ways to reduce feeling stressed when it comes to your family photos. (Although getting your family ready and out the door is an inevitable stress that every parent of young children knows all too well.)

1. Don’t scour Pinterest before your session.

You have already invested lots of time finding a photographer whose artistic style feels like a fit. Save yourself time and stop looking up “cute family photos” on social media. Keep in mind two things:

1. Social media has curated the very best photos to share and they are not an accurate representation of a realistic photo shoot.
2. Your family is unique. The weather and lighting on the day of your photo session will be unique. The moods of your children will be unique. The artistic eye of your photographer is unique. Embrace the session as uniquely yours rather than trying to match a Pinterest-perfect photo you found online.

2. Let the photographer take the lead.

Family and child photographers have worked with lots of children, and are usually very adept at helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Give your child and your photographer time to get to know each other at the start of the session without feeling pressure to immediately jump in front of the camera. Additionally, communicate with your photographer about how much they would like your help in getting your child to smile. Sometimes, too many adults in the proverbial kitchen turns into overwhelm for children.

(And if you are willing to bring bribery, let your photographer in on the secret so that they can bribe along with you!)

3. Be prepared for downtime during your session.

Family photo sessions are generally 45-60 minutes, but that doesn’t mean 60 minutes of non-stop camera clicking. Much of that time will be spent helping your child feel comfortable, offering them breaks or snacks, or walking to find a new angle or background.

It is unlikely that your photographer strictly takes posed photos as this approach doesn’t work well with young children. Be prepared for them to give you a directed activity or time to play while they snap some candid shots.

Don’t feel anxious about having downtime or playtime during your session. Even adults would burn out after an hour of straight modeling! The downtime will ultimately foster a more comfortable environment for genuine and happy photos.

4. Ask your photographer questions!

A substantial part of a photographer’s job is helping their clients prepare for the shoot. You can find lots of answers online, but every photographer and every location brings different answers. So if you have questions about what to expect, reach out to your photographer first! Some of the most common questions I get (and expect) from clients are:

1. What should(n’t) we wear?
2. What locations do you recommend?
3. How do you work with kids who don’t like taking pictures?
4. What is the general flow of the shoot itself?

Ask away! Your photographer is here to help you navigate so you feel fully prepared during the session itself.

I always find that my stress lessens when I know what to expect. I hope that these tips have been helpful! Remember, your photos will be uniquely yours. Letting go of perfection and expectations and embracing the moment in time is my best advice for genuine photos that you feel happy with.