Tips for sessions with kids!

Family photo sessions are an excellent way to freeze those precious moments in time, creating lasting memories that you and your children will cherish for years to come. While the idea of a family photo session can be exciting, it's normal for parents to feel a bit overwhelmed by the preparation involved. Fear not! With some careful planning and a relaxed attitude, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable photo session.

Choose the Right Photographer:

Research and select a photographer who specializes in family photography and has experience working with young children. Family sessions are my jam! I like to keep things relaxed, fun, and let your little ones lead the way. You can expect lots of laughs, tickles, and adventures. My camera buddy (pictured below with Banjo) comes along to every session to keep little ones entertained and maybe even looking at the camera!

Set Realistic Expectations:

Understand that not every photo will be ‘perfect,’ and that's okay. Children can be unpredictable, and candid shots often make for the best memories. If your kids want to be on the move, move with them. If they want to climb a tree, stand underneath and play with them. Focus instead on playing, interacting, and loving on your kids, rather than having everyone looking at the camera and smiling.

However! I will aim to get some posed photos first (the grandparents will thank me) while the kids are still interested, with everyone smiling and looking at the camera. Let me know if there’s any specific shots you’d like in your session, and I’ll be sure to capture those ones first as well!

Pick the Perfect Location:

I’ve got a blog here about my favourite location spots in Albury-Wodonga, but it’s important to choose a location that reflects your family's personality and interests. Don’t feel like this has to be outdoors if this doesn’t suit! If your little ones are happier at home, then this makes the perfect setting for your session. An at home photo shoot also gives more flexibility with timings, as we’re not waiting for golden hour and the afternoon light.

Timing is Everything:

Book your session for when your know your little ones will be happiest, and try to avoid meal or nap times. I like to shoot within an hour after sunrise, or an hour before sunset, so in the warmer months, shoots often take place either early morning or much later in the day. If this is going to interfere with dinner or bedtime, consider having your family photos taken in Spring or Autumn, where the sun rises later sets a little earlier and the weather is still quite nice!

Arrive a bit early to allow your family to adjust to the surroundings and for any unexpected delays, like wiping faces and hands, nappy changes, and snack time!

Bring Comfort Items and Snacks:

Consider bringing a few comfort items, such as dummies or favourite toys, that will bring some calm if needed. Also pack snacks and drinks to keep everyone energised and happy during the session.

Relax and Have Fun:

Sometimes this is easier said than done! I love to encourage natural interactions and expressions. Play games, tell jokes, or engage in activities that bring out genuine smiles and laughter.

Trust your photographer – I am skilled at capturing authentic moments, so focus on enjoying the time with your family. I truly believe that the experience of your session is as important as the photos that follow. I want you to walk away smiling, feeling like you had fun, and excited to see your photos!

Let me share a few things some of my families have said about my sessions:

‘Rachel is amazing! We had a maternity shoot with our fussy, temperamental toddler, and I was so worried we wouldn’t be able to get a good family shot without my eldest glaring down the lense, but I really shouldn’t have been! Rachel was so patient and even though my toddler lived up to my worst expectations, Rachel was able to work with us and still get so many beautiful photos, so much so I am struggling to pick which ones to display in my home! Thank you so much!’

‘We had family photos taken with Rachel and she made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. From suggesting the perfect place, to making it fun for our 4 kids and getting them all involved and capturing each of their personalities. Highly recommend!’

‘My family and I had photos done by Rachel and not only did they turn out absolutely beautiful but Rachel herself was absolutely amazing with my girls, both my girls are very shy and can be very clingy and she managed to get the most perfect pictures of them all by themselves and us all together I couldn’t be more happy with our experience and photos!’