Tips for a Stress-Free Family Session | Raleigh Family Photographer

Family sessions are incredible and getting pictures of our little ones make our mama hearts happy, but let’s face it – it can be a miracle if we even get out the door. I get it. I’m a mom to a little one and making sure we have everything, keeping our clothes mess-free, worrying about our child’s behavior, and trying to be positive about everything can be stressful. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips for a stress-free family session.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead helps you to eliminate stress so that you aren’t making last minute decisions and rushing to find things right before the session. This could look like a few different things.

Outfits
Mama, plan your outfit first and build your family’s outfits around yours. I suggest planning your outfits out at least a week before your session; however, the earlier the better. Make sure everyone tries their outfits on. This will prevent any last minute Target runs or panic buying on Amazon (we’ve all be there). If you are needing some outfit inspiration, check Pinterest! I also have a family session guide that I send out to give you tips and tricks for selecting your outfits. If possible, pack everything including accessories the night before your session to prevent losing or misplacing anything.

Extras:
Haircuts – I suggest scheduling haircuts a week before the session instead of the day before. Hair typically looks best a week out from the haircut and it gives you time to address any mistakes that may have happened.

Makeup, Nails, + Hair – If you are planning on getting professional makeup, nails, and/or hair done, you should schedule those as soon as you book your session with me.

2. Plan naps and meals around your session

If you have little ones then it may make sense to plan any naps and meals around your session. Well-rested and fed kids are much more cooperative than tired and hungry ones. That goes for adults as well. Being fed and rested will help you fully enjoy your experience.

3. Bring snacks or comfort items

Bringing snacks or comfort items, such as a favorite toy, can help a nervous child to feel more comfortable during your session. If you do decide to bring a toy, please make sure it is one that you would be okay with seeing in the photos. Bring snacks that aren’t messy and that are quick to eat. That way if anyone needs a little break or pick me up they can grab something to eat. Things like lollipops can take awhile to finish so I only suggest using those as a last resort.

4. Give yourself extra time to get to the location

Give yourself an extra 20 or 30 minutes to arrive to the location of your session. This will help in case you forget something, run into traffic, and put your mind at ease. Arriving earlier is always better than stressing out about whether you will arrive on time or not and rushing.

5. Get dressed at the location

If your kids are anything like mine, then they might be a little messy. I always suggest dressing kids on site if possible. This will help to reduce wrinkles and any mess that little hands may get into.

6. Let go of expectations

You’ve probably envisioned exactly how you want your session to go. Smiling photos of all the kids looking at the camera and everyone on their best behavior. While some sessions go that way, the majority do not and that’s okay!

I know it can be hard, but please don’t put pressure on your littles to smile or be on their best behavior. The last thing we want is for them to be scared or anxious during your session. Instead focus on praising them. Kids love being praised and it can help them feel more confident.

I’ve seen it all and I will try my best to get some of those little smiles, but one of the things that I’ve learned is that parents who play with their kids during their session always get the best smiles in return. Have fun and don’t sweat the small things!

Want to get more tips for a stress-free family session or see more posts like this? Head over to the blog!