It can be done, we promise!
Family photo day is an exciting milestone, something you can bookmark in your family’s story forever. But, as a parent, you also know it can come with a side of stress — a healthy helping, in fact. We know what you’re thinking: Will the kids cooperate? What should they wear? Will anyone actually smile at the same time?
Take a breath. The details can seem daunting; however, at CYV Photography, we specialize in capturing the joy, personality, and connection of real families in New Hampshire.
Whether you’re booking your first family portrait session or a seasonal update, we’ve got your back. To prove it, we’ve curated our top tips to help prep your kids for a stress-free shoot, so that everyone actually enjoys the process.
1. Talk About the Shoot Ahead of Time
You likely already do this with any event or change to your normal scheduled programming, right? We highly recommend you start setting expectations a few days in advance. Let your kids know what to expect in a way that gets them excited rather than anxious. Lean into language like:
- “We’re going to have a fun photo day!”
- “We’ll get to dress up and play together while someone takes our picture!”
- “After, we can go for a treat!” (We’re big believers in bribes over here).
Encouraging language is key; we beg of you to avoid phrasing that emphasizes pressure (“You have to smile!”). Just focus on making it feel like a special family event and leave the rest to us.
2. Pick the Right Time of Day
Only you know your kids best. Think about the natural rhythm of their day and choose a time slot that aligns with their energy levels. For example, if your toddler is happiest after a nap, request your shoot accordingly. If mornings are made for meltdowns, avoid at all cost and aim for late afternoon. Our team will work with your family’s real schedule to pick a time that sets everyone up for success.
3. Dress for Comfort and Confidence!
Yes, a coordinated outfit can elevate your photos, but comfort is key, especially for kids. Avoid scratchy fabrics, tags, or anything that might make them fidget. Let them try on outfits ahead of time to test for comfort and confidence. And actually, encouraging them to make some choices can go a long way in helping them feel invested and excited about the entire experience.
Need outfit inspiration? We provide a family photo style guide with suggestions for tones that work well together and tips to avoid distracting patterns or logos.
Bonus tip: Bring a backup outfit or two in case of spills or accidents! You know it’s gonna happen!
4. Prioritize a Playful Approach
Our style at CYV is natural, warm, and focused on authentic personalities. What that means in real life is us actively encouraging movement, laughter, and genuine connection. We are very anti-stiff poses and forced smiles.
So, let your kids bring a favorite toy or comfort item if it helps them feel secure. We may even incorporate it into the session in a meaningful way.
Want candid giggles and real smiles? We do, too! Don’t be surprised if we play games, tell jokes, or even let your kids direct the moment. When they’re engaged, the magic happens.
5. Pack Essentials
Think of your photo session like a mini field trip. Isn’t this true of any outing with young kids, even just a quick grocery run? You know what your kids will ask for or want at some point during the day; in our experience, we recommend packing a small bag with:
- Wipes or tissues
- Non-messy snacks (like dry crackers or fruit snacks)
- Water
- Hairbrush or comb
- Bribery item (Again, no judgement. We’re big fans, so pack that lollipop!)
Trust us, a few familiar comforts on hand can turn the day around if (and when!) moods shift.
6. Keep Expectations Flexible
Kids are unpredictable, and that’s okay. Your 3-year-old may not want to pose. Your gregarious 7-year-old may suddenly become shy. We’re here for it all—and we know how to gently guide your children while making them feel seen and heard.
Bottom line: Let go of perfection. Often, the most cherished images come from spontaneous, unplanned moments.
7. Get in the Right Headspace
We’re looking at you, parents!
Kids feed off our energy. Think, “Monkey see, monkey do.” If you’re calm and upbeat, they’re more likely to follow suit. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you’re not rushing. Deep breaths. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
And remember: a less-than-perfect smile or goofy expression may just become your favorite photo of all.
8. Stack the Session with a Special Experience
Wrap up your family photo shoot with something special your kids will look forward to (again, bribe!) We’ve seen families take off for a family walk, a favorite lunch spot, ice cream treats, you name it!
Whatever it might be, when your kids know something enjoyable is waiting at the end, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Who knows? They might even look forward to doing it again next year.
Hopefully, we’ve covered everything in this blog post to give you a clear picture of what to expect at your family photo shoot. In case you need more information, we always encourage you to reach out directly and take a look at some of our FAQs!
FAQs About Family Photo Shoots at CYV Photography
Call it quits. Kidding! Definitely take a short break though. We’ll reset together. Sometimes stepping back for a cuddle or snack is all that’s needed. We’re patient, flexible, and ready for anything. We might need the break, too!
Most family photo sessions last 45–60 minutes. That gives us plenty of time for warm-up moments, multiple combinations, a little play… and the aforementioned meltdown.
Absolutely! Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan the flow accordingly.
We’ve got options! Two, mainly. We can either reschedule or pivot to an indoor location. Rest assured, we always keep a few rainy-day options in our back pocket! After all, we’re New England photographers!
Curious about our other services? Check out our recent blog post, Behind the Lens: What to Expect During Your CYV Photography Session.
Find Time for Your NH Family Photo Shoot
From our vantage point behind the camera, we know the best family photos are the ones that capture your family’s real vibe, quirks and all! In order to allow these moments to shine through, prepping your kids ahead of time is key. We hope this blog post provides the guidance you need and, as always, contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Ready to book your stress-free family photo shoot in New Hampshire? Schedule your session with CYV Photography today and let’s catch your vibe as a fam!
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