How to Work with Kids Before, During and After a Photography Session from Alysha Sanford Photography, a Roseburg, Oregon maternity, newborn, baby, child and family photographer.

Hey there! I’m so glad that you’re here. This blog post is going to be a GOOD one, packed with tips and insight!

I’ve been so excited to sit down and organize my thoughts on this subject. Over the last decade and a half (what?!), I’ve worked with SO many children during photography sessions, of all ages. I’ve learned many tips and strategies to help with preparing kids for a photo session, as well as for working with them during the actual session. And I want to share them with YOU!

First, I want to share a bit about my personal take on photographing and working with kids for context. I most often describe my approach as “baby-led”, but I will also say that it’s “child-led”. I try my best to follow their lead, with light direction from me. We focus on play while I document them making discoveries, interacting with loved ones and showing off their recent favorite expressions and physical abilities.

That said, I won’t ever be someone who promises that there won’t be chaos, a meltdown or tears. Because littles have BIG feelings, and are still learning how to manage and communicate them. They might be momentarily overstimulated, react to a texture of a prop or setting that they don’t like (hello furry rugs and pokey grass), accidentally bump into a sibling while running around, or skip a nap the day of the session (you wouldn’t believe how common this is, haha!). All of these things happen, and it’s okay! We work through it, and I am pressing that shutter button on my camera through 99% of the session to make sure that all of your favorite moments are documented. And to be honest, the outtakes are SO much fun to look back on!

Let’s walk through some of my best general tips. If you want more specific info based on scenario and age, continue reading below.

Prepping kids for a photo session:

1. Tell them days in advance that they’re going to have photos taken. Describe the location that it’s planned in. Include them in the plan, and even point it out on a calendar that they can see.

2. Allow them to practice taking photos with a camera or phone, as well as practice smiling in front of the camera. Let them see the results, and try out different backgrounds around your home.

3. Try on outfits in advance, making sure that the kids are all comfortable.

4. Complete any questionnaires that may have been requested by your photographer. I include one with the majority of my bookings- especially for new-to-me clients, and a few of my questions are specifically geared towards understanding the family dynamic, personalities and interests of each family member.

5. Try your best to ensure that they get enough rest the night before, and a nap the day of if they are still napping. Many outdoor sessions are scheduled after dinner time, so it could be a long day.

6. Try to eat a meal before the session if possible.

7. Pack snacks that aren’t very messy (cheerios, puffs, crackers, etc.) and plenty of water to hydrate before, during and after the session.

8. Arrive in play clothes and change into photo attire on-site if possible. This helps with avoiding stains and wrinkles in the car.

9. Adjust your own mindset. Arrive with the attitude of “let’s just go with the flow and play”, remaining as patient and positive as possible. I have a toddler, and know that any of our own photo sessions are wild cards. Especially if scheduled at her normal bedtime.

Working with kids during a photo session:

1. Try to focus on play! Think dance parties with a favorite song playing, tickle attacks, ring around the rosie, giving bear hugs, etc.

2. Get silly! Laughter releases “feel good” endorphins. It can help to set the tone of your session.

3. Explore the environment with them during the session and breaks. Asking them questions or guiding their exploration can really help them to acclimate and grow comfortable. And bonus, this makes for great candid photo opportunities!

4. Try not to add pressure to any kids, especially when shy. (A personal note- I was the shy kid who fought against photos even more when I felt pressured.) If needed, ask the photographer to ease into focusing on an extra shy child. If it’s a family session, start with family poses and work into more of the one-on-one poses after breaking the ice.

5. In the same goal of not adding pressure, try to redirect attentions or take breaks before resorting to discipline. Their behaviors may be outside of their norm or your usual preference, but try to remember that the setting, time of day and circumstances may be the cause.

6. Take breaks! Kids sometimes need a change of scenery or a redirection. If a pose or prop seems to be upsetting them, move on and come back to it, if it’s important. A snack and conversation without a camera in their face can totally change the game for an overstimulated child.

7. Put the kids in charge! Ask if they have a special pose, grouping (mom and kid, etc.) or expression that they’d like a photo of. If the photographer is willing, allow them to see the result.

8. Rewards. If you have a special reward or treat in mind for after the session or the following day, voice it. I know that it may be viewed by some as bribery, and I personally let parents take the lead on this.

Involving them after the session is over:

1. When leaving your session, thank them for their participation. Remind them that these are photos that they will appreciate even more as they get older. Ask them what parts they loved, and if there were any parts that weren’t their favorite. Consider their feedback for future photography sessions.

2. When viewing your gallery, ask them to sit with you and provide feedback on their favorite photos. Allow that to play into your decision making with any selections and printing. Framed photos of themselves on the wall can do so much for a child’s confidence!

Alright… let’s mention a couple of tricky, niche scenarios and ages.

Siblings arriving for a newborn photo session with their new sibling:

This is a HUGE life change for siblings. Bringing a new baby home is BIG. Their world has literally, completely changed. They are adjusting to sharing their home, attention and parents with a new baby. Bringing them to a newborn session within the first 2-3 weeks of that change and expecting them to “sit still, behave and smile'“ can be a lot to ask, especially if they are toddlers.

I have seen it all, and it’s all normal! Some siblings adjust easily and are happy to snuggle into baby. Others can be overwhelmed and need to ease into it. I’ve had 2 year olds that were happy to snuggle their new baby, and I’ve had 5 year olds that needed some space. I will say again that I go with the flow and comfort level of the siblings, and this can sometimes change the length of the session.

Toddlers: they’re cute, they’re wild and they’re learning!

I have one of these. And she absolutely keeps me on my toes. Shes sweet and shy, and she’s also wild and often whining. I get it! As mentioned above, focusing on play, going at their pace, taking breaks and offering snacks are going to be HUGE for this age range.

Give them special one-on-one time with any parents present. This can be during a break or while photographing them. Toddlers are testing limits, finding their own independence and learning how to express themselves. This can be messy with a capital M. They need an equal mix of love and independence to fill up their cup throughout the day. Try to keep that in mind before and during your photography session.

If they have a known comfort item, feel free to bring it! While it may end up in a few photos, it’s worth them feeling a bit more secure.

Pre-teens and teenagers:

They’re absolutely navigating the transition from childhood to young adult. Ask for input and consider their comfort zones with posing, clothing and expressions. I personally try to ask if they have a preferred side or angle that they like to be photographed from. I provide reassurances while photographing them, and even offer to show them the back of my camera LCD screen if I know that they’d appreciate a visual of what I’m getting. I also ask them to let me know if they ever truly dislike a pose or concept that I am suggesting.

Thank you so much for reading through! If this was helpful or you have thoughts to add, I’d love to hear from you!