In this blog, I’m sharing my key tips on how to get ready for your family photo session with little ones. I’ll walk you through how to plan an amazing session and the biggest mistakes to avoid, so we can capture your family authentically and all have a great time together!

Over 20 years of Experience Working With Kids

As a family and children's portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area, I've been lucky enough to capture countless genuine, spontaneous moments for families. But here's a fun fact: it all started with babysitting as a teenager. Back then, I never imagined that taking photos of kids and their families would become my passion. Initially, I was all set for a career in architectural photography, but as time went by, I realized that my true happiness was right in front of me all along.

I've always loved working with kids, and over the years, I've learned so much from being a part of their families' lives. Whether it was as a babysitter or later on as a nanny, each experience taught me something valuable about patience, the beauty in daily chaos, and the joy kids bring into the world.

This rich tapestry of experiences inspired me to establish my own photography business, driven by a mission to capture the true spirit of your family in the most natural and genuine way. My focus is not on producing rigid, formal portraits but rather on the real smiles, laughter, and fleeting moments that occur naturally when families are simply enjoying time together.

Read below, as I share some of the biggest lessons I've learned from those experiences and how they've helped me capture families in a truly authentic way.

Selecting the Perfect Location

Picking the right location for your photo shoot is super important, especially when little ones are involved. A place that feels safe and familiar, like your home or a neighborhood park, can really help set the tone. These spots aren’t just safe; they’re comfortable and freeing for kids of all ages to just be themselves. Whether it’s playing in their own backyard or exploring a well-loved local playground, familiar settings allow for more natural interactions and behaviors—just the kind we want to catch on camera! Many people feel like the location has to be some grand place when really, it just needs to be somewhere where everyone can relax. With that being said, we’re pretty lucky to have spectacular settings all around us in the Bay Area!

Here are some of my favorite locations for families:

Best San Francisco family photo locations: Golden Gate Park, Lands End/Sutro Baths, The Presidio, Crissy Field, The Palace of Fine Arts, and Baker Beach

Best South Bay family photo locations: Gamble Gardens, Filoli Gardens, Poplar Beach, Montara Beach, Foothills Nature Preserve
East Bay family photo locations: Lake Chabot, Lafayette Reservoir, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Tilden Little Farm, Port of Oakland 9th Ave. Terminal
Marin County photo locations for families: Blackie’s Pasture Park, Marin Headlands, Cavallo Point, Rodeo Beach

Mother and daughter smiling at each other before an embrace in the forest in marin county during a family photo session.

Timing Matters for All Ages

Finding the right time for your photo session is key to capturing everyone at their best. For families with a mix of ages, consider a time when your younger children are usually lively and alert, avoiding their nap times or cranky phases. Older children and adults are generally more flexible, so centering the timing around the younger family members often works best. This ensures that the energy levels are balanced, and everyone is feeling fresh and ready to smile. Just be sure that you make the photo session the main event of the day. If the kids have already been to soccer practice, a birthday party, a museum, or anything lively, it’ll be hard for them to have energy for a photo session.

Comfortable, Warm Clothing Is Key

Comfort should be the priority for children’s clothing during a photo shoot, as it directly impacts their mood and willingness to participate. Choose outfits that are comfortable and allow freedom of movement, especially for younger children who might want to run, jump, and play during the session. For older children and teenagers, ensure their outfits are not just comfortable but also make them feel confident and self-assured, which will shine through in the photos.

The most common issue I encounter is children not being dressed warmly enough for the often unpredictable weather in San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area locations. The chill can catch you off guard and quickly put a damper on the mood of the session. I can almost guarantee that the first complaint I hear from children during these sessions is that they're cold, followed closely by “I’m hungry.” I'll dive into that topic next! ;)

Smart Snacking

It’s really important to make sure the kids have had a good meal before the photo session. You know how it is—hungry kids can quickly turn into grumpy models! But it’s just as crucial to pick foods that won’t end up on their clothes. Go for snacks that are tidy and easy to handle, like string cheese, applesauce pouches, or granola bars. These are great because they’re filling, easy to pack, and won’t make a mess. Plus, they can help keep the kids’ energy up and smiles on during our shoot.

Skip the “Say Cheese”

Mother is emraced by her young daughter and son at their family photoshoot in marin.

Asking your child to say “cheese” is a common tactic, but it usually results in a forced, unnatural smile. Instead, encourage natural interactions. Let them play, explore, and forget the camera is even there. Authentic expressions are captured when children are simply being themselves.

Keep the Mood Light and Fun

It’s super important to keep things upbeat during our photo session. If a little one starts to get fussy or act out, diving into discipline right then isn’t usually the best move—it can throw off the vibe and make them even less cooperative. What works better? Switch things up with a new activity or even take a quick break if needed. The goal is to keep the session fun and stress-free for everyone

Skipping Yes-or-No Questions

It’s amazing how letting kids make choices during the photo shoot can transform their experience. Instead of yes-or-no questions—which usually end up in a 'no'—try giving them options like, 'Do you want to hold mom’s hand or dad’s?' or 'Should we take a picture by the tree or near the bench?' This way, they feel involved and in charge, which makes them happier and more cooperative, leading to more natural and vibrant photos.

Taking Time for Breaks

Keeping an eye on what your child needs during the session can make all the difference. Whether they need a snack, a little break, or some cuddle time with a parent, responding to their needs helps keep everything running smoothly. It’s also important to remember that the energy doesn’t have to be high and happy all the time. Kids can get overwhelmed with too much excitement, so it’s perfectly okay to enjoy some quieter moments too. This balance keeps the session enjoyable for them and helps capture a range of emotions in the photos.

Embrace the Imperfect

Remember, true family life is beautifully messy, and honestly, the best photos capture just that. Don't sweat it if every hair isn't perfectly in place or if the outfits aren’t exactly matching. Those little imperfections, like a splash of mud on a shoe or a shirt put on backward, add real authenticity and charm to your portraits. Plus, they remind us what it’s all about—capturing this special, fleeting time in your life just as it is, quirks and all.

Essential Tips for Authentic Family Photos with Children