As you’ve heard me say before, I am a BIG believer in documenting the little things in life especially when it comes to growing and changing families! Family sessions have this stigma of being a battleground essentially, with the kiddos kicking everyone else's butts lol. But it doesn't need to feel that way! Every age is different and comes with it's own unique hurdles, but I'm hoping one or all of these tips will help you prepare your kiddos or your clients' kiddos for their upcoming family session:

1. Come prepared with 1-2 of their favorite toys that the photographer can hold and catch attention with. The older they get, the less effective this becomes, but it really does do the trick for much younger kids + babies.

2. Work with your photographer to pick a session time where kids can be freshly fed or freshly napped, while also getting good lighting. Sometimes this means a bonus snack beforehand, or adjusting the nap schedule for the day.

3. Communicate what key photos you have your heart set on BEFORE the session. This way during the actual session, you can just focus on your kids and not on communication with your photographer.

4. For kids that are a little older, talk with them ahead of time about the photo session. Familiarize them with the concept of someone taking their photos. I'd suggest even going as far as to "practice" during the days leading up to your session. Often times kids can just be set back by the foreign nature of getting your photo taken. Prepping them as much ahead of time as possible will help immensely!

5. Maybe bring a grandparent or friend that the kids are super familiar with to help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you kids are extra shy or extra mischevious, sometimes having that extra familiar face can help keep them in that sweet well-behaved spot.

6. Focus on being playful with your kids, and less on making sure they're looking right at the camera, standing straight, etc. Let them be themselves -- you'll be thankful for capturing that side of them. :)

7. There's nothing wrong with bribes or rewards when all else fails lol but definitely use as a final resort, not the immediate solution.

8. Wait til you're at the photo location before getting babies, toddlers or younger kids dressed in their session outfits. Whether it's a blow out, boogers, or slobber -- it WILL get dirty in the car lol.

9. Bring a backup outfit, especially for babies! Mid session blowouts can happen!

10. If your kids are at an especially busy age, bring an activity to do when attitudes start to go down hill. Bubbles, their favorite book, a playlist of their favorite songs, etc.

When all is said and done, it's so so important as a parent to stay positive and patient through it all. Remember it's a weird, out of the typical routine activity, so sometimes a little sass or meltdown is inevitable. I promise you though, you will never regret embracing it to document the sweet seasons of life that fly by all too fast! Trust your photographer, don't rush yourself or your kids, and let your kids be themselves.

I LOVE my families and am so so honored I get to freeze moments in time for you to look back on for years and years to come. I hope these tips are helpful in making your family photo experience laid back, natural, and fun!

Good luck :-)

xo, Kyndal