5 Quick Tips for a Beautiful Session with your Kids | Melbourne Family Photographer

Parents often worry about how their kids are going to behave at a session, especially when staying up late for a sunset session. And as a mother myself, I get it! We put a lot of time, effort and money into a session and the last thing we want is our child to be miserable in the photos.

BUT I've never had to abandon a session because of a grumpy or misbehaving child. I've also learned a few things from working with lots of families over the years so I’m sharing five QUICK TIPS below on how you can have a beautiful session with your kids!

1) Pack a favourite toy/lovey/dummy/comfort item for when your child is feeling unsure or needs a little break. These favourite items are also worth capturing in your images.

2) Adjust your routine during the day of your session if you can. Let your kids have a late nap or at the very least have some quiet time.

3) Have snacks ready! Hangry is a real and true thing and it’s the last thing you want during a session! Pack any non-messy snacks and treats that your child loves. Crackers, granola bars, gummy snakes, etc. Avoid things that will leave messy hands, messy faces and messy clothes (unless of course if you want to capture that…and we absolutely can!).

4) Talk to your kids beforehand so they know what to expect. Let them know where you’re going or what you’re going to do. Make sure they know that there will be someone taking their picture, but that they don’t have to sit still and smile for the camera or do anything that they don’t want to do. Tell them they just need to be themselves and have fun.

5) Relax! If you’re smiling and having fun, chances are pretty good that your kids will join you! Your kids will feed off your energy so don’t stress if they’re not listening or acting up. Take a deep breath and remember that kids will be kids! If they want to run around and do their own thing, thats absolutely fine and a-okay with me!

Jenny is a natural light, lifestyle and documentary photographer and specialised newborn photographer, maternity photographer and family photographer. She services all areas of Victoria, including inner Melbourne suburbs such as Richmond, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Malvern East, South Melbourne, Elwood, as well as outer south eastern subrubs, bayside areas such as Morntington, Sorrento and Red Hill. She also services the west of Melbourne and will travel to Geelong on request.