Let’s be honest. Family photos can feel like a lot. You’ve sorted the outfits, juggled the nap schedule, and maybe even promised your partner takeaway if they “just go with it.” But still, things don’t always go to plan, especially with little ones involved.
As a local family photographer (and a mum myself), I’ve learned that beautiful, heartfelt photos don’t come from perfection. They come from connection. Below are my tried-and-true tips to help you prepare for a relaxed, meaningful session that feels true to you and yes, even if your toddler is climbing the furniture.
Help your photographer connect with your kids
Instead of rehearsing smiles or asking your kids to “be good,” focus on helping them feel seen and safe. Most photographers take time to connect with children before or during a session. I send a pre-session questionnaire to learn about your child’s temperament, interests, and rhythms. This helps me gently plan the flow of the shoot so we’re not pushing against their needs, but working with them.
Work with your photographer to create a sense of familiarity. Once that’s established, half the battle is already won.
Choose clothing that’s comfortable, cohesive, and true to your family
When it comes to outfits, comfort and connection come first. Choose pieces you can move in, cuddle in, sit on the ground in. Clothing that feels like your family not just what’s trending always photographs best.
I personally encourage my clients to wear warm, earthy tones, soft textures, and layered neutrals, as these complement the way I work with natural light and tone. But every photographer has a unique style, so it’s worth reaching out to yours to understand what colours and palettes will work best with their editing and aesthetic.
The goal is to create harmony without everyone matching colours that flow together naturally, allowing your personalities to shine without distraction.
Let the kids lead and trust your photographer
It’s completely normal for kids to be wiggly, wild, or wonderfully unpredictable. Family photographers are skilled at working with movement, big emotions, and high-energy little humans, so there’s no need to stress or over-direct.
In fact, the more relaxed the parents are, the more natural the photos tend to feel. Often, it’s the children who end up looking joyful and free, while mum is caught in the background with a worried or “are they behaving?” expression. Let that go. You don’t need to manage the moment. That’s what your photographer is here for. You just get to be present.
Choose someone who feels like a good fit
Your photographer is stepping into your family’s world, even just for an hour. Make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable around and whose work resonates with you. When there’s trust and ease, it shows in every frame.
Most photographers will have an About Me section on their website or Instagram, and are usually more than happy to chat. Trust your gut and see who you vibe with. It makes all the difference.
Feed them first, then bring the bribes
One of my most practical tips? Don’t arrive with a hangry child. Have a solid snack or small meal beforehand to keep everyone feeling grounded. Then yes, bring the lollipop or snack bribe if you need it later. It works best as a backup, not the main plan.
Props are optional, meaning is not
You don’t need Pinterest-perfect props. But you can bring meaningful items things that hold emotional weight or are part of your family’s story. Your child’s birth flower, an ultrasound photo, a handwritten letter, or a special heirloom blanket these little touches add depth and intention to the images.
They’re not just things; they’re memory markers. When chosen with heart, they layer meaning into the story we’re telling together.
Be in the photos, they’re for you too
So many mothers want to stay behind the camera, but here’s the truth. These photos are as much for you as they are for your children. You deserve to be seen in this season with the tired eyes, the love-soaked cuddles, the way your arms instinctively reach for your child.
Years from now, you and your children will both be grateful that you stepped into the frame. These images are more than just keepsakes. They’re part of your legacy.
Choose a location that means something to you
Instead of chasing Pinterest perfection, think about places that reflect your family’s real rhythm. Are you happiest at home, piled on the couch or dancing in the kitchen? Then let’s shoot there. Do your kids come alive at the beach or under the trees? That might be the magic spot.
When a location holds meaning whether it’s your backyard, a favourite walking track, or a windswept coastal lookout the connection shines through effortlessly.
Rapid Fire: What Not to Do at Your Photo Session (from someone who’s seen it all)
- Bribe with lollies too early – Save the leverage for when it really counts. And please, skip the melts, chocolate, or bright-staining lollies unless you’re going for “berry blast” as a lipstick shade.
- Announce “SMILE!” every five seconds – It’s pressure-packed and rarely works. The best smiles come when kids forget they’re being photographed.
- Dress the whole family in matching white shirts and jeans – It’s not 1997. Let each person’s style shine. Coordinated doesn’t mean copy-paste.
- Panic if your toddler melts down – It’s just another day in the office for us photographers. We don’t sweat it, so neither should you.
- Forget to be present – This is a core memory in the making. It’s not just about the photos, it’s about the experience. Roll with it, lean into the moment, and make the most of it. Your photos will thank you for it.
A Note From Me to You
Family photos aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about feeling something. The connection, the season you’re in, the way your child looks at you when no one else is watching. That’s what I try to hold onto with my work.
So if you’re feeling nervous, unsure, or wildly unprepared, know that you’re not alone. These sessions are designed to meet you exactly where you are, toddler chaos and all.
