A family photoshoot is about more than just capturing smiles—it’s about freezing little moments that tell the story of your family right now. For parents, though, the thought of organising kids for a photoshoot can feel overwhelming. Will they sit still? What if someone has a meltdown? Don’t worry—these concerns are completely normal, and with a little preparation, you can turn your family photoshoot into a fun, relaxed experience everyone enjoys.

Here’s a guide on how to prepare your kids (and yourself!) for a family photoshoot.

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

Timing is everything when it comes to kids. If possible, schedule your photoshoot around their natural rhythm.

Avoid nap times—a well-rested child is a happy child.
Work with meal times—hungry little ones can quickly lose patience, so a snack beforehand is always a good idea.
Golden hour magic—if your kids can manage it, early morning or late afternoon light creates the most beautiful natural glow.

2. Keep Outfits Simple and Comfortable

You don’t need matching outfits for everyone, but a little coordination goes a long way. Think of a colour palette (neutrals, earth tones, or soft pastels work beautifully outdoors in the Blue Mountains) and dress everyone in complementary shades.

Avoid itchy fabrics—if your child isn’t comfortable, it’ll show.
No big logos or neon colours—they can distract from the emotion of the photo.
Bring layers—especially if we’re shooting outdoors; weather in the Mountains can change quickly.

Tip: Let older kids have some input in their outfit choice. When they feel involved, they’re often more cooperative on the day.

3. Pack a “Photoshoot Survival Kit”

A little bag of essentials can save the day. Consider including:

Water bottles
Small, non-messy snacks (think crackers, not chocolate)
Tissues or wipes
A favourite toy or comfort item for younger children
Hairbrush or spare hair ties

These little things can keep everyone happy and photo-ready.

4. Talk About It Ahead of Time

Kids do best when they know what to expect. Frame the photoshoot as something fun rather than a chore.

Keep it positive: “We’re going to play and laugh together while someone takes photos.”
Avoid pressure: Instead of “You need to smile nicely,” try “Let’s see how big your giggles can get!”
Use excitement: Share that these are special photos they’ll look back on when they’re older.

5. Embrace Playfulness

The best family photos often come from in-between moments—the hugs, the tickles, the silly faces. Don’t stress about everyone looking at the camera at the same time. As your photographer, I’ll guide you, but I’ll also step back and let your family interact naturally. That’s where the magic happens.

For kids especially, turning the session into a game—running races, playing peek-a-boo, or seeing who can make Mum or Dad laugh—results in genuine, joy-filled photos.

6. Don’t Aim for “Perfect”

Real family life is messy, funny, and unpredictable. If someone gets grass on their dress or your toddler refuses to let go of their toy car—lean into it! These quirks are part of your family’s story right now.

The goal isn’t to capture perfection; it’s to capture connection. Often, the photos parents love most are the ones where the kids are being themselves.

7. Trust Your Photographer

You don’t need to be the director—that’s my job. I’ll guide you into natural poses, suggest activities that suit your family, and keep the mood light. Your focus can simply be on enjoying your kids.

Sometimes, a child might need a short break or a change of pace, and that’s completely fine. As someone who works with families regularly, I’ve seen it all—shy toddlers, energetic siblings, even full-scale meltdowns. It’s all part of the process, and with patience and humour, we’ll get beautiful photos.

8. Prepare Yourself, Too

Kids take their cues from you. If you’re stressed or frustrated, they’ll feel it. So before your session:

Give yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushing.
Trust that we’ll capture what we need, even if the kids aren’t “perfect.”
Remind yourself that these moments are fleeting—photos are a way to hold onto them.

Your calm, relaxed energy will help set the tone for the entire shoot.

Final Thoughts

Preparing kids for a family photoshoot is less about making them behave and more about setting the stage for a fun, natural experience. With the right timing, a bit of preparation, and the freedom to be themselves, your children will shine in front of the camera.

And remember: family photos aren’t about stiff smiles—they’re about love, connection, and capturing who you are, right now, in this season of life.

How to Prepare Kids for a Family Photoshoot