How to Prepare Your Children For a Photoshoot

Booking a family photoshoot is such an exciting moment—you’re about to capture memories that show your little ones exactly as they are, their smiles, their quirks, and this precious stage of life. It’s these fleeting moments that we want to hold on to, and as an Oxfordshire family photographer, I’m here to help you do just that.

But, I get it. You might start wondering, “What if the kids aren’t having their best day? What if they won’t sit still or smile?” First of all, let me assure you—this is completely normal! As someone who specialises in baby and family photography in Oxfordshire, I’ve seen it all, and my goal is to create a relaxed, joyful experience for everyone.

With a bit of preparation, we can ensure the session goes smoothly and captures those authentic family moments that mean the most to you. Let’s dive into some helpful tips to get your children ready for a wonderful family photoshoot.

Here is how to prepare your children for a photoshoot.

• Let your children know what’s happening

• Encourage them to be themselves

• Pack their favourite snacks

• Offer an incentives

• Involve them in the planning

• Dress them comfortably

• Prep for the location

• Relax and enjoy

Let Your Children Know What’s Happening

Kids love to be in the know. Let them in on the adventure! Explain that the photoshoot is a fun experience where they get to play, explore, and just be themselves. I often tell parents to describe it as an exciting day out—this helps dissolve any nerves. You could also introduce them to me in advance, even just by showing them my photo and mentioning my name. This little step helps to ease any shyness or uncertainty—they'll feel like they already know me when they arrive!

Encourage Them to Be Themselves

This is key. When children feel free to run around, explore, and be their playful selves, it opens the door to the most genuine smiles and candid moments. I love capturing your children’s personalities exactly as they are, from their cheeky grins to their quiet thoughtful moments. The more relaxed and natural they are, the more authentic the photographs will be.

As someone who focuses on natural photography in the Cotswolds, I know that the best images come from real moments—those spontaneous smiles and sweet interactions. When children feel comfortable, we can capture the true essence of you and your family.

Bring Snacks and Refreshments

Let’s face it—children get hungry! Snacks can be a lifesaver for keeping little ones content and energised throughout your family photoshoot. Choose non-messy snacks like crackers or raisins to keep them happy without any sticky fingers or stained clothes. And don’t forget water—staying hydrated is just as important. If they need a little break, that’s totally fine. We can pause for a quick snack and refresh so they’re ready to jump back into the fun.

Offer an Incentives

Rather than using their favourite sweets or chocolate as bribery during the session, try offering an incentive for afterwards—maybe a trip to the park or their favourite toy shop. This way, they’ll have something exciting to look forward to, and you’ll avoid any sugar-fueled crashes or tantrums during the photoshoot.

Involve Them in The Planning

Get the whole family involved in planning your family photoshoot! Ask them what games or activities they’d enjoy playing during the session. Let them share ideas on who they want in the photos or what kind of funny faces they might pull. This not only makes them feel important but also helps them look forward to the day.

Dress Comfortably

Comfort is key, especially for little ones. I recommend dressing your children in soft, comfortable outfits in neutral or muted tones like pastels, beiges, or natural shades. It’s a good idea to have them try on their outfits ahead of time, so you can make sure everything fits well and feels good for them. I’ll provide a style guide ahead of time to help you coordinate the whole family’s look!

Prep for the Location

If you’re traveling a bit to the location, plan to arrive around 10-15 minutes early. This gives your children a chance to stretch their legs and release some energy before we start.

Whether it’s an outdoor session in a beautiful meadow or a cosy indoor shoot at my Oxfordshire studio, the right location sets the tone for your family photoshoot. If your family loves adventures, we can explore the countryside together for some magical, natural moments.

Relax and Enjoy

I can’t stress this enough—the best thing you can do is to come along feeling relaxed. Children pick up on your energy, and if you’re calm and having fun, they will follow suit. Don’t worry about whether they’re “behaving” perfectly; the beauty of family photography is capturing the real, unposed moments. The less you worry about how the kids are acting, the more everyone will enjoy the session, and trust me, that joy and connection will shine through in the photographs.

Ready to Book Your Session?

I hope these tips have helped ease any concerns you might have about your family photoshoot. As an Oxfordshire family photographer, I’m here to capture your unique family story, and every moment, whether it’s full of laughter or a bit of chaos, is part of that. Let’s create some magical memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

If you’re ready to book your session or want to chat more about how I work, feel free to reach out here. I’d love to be part of your family’s story!