How to Prep Your Kids for their First Photoshoot
I’ve written lots of articles giving tips and tricks for how to prepare yourself for a photoshoot from what to wear to how to prepare your home for an in-home shoot, but I’ve never talked about how to prepare your kids for their very first photoshoot. For some families, they have annual photoshoots from the time they are newborns (or maybe even in their mom’s bellies!), but for some kids, their first photoshoot comes when they are a little older and can understand what happens. If you aren’t careful, your nerves for your photoshoot may rub off on them, which can make them nervous when a photographer walks in.
Here are my top tips for how to prep your kids for their first photoshoot:
Hype your kids up!
Kids feed off your energy. If family photos feel stressful, they’ll feel that too. Instead of focusing on “perfect smiles” and good behavior, tell them they’re going to meet a fun photographer who plays games and wants them to just be themselves. The less pressure, the better.
Prep the adults, too
The adults usually set the tone for the entire session. The families who end up with the most joyful, connected photos are rarely the ones with perfectly behaved kids. They’re the ones where the parents relaxed, laughed, and leaned into the experience instead of stressing over every little thing. If you hired me, you probably loved photos that felt playful and real, and that starts with you being willing to have fun, too. The more you can think of this as some fun bonding time, the more that’s going to come through every time you talk about it to your kids.
Stop aiming for perfect behavior
Most people, kids and adults included, do not show up already comfortable in front of a camera. That’s normal. You do not need to spend the whole session correcting your kids or worrying about whether they’re cooperating enough. I’ll guide and redirect everyone the entire time, including your kiddos if needed. Your job is to love on your kids and trust me to handle the rest. Before the session, make sure you tell them that their only job is to be themselves!
Make the day feel special
A photoshoot feels way more exciting to kids when it’s part of a fun family day. Plan something simple afterward like ice cream, pizza, a movie night, or a favorite treat at home. Not as a bribe dangling over their heads the whole session, just as something everyone can look forward to together. Before the session, try to keep things calm and low-key so nobody shows up exhausted or overstimulated. Don’t plan any major activities like attending a birthday party or a sports game before your session.
Avoid screens right before photos
Photographers everywhere beg of you: please don’t pull a kid straight off an iPad and into a photoshoot. It’s a rough transition every single time. Kids tend to do much better when they’ve had time to play, connect, and settle into the day naturally beforehand.
Reset the mood if the day goes sideways
Sometimes the day completely falls apart before the session even starts. Someone skipped a nap, siblings fought in the car, outfits got stained, or parents got stressed trying to get out the door. It happens constantly. The best thing you can do is let it go before the session starts. Turn on music, dance in the kitchen, sing in the car, crack jokes, whatever helps your family reconnect and reset. Kids respond to the energy around them, so if you loosen up a little, they usually do too.
There you have it! Are you feeling like you can properly prepare your kids for their first photoshoot with confidence? I sure hope so! Please reach out if you have any more questions, and if you are feeling ready to go, you can book your session here!
