What a Family Session With Me Actually Looks Like — Especially With Young Kids

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing families, it’s this: young children are wonderfully unpredictable.

And I plan for exactly that.

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents before a family session is some version of, “I just hope my kids cooperate.”

Here’s the good news: I don’t actually need them to.

My family sessions aren’t built around children standing perfectly still, looking at the camera and smiling on command. They’re designed around movement, connection, play and the little moments that happen in between.

The Beginning of Your Session Might Feel Fast — On Purpose

When I’m photographing a family with young children, I tend to move fairly quickly at the beginning of the session.

There’s a reason for that.

A three-year-old might happily participate for the entire session — or decide ten minutes in that they are officially finished with family photos.

We simply don’t know.

So while everyone is fresh, curious and engaged, I take advantage of it.

I’ll move through different family combinations, positions and prompts fairly quickly so that we build variety into your gallery right from the beginning. I want photographs of everyone together, the kids individually, siblings, parents with each child, and all of those little interactions in between.

Once I know we have those photographs, we can relax even more and let the rest of the session unfold.

There’s a Lot More Playing Than Posing

I’ll give you direction throughout your session, but you probably won’t hear me constantly saying, “Look at the camera and smile.”

Instead, I might ask you to walk together, race the kids, whisper something silly, cuddle someone, swing a little one, chase each other, tickle someone or do something that gets everyone interacting.

Sometimes the prompt itself makes the photograph.

Other times, it’s what happens immediately afterward.

The laugh because Dad did something ridiculous. The toddler trying to escape Mom’s arms. The sibling who suddenly tackles the other one. The little hand reaching up for yours.

Those are the moments I’m looking for.

Of course, I still make sure we get those beautiful photographs where everyone is together and looking toward the camera. But I don't want your entire gallery to feel like a collection of poses.

I want it to feel like your family.

Sometimes I Bounce Around — There’s a Method to It

I’ll also give you a little warning: during a family session, my brain can appear to be moving in about twelve directions at once.

I may start one idea, notice something happening between two of your children and quickly change direction. I might move someone, change my mind, bring them back, spot beautiful light somewhere else or suddenly say, “Wait — stay exactly like that!”

It can probably look a little scattered from the outside.

But I'm constantly watching.

I’m watching the light. I’m watching your children’s energy. I’m noticing which child needs a break and which one is suddenly ready to participate. I’m looking for expressions, interactions and opportunities that might only exist for a few seconds.

With young children especially, following the moment is often far more valuable than following a rigid shot list.

So if we seem to jump from one thing to another occasionally, don't worry. You don't need to keep track of anything.

That's my job.

Your job is simply to stay with your family and enjoy them.

If Your Child Needs a Break, We Take a Break

Children don't need to perform for me.

If someone needs a snack, wants to explore, needs a cuddle or simply doesn't want to participate for a few minutes, that's completely okay.

We'll photograph something else.

Maybe that's when I photograph Mom and Dad together. Maybe I focus on another child. Maybe we let your little one wander and I photograph what happens naturally.

Very often, the moment we stop asking a child to participate is the moment they decide they'd actually quite like to be involved again.

There is no pressure to make every minute of your session "productive."

Please Don't Worry About Perfect Behaviour

You don't need to spend your session apologizing to me because your child won't smile, won't stand where we asked them to stand, suddenly becomes shy or decides that picking up sticks is considerably more important than family photographs.

I've photographed enough children to know that this is completely normal.

In fact, some of my favourite photographs have happened because a child did exactly the opposite of what we originally planned.

A successful family session isn't one where every child followed every instruction.

It's one where we created photographs that feel like you.

So come ready to play. Love on your kids. Laugh when things go sideways. Don't worry if someone needs a break, and please don't feel like you have to manage the session for me.

I'll keep us moving when we need to move, slow things down when we need to slow down, and change direction when I see something worth capturing.

There may be a little bit of chaos.

But family life has a little bit of chaos, too.

And somewhere inside all of that movement, laughter, unpredictability and love are the photographs you'll want to remember.

Reach out today to start your booking process to make some memories together!