Do you dread booking your family pictures? Is it overwhelming, and your kids will never behave? We get it. We’ve been there, both as parents and as photographers. It can be hard and frustrating.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are six tips for family pictures that might help your portrait session be less stress inducing:

Outfits for Family Pictures:

Your child has never worn a bow tie? Today is not the day to give that look a try. Uncomfortable kids, can be unhappy kids in family pictures. Everyone should feel comfortable in their clothes. So if your child only wears leggings and tutus, let them be themselves.

Food and Sleep:

Make sure your kids are full and rested before your session. Don’t plan your session for right before or during nap times. If you your kids need a full night’s sleep to function, don’t let your kids stay up late the night before.

Also make sure they’re not hangry. Bring snacks (or bribes) as needed. This also goes for adults… you know who you are.

Plan for Enough Time With your Family Photographer:

If your children take a while to warm up to a new face, don’t book a 15 minute mini session with a stranger. Your kids aren’t going to magically turn on real smiles for someone they don’t know that quickly.

Relax:

Don’t ask them to smile in a frustrated tone, unless you want forced, cheesy smiles. Let your photographer do their job and follow their lead. Let go and relax. It’s a family portrait session, not brain surgery.

Do Something Fun:

Pick a location, or an activity that your children love. Have a few minutes of group photos, then let them play! Let them be kids and let us capture that real relationship you have with them.