How to prepare your children for a photoshoot | Family photography tips

verdistudios
Apr 7
3 min read

If you’ve booked a family photoshoot and your first thought is, “How on earth am I going to get the kids to behave?” - you are not alone!

One of the most common worries we hear from parents before a session is about how their children will be.

Will they sit still?

Will they listen?

Will they co-operate?

The honest answer? Probably not perfectly… but that’s completely fine!

At our studio, photographing children is never about perfect behaviour - it’s about capturing real moments, real personalities, and genuine family connections. But there are a few simple things you can do to help your photoshoot feel relaxed and enjoyable for everyone...

1: Don't over-prepare (really!)

It’s very tempting to build up a photoshoot as a big event - telling children to be on their best behaviour, smile nicely, and "please, just this once, listen to everything we say".

But in reality, this can make children feel pressured before they even arrive.

We always recommend keeping things low-key. Treat it like a normal day out, rather than a big performance. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they’ll be.

2: Timing is everything!

Book your session at a time that prioritises when your children are usually happiest.

For younger children and toddlers, this often means:

After a nap
After they’ve eaten
Not too close to bedtime

A well-rested, well-fed child is far more likely to enjoy the experience (and far less likely to stage a dramatic protest halfway through!)

Aren't we all much happier when we've had a good sleep, and have a full belly!

3: Let them be themselves

Children are naturally curious, energetic, and sometimes completely unpredictable - and that’s exactly what makes their photos so special.

They don’t need to sit perfectly still or smile on command. Some of the best moments happen when they’re:

exploring
laughing
hiding behind you
being a little bit cheeky

That’s where the real magic is.

A group of six people sit on a white background. A smiling baby in front waves joyfully. All wear earth-toned clothing, creating a warm mood. Taken in a professional photography studio

4: Trust your photographer

When you come into our studio, you don’t need to worry about managing everything. Our approach is very relaxed, patient, and child-led.

We create a calm atmosphere, with age appropriate music, a gentle pace, and plenty of time for children to settle in. There’s no rushing and no pressure.

We’ll guide you through everything - where to sit, what to do, and most importantly, when to just relax and enjoy being together as a family.

(And yes, there may be a few silly noises or games involved - it’s all part of the job!)

5: Don't worry about "perfect" behaviour

This is probably the most important tip of all!

Your children do not need to behave perfectly for you to get beautiful photographs.

Some of the most loved images are the ones where:

your toddler is clinging to you
your baby is mid-giggle
everyone is laughing because something didn’t go to plan

These moments are real, and they tell your family’s story far better than any perfectly posed photo ever could.

6: Relax and enjoy the experience

Children pick up on how their parents are feeling. If you’re stressed, they’ll sense it. If you’re relaxed, they’ll relax too.

So take a breath, enjoy the time together, and let us handle the rest.

By the end of the session, most parents say the same thing:“That was so much easier than we expected!”

7: Afterthought | These moments don't last forever

Children grow quickly - faster than we ever expect. The stage you’re in right now, even if it feels chaotic, is one you’ll look back on with so much love.

A family photoshoot isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about capturing your children exactly as they are, right now.

And sometimes, that includes a bit of chaos… and maybe one child refusing to wear their shoes!

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. If you have any ideas, or interest about a particular topic - drop it in the comments below!