After dozens of family sessions over the past few years, I can say this with confidence: 80% of a shoot’s success is decided in the days leading up to it, not during the session itself. Parents who know how to prepare their kids right walk away with incredible photos. Parents who don’t sometimes walk away with an album of sour faces.
Here are the 8 tricks I recommend to every family before they show up at the studio or the outdoor location.
1. Tell them the day before, not a minute before
Don’t surprise a kid with “we’re going to take pictures today!”. That’s a guaranteed meltdown. A day or two ahead, calmly say: “On Saturday a really nice photographer is coming over to take some pictures of us, it’s going to be fun.” When a child knows what to expect, they don’t panic.
2. Sleep and food, the fundamentals you never skip
A tired or hungry kid means a cranky kid. Make sure of:
- A normal night’s sleep the night before
- A full meal an hour before the shoot
- A snack in your pocket, one your child actually likes
3. Bring a favorite toy, but keep it out of the frame
The favorite teddy bear or little doll is a secret weapon. I won’t photograph them in the shot (unless you want me to), but they serve as:
- Emotional security for kids
- An attention anchor (“Look where teddy is? Look toward him!”)
- Positive leverage (“If you smile now, teddy gets his picture taken next”)
4. Clothes: comfortable, familiar, and always bring a backup
This is where I see the most mistakes. The simple rule:
- Every outfit needs to be “already worn”. A brand-new dress with the tag still on means a daughter complaining all session.
- Layers, even in summer. Too hot, remove one. Too cold, add one.
- Backup outfit. Always bring a second set for every kid, especially babies.
5. Don’t promise a “reward” you won’t deliver
“If you’re a good boy we’ll go get ice cream” is a great deal, if you actually go. Kids remember promises. Even when it seems like they’ve forgotten, they haven’t. And when you follow through, they’ll trust you a lot more. If you break it, the next shoot day will be ten times harder.
6. Give kids 5 minutes to “run wild” at the start
The moment you arrive at the location or studio, don’t start immediately. Let the kids run, explore, get to know the space. A good photographer knows this is the stage where he needs to just stand aside and wait. After 5 minutes they’ll be settled and much more cooperative.
💡 Photographer’s tip: I always open a session with a light game, whether it’s tug of war, “catch the feet,” or just making silly faces at them. It breaks the ice in 30 seconds.
7. Bribery works. Accept it.
“After 10 nice photos you get a cookie” is not bad parenting, it’s reality. Most kids under 7 can’t hold attention beyond 15 to 20 minutes without a reward. Prepare the “bribe” in advance and be consistent about it.
8. Trust the photographer, don’t “help” too much
The most common parent mistake: standing behind the photographer and yelling “look at the photographer! smile! not like that!”. This makes kids twice as tense. Let the professional do his job. If he’s experienced with kids, he knows how to catch their attention without frustration.
Bottom line
A family shoot day doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a genuinely fun family experience you’ll remember for years. When the kids are relaxed, the parents are relaxed, and the pictures come out with real smiles, not forced ones.
Planning a family session in Ashdod or the south? Get in touch, I’d love to chat about the shoot and give you specific tips for your kids’ ages.