How to Prepare Your Kids for a Family Photoshoot: 8 Stress-Free Tips
You've booked your family photoshoot, chosen the perfect Utah location with those stunning mountain backdrops, and coordinated everyone's outfits. But there's one variable that keeps you up at night: Will the kids cooperate?
Here's the truth: kids being kids isn't a problem—it's actually what makes family photos genuine and beautiful. After years of photographing Utah County, Salt Lake County, and Park City families, we've learned that the secret isn't getting children to be perfect. It's about preparing them to be comfortable, happy, and themselves.
Ready to turn photoshoot anxiety into excitement? Let's dive into eight stress-free strategies that actually work.
Why Professional Family Photos Matter (More Than You Think)
Before we jump into preparation tips, let's talk about why this matters. Research shows that children who grow up seeing family photos displayed in their homes develop stronger self-esteem and a deeper sense of belonging. When kids see themselves in professionally captured moments, surrounded by loved ones, they internalize a powerful message: "I am valuable. I matter. I belong."
Licensed mental health counselor Dr. Jaclyn Gulotta explains it beautifully: when children see photos of themselves proudly displayed, it tells them they're important members of their family. That confidence becomes the foundation they carry into the world.
Plus, time moves faster than we realize. Those chubby toddler fingers, the gap-toothed grins, the way they hold your hand—these moments deserve to be frozen in time, not just stored on a phone that'll crash someday.
Tip 1: Start the Excitement Early (Not the Stress)
The Strategy: Begin talking about the photoshoot 1-2 weeks before the session, framing it as a fun adventure rather than a formal obligation.
Tell your kids about the experience in terms they'll love: "We're going to explore one of Utah's beautiful spots and play together while someone takes pictures!" Show them photos of the location—whether it's Tibble Fork Reservoir's stunning mountain views, the golden fields of Lehi, or the charming streets of Park City.
If they're old enough, show them your photographer's page and let them see the photographer's face. This removes the "stranger danger" element and builds anticipation. Some families even let kids help choose a location or suggest activities they'd like to do during the shoot.
Pro tip: Avoid phrases like "You need to behave" or "Stand still and smile." Instead, say things like "We're going to have so much fun together!" or "I can't wait to see you play at the park!"
Tip 2: Timing Is Everything—Feed the Body, Feed the Mood
The Strategy: Schedule your session during your children's natural happy hours, and make sure everyone is well-fed and well-rested.
This sounds obvious, but it's the number one factor that determines session success. A hungry, tired child will struggle regardless of how excited they were about the photoshoot. Here's your game plan:
For sessions with nappers: Schedule well after naptime, giving them the full rest they need. A rushed wake-up leads to cranky kids.
Snack strategy: Feed everyone a good meal before leaving home. Pack non-messy, non-staining snacks like crackers, apple slices, granola bars, or goldfish. Avoid anything with red or blue dyes that could stain little mouths and clothes.
Best times for Utah outdoor sessions: Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most flattering light and often coincides with kids' energetic evening hours. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures—important when you're asking kids to stay comfortable in their photo outfits.
Weather considerations: Utah's high-altitude sun can be intense. If your summer session is scheduled during warmer hours, bring extra water and dress kids in breathable fabrics. For fall and winter sessions in our mountains, layer appropriately so kids aren't shivering through smiles.
Tip 3: The Outfit Game: Comfort Over Perfection
The Strategy: Prioritize how kids feel in their clothes over how the clothes look on the hanger.
That adorable bow or perfectly styled suspenders won't matter if your child is tugging at it the entire session. Happy kids make better photos than perfect outfits every single time.
Nielsen Creative Co's outfit philosophy:
Choose clothes kids can move in—we encourage playing, running, and genuine interaction
Test outfits before session day. Have them wear it around the house for 30 minutes
Skip anything itchy, tight, or with tags that bother them
Consider Utah's seasonal temperature swings when planning outfits
Bring a change of clothes if you're shooting near water or in locations where kids might get muddy (like Farmington Creek Trail)
For coordinated family looks without matching uniforms, stick to a color palette with varied textures. Think earth tones for fall mountain sessions, or soft pastels for spring meadow shoots. The goal is cohesive, not identical.
Tip 4: The Bribery Debate—Let's Get Real
The Strategy: Use strategic rewards, not desperate bribes, to maintain positive energy throughout the session.
Let's be honest—sometimes a little motivation helps. The key is framing it properly. Instead of "If you smile, you'll get ice cream" (which creates performance pressure), try "After we have fun taking pictures together, we're all going to get treats!"
Effective reward strategies:
Plan a special activity afterward: playground time, favorite restaurant, movie night
Bring small, portable surprises: stickers, bubbles, or a small toy they can earn at the end
For older kids, give them something to look forward to afterward: "After photos, we'll stop at that new ice cream place you wanted to try"
During the session, small treats like goldfish crackers can help maintain energy without mess
The best photographers (like us!) have tricks up their sleeves to naturally encourage smiles and engagement, but a little parental backup never hurts.
Tip 5: Bring the Fun—Activities and Props That Work
The Strategy: Come prepared with age-appropriate activities that create natural, joyful moments.
The most authentic photos happen when kids forget about the camera entirely. That happens through play, not through "Say cheese!"
For toddlers and preschoolers:
Favorite toy or stuffed animal
Bubbles (they're magic!)
A special blanket they love
Books you can read together
For elementary-age kids:
Play games: tag, hide-and-seek, "airplane rides" on dad's shoulders
Bring a ball for tossing
Plan silly activities: family dance-off, piggyback rides, tickle fights
Let them show off skills: cartwheels, handstands, running races
For tweens and teens:
Focus on activities that feel natural: walking, talking, sitting together
Capture them doing something they love: playing guitar, reading, with their pet
Keep it casual—forced smiling makes this age group uncomfortable
At Nielsen Creative Co., we specialize in lifestyle family photography that captures real connection, not stiff poses. We'll guide you through activities and prompts that bring out genuine emotion—your job is just to love your family and have fun with them.
Tip 6: The Parent Mindset—Your Energy Sets the Tone
The Strategy: Manage your own stress first, because kids absorb parental energy like sponges.
Here's a truth every family photographer knows: Mom's mood determines the whole session's success. Kids pick up on parental stress immediately, and if they sense you're anxious about them behaving, they'll either act out or freeze up.
Mindset shifts that help:
Release control—trust that your photographer knows how to work with kids
Lower your expectations of perfection—some of the best shots come from "messy" moments
Don't apologize for normal kid behavior—wandering, exploring, needing breaks—this is all normal
Focus on connection, not compliance—look at your kids, not the camera
Remember: you're making memories together, not just taking pictures
If your partner is reluctant about the session, remind them it'll be painless. Share that the session will go faster if everyone relaxes and has fun. At Nielsen Creative Co, we keep a relaxed vibe—no stiff, uncomfortable posing. Just real family interaction with expert guidance.
For moms specifically: This is YOUR gift too—you deserve to be in the photos with your family. You've planned and coordinated everything, now let go and be present. Your children won't remember if your hair was perfect or if you'd lost those last ten pounds. They'll remember being together, feeling loved, and seeing you in the frame with them.
Tip 7: Create a Pre-Session Ritual
The Strategy: Develop a simple routine the morning of or day before your session that builds positive anticipation.
24-48 hours before:
Look at family albums together and talk about favorite memories
Let kids help with simple planning (choosing which toy to bring, picking between two outfit options)
Frame the day as special family time, not an obligation
Session day morning:
Start with a relaxed breakfast—no rushing
Play their favorite music while getting ready
Do a fun "dress rehearsal" where everyone gets in their outfits and does a silly family dance
Arrive at the location 10-15 minutes early so kids can explore and release energy before photos begin
Right before the session:
Take a deep breath together as a family
Tell them: "No matter what happens, we're going to have fun together, and that's what matters most"
Remind them the photographer (hi, that's us!) is there to capture them being themselves
Tip 8: Know When to Surrender (and Trust the Process)
The Strategy: Accept that not every moment will be "perfect," and that's exactly what makes photos beautiful.
Sometimes, despite perfect planning, kids have meltdowns. Maybe your toddler only wants to be held. Perhaps your five-year-old decides flowers are more interesting than photos. Your teenager gives you the stink eye.
Here's what experienced family photographers know: These authentic moments often create the most treasured images. The photo of you comforting a fussy child, the candid shot of siblings actually playing instead of posing, the real laughter when dad makes a silly face—these moments tell your family's true story.
Professional photographers working with families develop skills specifically for these situations:
We know how to redirect without pressuring
We capture in-between moments while you're just loving your family
We work quickly, keeping sessions short enough to maintain everyone's energy
We have strategies to engage even the shyest or most resistant kids
At Nielsen Creative Co, we've photographed hundreds of Utah families across every season and location. We've seen it all, and nothing phases us. Your "difficult" situation? We've worked through it successfully many times before.
Utah-Specific Considerations for Family Photos
Living and working across Utah County, Salt Lake County, and Park City gives us unique insight into location-specific preparation:
Mountain locations (Tibble Fork, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Snow Basin):
Higher altitudes mean cooler temperatures—bring layers
Start 15-20 minutes earlier for golden hour as sun sets earlier behind peaks
Bug spray for evening sessions near water
Sturdy shoes for rocky or uneven terrain
Desert locations (Little Sahara, areas near St. George):
Sessions best in early morning or late evening to avoid harsh sun and heat
Extra water for everyone
Sunscreen and hats
Let kids play in the sand—it creates amazing natural moments
Urban locations (downtown Salt Lake City, Park City Main Street, Farmington Station):
Sessions can happen year-round
Parking and logistics—arrive with time to spare
Busier on weekends—weekday sessions often less crowded
Architecture provides shade options for midday sessions if needed
Parks and trails (Memory Grove, Farmington Creek Trail, Jordan River Parkway):
Check water levels and trail conditions ahead of time
Bring backup shoes for water-based locations
Wildlife encounters—stay on trails, respect nature
Peak seasons can be crowded—your photographer will know the best spots
The Bottom Line: Connection Over Perfection
After working with countless families throughout Utah, we've learned one undeniable truth: the best family photos aren't the ones where everyone looks perfect. They're the ones where you can feel the love, see the real personalities, and remember how it felt to be together in that moment.
Your job isn't to produce perfectly posed, smiling children. Your job is to show up, love your family, and let the connection shine through. Everything else? We'll handle it.
Professional photography isn't just about pretty pictures—it's about preserving the fleeting stages of childhood, capturing the love you share, and creating tangible proof that says to your children: "You matter. We're together. This is our story."
Ready to Create Beautiful Memories?
Nielsen Creative Co specializes in authentic, stress-free family photography across Utah's most stunning locations. We understand that family photoshoots can feel overwhelming, which is why we've perfected an approach that feels less like a formal session and more like quality time together—just with professional documentation.
Whether you're drawn to the mountain vistas of Park City, the lakeside beauty of Utah County, or the urban charm of Salt Lake City, we'll create images that tell your family's unique story.
What makes Nielsen Creative Co different:
✨ Hospitality-driven service that puts your comfort first
📸 Lifestyle photography approach capturing real connection, not stiff poses
🏔️ Expert knowledge of Utah's best family-friendly locations across all seasons
👨👩👧👦 Experience working with families of all sizes and ages
💙 Patient, kid-friendly approach that brings out genuine smiles
Let's Plan Your Stress-Free Family Session
Don't let another year pass without capturing this season of your family's life. Those little faces change so quickly, and you deserve to freeze these precious moments forever.
Book your family photoshoot today:
Mention this blog post when booking and receive a complimentary location consultation to help choose the perfect spot for your family's unique style and needs.
Share Your Experience
Have you had a family photoshoot with kids? What preparation strategies worked best for your family? Drop a comment below and share your wisdom with other Utah parents!
And if you found this guide helpful, save it and share it with other families who might benefit. Together, we're making family photo sessions less stressful and more memorable for everyone.
Ready to move from planning to doing? Your future self—and your grown children—will thank you for investing in these irreplaceable memories. Let's create something beautiful together.