How to Prepare your Young Child for a Photo Session: Tips from a Family Photographer in NW Arkansas

As a family photographer, most of my clients are in the NW Arkansas area and one of the most common questions I get from them is, “How can I help my child be ready for our photo session?” The good news is that just a little preparation goes a long way. When kids feel comfortable and excited (not pressured!), the smiles come naturally and we’re able to get those genuine moments you’ll love hanging on your walls.

Here are a few tried and true tips from a NW Arkansas family photographer to prepare your little one for a successful photo session:

1. Talk About the Big Camera

Nowadays parents are constantly taking pictures or their kids, so they're used to posing in front of smart phones all the time. However, when they're exposed to a "big camera", they might all of a sudden fell a little intimidated, especially if it’s their first time in front of one. My suggestion is that a day or two before the session, you should start sharing with them all about what to expect. You can say something like, “We’re going to meet a lady photographer who uses a really cool big camera that makes clicking sounds and helps take fun pictures of our family!” Framing it as something fun and new helps take away any nerves.

If they’re really little, playing pretend at home can help too! Let them “take photos” of you with a toy or phone and make a game out of it.

2. Focus on Shared Moments, Not Posing

Some of the best family photos come from in-between moments, like laughing together, cuddling, walking hand in hand, tickling, etc. Let your child know this isn’t about perfect smiles or sitting still the whole time. It’s about spending time together as a family and having fun.

When you’re relaxed and engaged with your child during the session, they pick up on that energy and are more likely to enjoy the experience. So tickle them, share a secret, or make silly faces, it’s those interactions that create spontaneity, which will translate into cherished memories.

Family of five hugging and enjoying a cozy moment together

3. Share the Why: Beautiful Photos for Home

It can be helpful to explain why you’re doing the session in the first place: to get beautiful photos to hang at home and remember this stage of life. Kids love seeing themselves in pictures! Tell them, “We’re going to get pictures that we’ll hang in the house and look at all the time! You’re going to be the star!”

Family of five enjoying a fun time at Lake Bentonville Park

Let them know it’s something special and important for your family, and they’ll be more likely to cooperate (and feel proud of their part in it).

4.Plan a Little Reward

Positive reinforcement is a great motivator for young kids. Whether it’s a small treat like ice cream after the session, a trip to the park, or picking a special sticker or toy, let them know there’s something fun to look forward to if they do a great job.

Try saying, “After we take pictures, we’re going to celebrate with your favorite treat!” It helps them see the session as a fun activity instead of a chore.

Ice cream sundaes

One Last Thought…

Every child is different, and that’s part of the beauty of family photography. I never expect kids to behave perfectly, and there’s no such thing as a “bad session.” What matters most is that you show up, love on your little one (s), and trust the process. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, we’ll capture beautiful, honest, joy-filled moments you’ll love to look at forever.

Ready to book your session? Let’s create something special together.