As a family photographer serving Seattle, Poulsbo, Tacoma, and families throughout Washington, one of the questions I hear most often is:
“How do we prepare for our family photo session?”
The answer might surprise you.
Preparing for family photos isn’t about making sure your children behave perfectly or convincing everyone to smile on command. It’s about setting your family up to enjoy the experience so your photos reflect who you truly are.
After photographing hundreds of families, I’ve learned that the most meaningful images don’t come from perfect behavior—they come from genuine connection.
Here are my favorite tips to help your family have a relaxed, fun session.
Keep Everyone Comfortable
Happy kids make for happy photos.
Bring water, especially during warm summer sessions, and pack an extra layer or two if we’re photographing in the cooler months. Even in the summer, evenings in the Pacific Northwest can get chilly.
Cold, thirsty, or uncomfortable kids don’t usually feel like laughing, cuddling, or exploring—and honestly, neither do adults.
The more comfortable everyone feels, the more naturally your personalities shine.
If You Bring Snacks, Choose Wisely
Sometimes a little snack break is exactly what a child needs.
I recommend packing simple, non-messy snacks like Cheerios or apple slices. They give kids a quick boost without leaving sticky fingers, colorful lips, or crumbs all over everyone’s clothes.
One little tip…
Keep the snacks tucked away until they’re actually needed.
If kids know the snack bag is available from the beginning, they often spend the entire session asking for snacks—or wanting to carry the bag around instead of playing.
A little strategic timing goes a long way.
Make Your Session the Highlight of the Day
This might be one of my biggest pieces of advice.
Try not to schedule a day packed with activities before your session.
A long soccer tournament, birthday party, errands, or a full afternoon at the beach may sound fun, but by the time your photos begin, your children are often exhausted—and honestly, so are you.
Instead, give your family a slower day whenever possible.
A little downtime beforehand means everyone arrives with more energy, more patience, and a lot more joy.
Don’t Over-Prepare Your Kids
I know it’s tempting to coach your children before the session.
“Look at the camera.”
“Smile with your teeth.”
“Stand still.”
But here’s the secret…
I don’t actually want perfect smiles.
I want the way your child grins when you tickle them.
The way they throw their head back when they laugh.
The way they wrap their tiny arms around your neck because they genuinely want to.
Those moments can’t be rehearsed.
Before your session, simply tell your children you’re going to spend time together, play some games, and have fun as a family.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Wear Outfits That Feel Like You
Beautiful outfits absolutely matter—but not because they have to be trendy or expensive.
The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, it shows.
If someone is tugging at a shirt, worrying about a dress, or feeling uncomfortable in new shoes, those feelings often carry into the session.
Choose clothing that photographs well and feels good to wear.
Confidence is always beautiful.
Let Go of Perfect
If there’s one thing I hope every parent hears before their family session, it’s this:
Let go of perfection.
Children are wonderfully unpredictable.
They’ll run.
They’ll explore.
They’ll make silly faces.
They may refuse to sit still for more than three seconds.
That’s okay.
In fact…
That’s usually where the magic happens.
Some of my favorite photographs have happened in moments that looked completely chaotic to the parents standing beside me.
While you’re worrying that everything is falling apart, I’m watching your daughter burst into laughter as she chases butterflies.
I’m watching your son wrap his arms around Dad’s leg.
I’m watching your family simply be together.
Those are the photographs you’ll treasure years from now.
Connection Is More Important Than Looking at the Camera
One of the biggest ways parents can help create beautiful images is by joining the moment.
Instead of standing back and watching your children play, jump in with them.
Hold hands.
Rub your child’s back.
Reach for your partner’s hand.
Whisper something funny.
Tickle your kids.
Dance.
Snuggle.
The more connected you are with each other, the less you’ll notice my camera—and that’s exactly when the most meaningful photographs happen.
Smile Through the Chaos
This one is huge.
So often, a child starts running, gets distracted, or decides they have their own ideas.
A parent’s first instinct is usually to stop everything.
To correct.
To discipline.
To calm the situation.
But from where I’m standing?
That moment is often beautiful.
If, instead of frustration, you smiled…
If you laughed…
If you met your child where they were instead of trying to control the moment…
You’d be amazed at the photographs we create together.
Children feed off our emotions.
When they feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves, genuine smiles naturally follow.
And those genuine smiles are worth so much more than perfectly posed ones.
Trust the Process
Every family session unfolds a little differently.
There may be moments that feel messy.
There may be moments that feel loud.
There may be moments when you wonder if we’ve gotten a single good photo.
I promise you—we have.
Because I’m not looking for perfect.
I’m looking for your family.
The way you laugh together.
The way your children fit into your arms today.
The way you love one another right now.
That’s what makes family photographs meaningful.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, connection-focused experience with a Seattle, Poulsbo, or Tacoma family photographer, I’d love to help you create photographs that feel like your family—joyful, imperfect, and beautifully real.
