Family Photo Session Prep Guide for Families with Toddlers

This family photo session prep guide is here to help you feel prepared, relaxed, and confident going into your session with a toddler. My goal is for you to stress less on perfection and focus more on playing with and snuggling your family! 🤍

Family photos with toddlers can feel a little unpredictable . . . probably because toddlers are unpredictable. A lot of us think of photo sessions as frozen smiles and staying still. That expectation stresses us out when we factor in the chaos of a little one. My family photo sessions are not like that.

What to Expect During Your Family Photo Session

Photo sessions with toddlers are playful, movement-based, and flexible. I’ll guide your family with prompts and gentle direction so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands or where to stand.

Rather than expecting toddlers to sit still and smile at the camera the entire time, we’ll focus on connection and interaction. Think:

• Snuggling and tickling
• Walking hand-in-hand
• Picking wildflowers
• Exploring together
• Reading, dancing, or singing

The goal is not stiff smiles, it’s capturing your family’s personality during this season of life.

And yes, toddler mood swings are completely normal and welcome. Shy moments, snack breaks, wanting to be held, or needing a reset are all part of the process.

The Best Time to Schedule Family Photos with Toddlers

When possible, try to schedule your session during a time your child is typically happiest and most rested. I know this might depend on the day, but it is worth a try! For many toddlers, this means:

• After nap time
• After a snack or meal
• Avoiding bedtime windows
• Avoiding overly busy days

Golden hour sessions (shortly before sunset) have the dreamiest light, but if that timing clashes with your child’s temperament or schedule, don’t stress. A morning session can have very beautiful lighting too. I love in home sessions with toddlers because we can be more flexible on timing and still have beautifully lit photos. A happy toddler matters more than “perfect” timing.

How to Prep Young Kids for Family Photos

It is a great idea to prep your kids a week or so before the session for what to expect during our time together.

You can tell them, “we’re going to have fun playing and snuggling while Lena takes our family photos!” My camera makes a “click click” sound and has a cute bunny on it. You can practice smiles in the mirror together and just know that I’m going to capture some precious moments no matter what. 🥰

A few other helpful tips:

• Keep the mood light and positive
• Avoid putting pressure on them to “behave perfectly”
• Let them know they’ll get to play and cuddle
• Bring a comfort item if needed and okay to be in photos
• Pack easy, non-messy snacks and maybe water

Children often feed off our energy, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they’ll feel too.

What to Wear for Family Photos

The goal with outfits is coordination, not matching exactly. Choose colors and textures that feel timeless and cohesive together, rather than everyone wearing the exact same color.

Family Photo Outfit Tips

• Choose soft neutrals or earthy tones
• Add texture through knits, linen, gauze, or layers
• Avoid neon colors or large logos
• Barefoot is always welcome for in-home sessions or grassy outdoor locations
• Make sure outfits are “photo ready” even with movement (shirts don’t ride up much, toddler pants stay up, bra straps stay put etc.)

For Moms

I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit first and building everyone else’s around it. Choose something you feel beautiful and comfortable in: flowy dresses photograph especially beautifully with movement and toddlers. Jeans and a sweater can also photograph well, with more flexibility for running, jumping and flying your kids like airplanes.

For Toddlers

Comfort is key. If they really hate wearing something, it will likely show during the session. Prioritize soft, easy-to-move-in outfits that still photograph well. I especially like one pieces or overalls for younger kids because there’s less to worry about as far as shirts riding up too far, diapers showing etc. Think:

• Linen overalls
• Simple dresses
• Knit sweater
• wide-leg jeans

Outfit Inspiration + Recommended Pieces

You’ll find some of my favorite session-friendly outfit ideas for moms, dads, babies, and toddlers here:

What to Bring to Your Family Photo Session

I don’t think you need to bring much, but these few things can be helpful:

• Water
• Wipes
• Non-messy snacks
• Backup outfit for toddler (just in case)
• Sentimental quilt or blanket to sit on if colors coordinate
• Photo ready jacket, beanie or layers during cooler months

Don’t Stress About “Perfect” Behavior

I truly mean this: your child does not need to perform for beautiful photos to happen.

Some toddlers are energetic. Some are shy. Some want to explore the entire time. Some only want to be held. All of it is normal, and all of it is welcome.

I photograph families in a way that leaves room for real connection, real personalities, and real moments. The little quirks and phases that may feel chaotic now, are often the exact details you’ll love to look back on years from now. And if you think your toddlers are chaotic, just remember that they would fit right in with the two wild child boys I have 🤭.

If this type of lifestyle family photo session sounds like the right fit for your family, I would love to connect. You can learn more here or go directly to my booking site here.