📸 How to Prep Your Kids for a Stress-Free Family Photo Session

Tips from a Berks County Family Photographer

One of the most common questions I get from parents is:
“How do I get my kids to behave during our photo session?”

As a family photographer in Berks County, I totally get it. The idea of keeping your little ones happy, cooperative, and smiling for 30–45 minutes can feel like a lot. But here’s the truth: you don’t need perfectly behaved kids for beautiful photos. You just need a calm mindset, a little prep work, and a photographer (hi! 👋) who knows how to work with families just as they are.

Here’s how you can set your kids—and yourself—up for a stress-free family photo experience.

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💡 Don’t Mention “Photos” at All

Yes, really!
When you’re getting them dressed and buckling them into the car, don’t say anything about a camera. Instead, tell them something like:

“We’re going to meet a new friend and play with mom and dad!”

I work hard to keep the mood fun, relaxed, and low-pressure. Most little ones don’t even notice I have a camera at first—they’re too busy exploring, moving, and giggling. This helps us capture natural, candid moments instead of stiff smiles or nervous energy.

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🍽️ Feed Them First (Full Bellies = Happy Kiddos)

Try to eat dinner before your session, even if it’s a little earlier than usual.
We want to avoid the dreaded “hangry” meltdown, but feel free to bring mid-session snacks, just incase!

Although it’s tempting to plan for a dinner outing afterwards, I don’t recommend it with little ones. Instead, plan for a sweet treat post-photo shoot!

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🚫 Avoid Screen Time on the Drive

I know, I know—screens are magical in parenting. But try to avoid iPads or movies on the way to your session.
Why? Because when we take the screen away to jump into photos, it can feel like a punishment and set the mood off on the wrong foot.

Instead, chat about what you’ll do afterward, sing songs, or play a game in the car. Save screen time for when you really need it.

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🎁 Use a Surprise Reward (But Keep It Positive)

Small rewards go a long way—but how you talk about them matters.
Think ice cream after photos, a special movie night, or choosing their favorite dinner.

✅ Say: “After we take pictures, we’re going to get ice cream!”
❌ Avoid: “If you don’t smile, we’re not getting ice cream.”

We want the session to feel like a fun family adventure—not a test they might fail.

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📷 Let Them Move, Wiggle, and Be Themselves

During your session, I’ll give gentle guidance and direction, but I’m never expecting kids to sit perfectly still or smile on command. Some of the BEST family photos happen when kids are free to move, twirl, run, or snuggle into mom and dad.

When you go with the flow, they will too.

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💬 Final Thoughts from Your Berks County Family Photographer

The goal of your family photo session isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
With a little planning, a little play, and a whole lot of grace, you can have a fun, relaxed session that your kids actually enjoy (and you’ll get gorgeous photos in the process).

📍 Serving families in Douglassville, Reading, Wyomissing, Pottstown, and throughout Berks & Montgomery County, PA.
Ready to book your session? Let’s chat!