How to Make the Most out of a Family Photoshoot with Small Children

“There’s no way my kids can smile for a whole hour.”

This is the main reason I hear for why parents of young children don’t want to book a full-hour lifestyle photo session. And to that I would say, you are absolutely right. Heck, adults can’t do it either.

But here’s the thing. Your child doesn’t need to say CHEEEEESE for 60 minutes in order to get the most of your professional photoshoot. I’ve learned a few things over the past several years of photographing families (& having 3 children of my own currently under 4-years-old 😜) that will help you have the best photoshoot experience possible.

Here are my top tips with some examples & photos from a recent Knoxville family photo session that I am obsessed with. I hope this will encourage you for your next photoshoot so you’ll know that the time, outfit-planning, hair-brushing, attitude-checking, and money you’re investing into your photos will be worth it! 😘

Choose a photoshoot location where your kids feel happy & comfortable.

One of the sweetest things about planning your family photoshoot at your own home is the authenticity it lends to the session. It’s a place where you’re making most of your memories day in and day out together, so why not capture the magic that’s right there around you? This photoshoot was at the family’s home on their beautiful farm in northeast Knoxville. We spent time along the trail they’d blazed around the property, picking flowers in the field, sitting in the front yard, and cooling off in the backyard garden.

If you’d rather not have your photo session at your home, think of another place that your children love to be. The last few photo sessions I’ve personally booked for my family have all been at locations where we enjoy spending time together and it has made for an easygoing vibe & very happy kiddos!

Plan your photo session around an activity or objective.

At this recent Knoxville family photo session, we weaved the photos into a walk around their farm. The kids got to show me around, tell me about their adventures, & move freely throughout our time together. The focus was less on getting family photos taken & more on enjoying the beautiful day outside. Ironically, it resulted in lots of big, beautiful smiles & authentic candid moments of them together.

Let your kids be kids!

Over time, I have realized as both a family photographer and a mom who loves family photos, that the very best photos come when we as parents can “let go & let God.” Even from personal experience, I realize that when I finally loosen my grip over getting each of my kids to sit, stand, & smile a certain way, that’s when my favorite moments are captured. When you book an hour session and leave room for your kids to play & be themselves, you will end up with a gallery full of super sweet, *actually* candid moments that represent what this season of life really feels like. Which is always one of my main goals of my family photo sessions.

An Encouraging Reminder for Mamas

If I could guess, you probably serve as the memory-keeper for your family. You document all of your adventures together & you have a camera roll full of sweet memories with your family. But YOU deserve to be in the photos with them, mama. You are worthy of the investment of professional photos that have you in them with your kids & reflect back to you the true joy of this season of motherhood right now. Believe that mama. You are worth it.