I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of taking photos with your family—the kiddos grow up too fast to let years go by without documentation. But, as a North Alabama family photographer, I know all too well that as the day of your session gets closer, it can be so easy to start worrying about how your kids will behave during the session and how their (mis)behavior will affect the final images.


If that’s you, here are 5 tips for how to prepare your kids for family photos.

1. Communicate with your child

Before the day of your session, start explaining the process and what they can expect—who they’re going to meet (the photographer), how long it’s going to take, what they will need to do. Clear expectations go a long way! We also recommend talking about the session like it’s an exciting, new adventure, rather than a boring chore.

Of course, you should tailor your communication to your specific children’s ages and needs. If you’re looking for a template, Robyn prepares her six-year-old for photo sessions with phrases like this:

“We’re getting ready to meet with our friend, Mr./Ms. _____ (photographer’s name) to take pictures of our family. We will be there for around 30 minutes. There will be snacks if you get hungry, and all we have to do is play and talk to each other and laugh and have fun. You can tell me any time if you need a break. We need to make sure we listen to Mr./Ms. _____ but they told me they’re super excited to get to play with you.”

2. Cuddles!

For babies and toddlers, we’ve found it’s best to hold your child for as long as possible! Once a little one gets some freedom to move, they often don’t want to be held again. We love and encourage letting kids be kids, but we know it’s also important to have everyone close together and cuddled up for some of the photos. Those first few minutes, before kiddos get a chance to roam, can be super helpful in maximizing the possible poses.

This tip even applies to when your child is upset. We know taking photos can be tiring for kiddos (and, let’s be honest, for grown ups too!), so sometimes tears are unavoidable. Taking a moment to comfort your child can not only help them keep going, but it also creates a beautiful, authentic moment that translates beautifully on film.

3. Bring some bribery

Sometimes, having the comfort of a favorite toy or the incentive of a favorite snack is all a child needs to get excited about a session. If possible, bring a few of a smaller treat, like fruit snacks, so you can continue to give your child one at a time whenever they need that extra motivation.

4. Communicate with your photographer

As family photographers, we know life with kiddos can be a little crazy. One of the most important aspects of our job is being able to embrace that chaos! So rest assured, your photographer knows how to handle kids being kids. Plus, since we’re a sister duo photography team, and we both attend every session, one of us will always be able to act as child wrangler when necessary. That being said, the more we know about your child beforehand, the better prepared we can be—what they like and don’t like, what makes them laugh, their favorite food or toy or song, everything helps.

5. Relax

Our number one tip for parents: show up ready to have fun and enjoy yourselves no matter the chaos around you. A lot of the time, the moments that feel the most chaotic are the ones that translate most beautifully on film. Don’t worry about making sure everyone is smiling or looking at the camera—we’ve got you. Just soak up every precious second with your loved ones.

Fauna & Film is a Huntsville family photographer specializing in nostalgic film photography and custom heirloom artwork for busy couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. From bespoke heirloom albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding area.