Thinking about booking family photos but already sweating at the thought of wrangling your tiny humans into cute outfits and good moods?
Let’s be honest—kids don’t always perform on cue. But guess what? They don’t need to! With a bit of prep and the right mindset, we can turn their wiggles, giggles, and chaos into beautiful, real moments. Here are my top 5 tips to help make that happen...
1. Be enthusiastic and prepare your kids.
If they are old enough to understand you, it's a good idea to prepare your kids for what is to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behaviour. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat for after the session if they're good listeners. It also really helps if their bellies are full and they've had some good rest beforehand.
In the days leading up to the session, tell them that your friend Sarah is going to be taking your family photos. Show them a picture of me so I am not a totally strange face to them.
Tell them that we are going to go to a really fun location or we're going to hang out at home and that we are going to play. Tell them that your friend will be getting them to play some fun games while taking pictures.
That being said, I am a parent too. So, if you raised an eyebrow while reading any of that... believe me, I get it. On the day, please don't be worried about how they will behave or embarrassed if things don't go as planned. They're little and I want to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour. We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part I just want you to have a great time and be yourselves.
2. SMILE AND LOOK HAPPY NO MATTER WHAT
No matter how they behave, it's really important that YOU smile and look happy. Even if they only engage in what they're been asked to do for a split second here and there, I will get it.
Kids are unpredictable and you just never know when they're going to decide that they've had enough. If you as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, I will be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.
3. Play with your kids, engage with each other
If I had to give only one tip... it would be this one! Don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air. Give your partner a sweet kiss on the cheek...dance even. Sing your babies a song and play little games. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. No-one knows better than you do, what makes your child giggle. Doing these things will allow the emotion to shine and elevate the true beauty of your family.
4. Cheese is for crackers
Somewhat related to the previous point...leave the stiff Barbie smiles for Aunty Sheila at the next family get together. I deliver galleries with too many images to have everyone always looking at the camera with a cheesy grin. Don't be afraid to look away. In fact, I'd prefer it that way. Keep your eyes on the ones you love. Look at each of your children, look at your partner... look anywhere other than at me (until I ask you to).
I promise I will still get that traditional family portrait... but capturing emotion is my priority and, although it would be pretty cool if I had some sort of emotion-provoking superpower, I don't... so we ain't gonna get that if your eyes are locked on me.
5. Remember what the goal is
My job isn't to make you look perfect or to make your children behave perfectly and sit straight up on a stiff chair with a stiff smile. My job is to show you that your family is absolutely perfect just the way they are.
Capturing all of the in-between moments, the ones that can't be scripted, is my absolute favourite part of my sessions. So if one of your children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy or upset, hold them close to you and gently rock them while tucking their hair behind their ear.
Sometimes, "imperfect" situations can lead to the perfect photo. And trust me, I know that some of your favourite photos will be of the intimate, or silly moments that we didn't plan on!
Sarah Ross is a professional Perth family photographer known for capturing authentic, natural moments in a relaxed and stress-free way. Specialising in lifestyle family photography, maternity photography, and newborn photography, Sarah creates emotive images that reflect real connections. Whether at a beautiful outdoor location or in the comfort of your home, she makes the experience effortless and fun for Perth families.
