I’ll let you in on a little secret: after almost twenty years of photographing families across Perth, I’ve never once turned up expecting your children to sit still, smile at the camera and behave perfectly for an hour.
Because that’s not real life.
Toddlers run away, preschoolers get shy, big kids roll their eyes and babies inevitably need a snack halfway through. Honestly, if your children are full of energy, you’ve come to the right photographer. I’m full of energy too, and a session with me is a bit like hanging out with the cool Aunty who happens to have a camera.
Here are a few things I always tell my families before their session.
Leave your phone in the car
I’m serious.
Not in your pocket. Not tucked into the back of your jeans. In the car.
Your family session is one hour. One hour where nobody needs to answer emails, check Instagram or take behind-the-scenes photos (although honestly, I could use a few of those). The best images happen when everyone is actually present, and kids can tell when Mum and Dad are distracted.
If I can give your family 60 minutes of connection, laughter and chaos without anyone reaching for their phone, I’ve done my job.
Feed everyone before you arrive
This is probably the least glamorous tip, but it might be the most important.
Hungry kids and family photos are not a great combination.
Give everyone a proper meal beforehand, pack some water and, if needed, throw a few snacks in your bag. Just maybe skip the strawberries and Doritos. Anything that turns mouths, fingers or clothes bright red or orange is not your friend five minutes before photos.
It’s also a good idea to throw a few extras in the car, just in case. Wipes, a spare outfit and a favourite comfort toy can be absolute lifesavers with little ones. The less stressed you are, the more relaxed your children will be.
And while we’re talking about getting everyone ready, I’ve also put together a guide on what to wear for family photos in Perth, because that’s usually the next thing mums start stressing about.
Save the bribes until the end
I know, I know. The temptation to promise ice cream before you’ve even left the house is real.
But if your child spends the whole session thinking about the giant bowl of chips waiting afterwards, they’re not really with us.
Save the treat for the drive home. Trust me.
Don’t build family photos up to be a big event
One of my biggest tips is to keep things low-key. Instead of telling your kids, “Tonight we’re having family photos and you need to behave,” try saying, “We’re going to the beach to play and meet Bianca.”
Children can feel pressure just like adults can, and the moment they think they have to perform, things can become a little tricky. The less pressure there is, the more natural the experience feels.
Play is everything
The easiest way to photograph children is through play.
Actually, scrap that. It’s the easiest way to photograph adults and teenagers too.
Nobody looks natural when they’re told to stand still and smile. But when Dad is chasing the kids, Mum is tickling someone’s tummy and everyone’s laughing at a silly joke, that’s when I get the good stuff.
The photos you love most are almost always the moments in between.
Don’t expect everyone to stand in one spot
If you’re picturing an hour of sitting on a blanket smiling at the camera, my sessions might surprise you.
We walk. We explore. We run. We cuddle. We throw kids on shoulders. We move to a different spot if something isn’t working.
Children aren’t designed to stay still, so I don’t expect them to. Location makes a difference too, especially with kids who need room to move. I’ve put together my favourite family photography locations in Perth if you’re not sure where you’d like your session.
And one final thing… please don’t bring a sick child
I would genuinely rather reschedule.
If your little one is sick or simply not themselves, let’s find another day. I would much rather reschedule than push through a session when your child feels miserable. Family photos should feel fun and relaxed, not like something everyone is trying to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photos With Kids
How do I prepare my child for family photos?
Keep it simple and don’t put too much pressure on them. Make sure they’ve eaten, dress them in something comfortable and talk about the session as something fun you’re going to do together rather than something they need to “behave” for. The less pressure they feel, the better.
What if my child won’t sit still for family photos?
They don’t need to! My family photography sessions involve plenty of movement, play and exploring. I don’t expect children to sit in one spot smiling at the camera. If something isn’t working, we’ll change it up and do something else.
Should I bring snacks to our family photography session?
Yes, especially for younger children. Choose something quick and easy that won’t stain little mouths or clothes, so maybe leave the strawberries and Doritos at home! Water, wipes and a spare outfit in the car are also worth bringing.
What should my children wear for family photos?
Comfort always wins. Choose clothing they can run, play and cuddle in without constantly needing to be adjusted. I recommend coordinating colours rather than matching everyone exactly. If you’re stuck, you can read my guide on What to Wear for Family Photos in Perth.
Where should we have our family photos in Perth?
The right location really depends on your family and the ages of your children. Some kids need lots of room to run, while others do better somewhere quieter. I’ve put together my 12 Best Family Photography Locations in Perth to help you see some of my favourites.
Your Kids Don’t Need to Be Perfect for Beautiful Family Photos
If there’s one thing I’d love you to take away from this, it’s that you don’t need perfectly behaved children to have beautiful family photographs.
Come as you are. Let them run, play, laugh, cuddle and be a little bit wild. I’ll take care of the rest.
After almost twenty years of photographing families, I’ve learnt that it’s usually those completely unplanned moments that end up meaning the most.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’d love for your family, you can learn more about my family photography sessions in Perth or get in touch with me here.
