Tips For Family Photoshoot Sessions - Parents Edition

Tips For Family Photoshoot Sessions - Parents Edition

Mother and child photography of daughter blowing bubbles

Family photography sessions are a fantastic way to capture those special moments with your loved ones. But let’s be real—when you’ve got little ones in the mix, it can get a bit stressful. As a family photographer in Suffolk, and a mother myself, I totally get how important it is for parents to stay calm and keep things positive!

So, in this blog post, I’m sharing some tips for family photoshoot sessions - parents edition - to help you breeze through family photoshoots, making sure you end up with a beautiful set of memories that you'll treasure forever.

Tips For Family Photoshoot Sessions

Family photoshoot at Nowton Park of mum, dad, son and daughter giving a flower to the mum

  • The Beauty of Patience

  • A Comfort Zone for Your Little Ones

  • Trusting Your Photographer

  • The No Scold, No Threat Policy!

  • Snack, Break, Laugh, Repeat

  • Embracing the Imperfect Perfection

The Beauty of Patience

Photoshoot at Nowton Park Bury St Edmunds of mum and son hugging and the son is looking at the camera while the mum is looking at the son

Patience is key, especially during a family photoshoot. I know as parents, you might feel a bit stressed trying to get everything just right.


But often, the best photos come from those unexpected moments of joy and natural moments. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let the session flow naturally!

It’s totally okay if the kids need some time to get used to the camera or if they want to play around between shots. These are the moments that show off their true personalities. 


Embrace the fun and let your kids explore, laugh, and be a bit mischievous. That’s where the magic happens. I’m here to capture all those candid, beautiful moments.


Together, we’ll focus on the real essence of your family’s bond during your family photoshoot—it's not just about getting the perfect pose, but the laughter, love, and genuine happiness that make your family unique.

Those are the treasures patience brings us!


A Comfort Zone for Your Little Ones

Photoshoot at Nowton Park Bury St Edmunds of two children playing on tree stumps and holding a special toy

Creating a sense of comfort and familiarity for your kids during a family photoshoot is key to getting those genuine, beautiful moments.



Bring along things from home that make them feel secure and happy—like their favourite teddy bear, a cosy blanket, or a bedtime book you read together. These personal touches can really help ease any nerves and add a special story to your family photos.

Let your little ones be themselves. If they want to twirl in a dress, splash in puddles, or strike a superhero pose, let them go for it. It’s these random moments that make for the most memorable pictures!

Make sure they know that the photo shoot is their time to be free and express themselves, and you'll see them relax and enjoy the process.

Your reassurance and encouragement are key here. Celebrate their unique traits, and the camera will capture their true selves, turning moments into memories.

This approach not only makes the shoot more fun but also beautifully showcases your family’s one-of-a-kind spirit!

Trusting Your Photographer

Photoshoot of family at Nowton Park with dad holding daughter and kissing her cheek

Handing over control to your family photographer might feel a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s totally worth it.

Think of them as more than just someone with a camera– they’re like a storyteller who’s there to capture the special moments of your family’s journey.

They’ve got tons of experience in making every shot count, using natural light to make your family look amazing, and finding beauty in those spontaneous, unplanned moments.

Your photographer has a kind of magic—built from years of knowing how to help families relax, how to get a shy smile to turn into a full-on grin, and how to catch those little twinkles in your eyes!


So, dive into the adventure of the family photoshoot with confidence, knowing you’re in good hands. It’s a chance to see your family from a fresh perspective, often highlighting those heartwarming connections you might not always notice.

As your photographer, you can trust in my guidance, even if it feels a bit new at first. That’s where the magic happens, creating images that are as real and unique as your family!

The No Scold, No Threat Policy!

Photoshoot at Nowton Park of two children blowing bubbles

Handling a family photoshoot with young kids can really test your patience, but it’s important to create a positive, stress-free environment.


Instead of scolding or threatening, focus on making the experience fun and relaxed. 

Encouragement is your secret weapon. Lots of praise and positive vibes will bring out those genuine, spontaneous smiles we all want to capture.

Kids might get a bit restless or shy, and that’s totally normal. Just stay calm and supportive, letting them know they’re doing great!

The goal is to capture the real essence of your family’s bond, with all its quirks and joys. By keeping the mood light and nurturing, you’ll help your kids feel comfortable and let their true personalities shine through in the photos.

Snack, Break, Laugh, Repeat

Photoshoot in bury st Edmunds of two children squishing their face with their hands and smiling at each other

Keeping the energy high during a family photoshoot is crucial, and a well-timed snack break can really help with that.


Those little pauses can turn into great chances for some genuine smiles and laughter, making for awesome, candid shots. Bring along some favourite snacks to keep everyone happy and energised—plus, it’s a nice way to make the kids feel special.


If you notice the kids getting a bit restless or the energy dipping, don’t be afraid to suggest a break. These short pauses aren’t disruptions; they’re perfect for recharging and staying connected, ensuring the shoot stays fun for everyone!



Remember, laughter is your best friend during a photoshoot. Share some funny family stories, enjoy the playful moments, and let the natural joy of the day shine through. 



Embracing a rhythm of snacks, breaks, and laughter will not only make the session smoother but also capture the true essence of your family’s happiness and togetherness!

Embracing the Imperfect Perfection

Photoshoot at Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds of a little girls laughing at the camera

In the chaos of family life, it's the little, unplanned moments that often bring the most joy.

A family photoshoot becomes truly magical when we embrace the everyday messiness—those mismatched socks, messy hair, and spontaneous bursts of laughter. 

These are the real, unscripted moments that make your photos special. 

Let’s celebrate every stumble, cheeky smile, and look of wonder. These imperfect yet beautiful details are what make your family’s story unique.

Instead of striving for picture-perfect poses, let’s dive into the genuine, vibrant chaos of your daily life. By letting go of rigid expectations, we create a space for real, heartfelt moments to shine through. 

So, forget the checklist and embrace the beautiful messiness of real life. It’s in these authentic moments that we capture the true essence of your family—perfectly imperfect and all the more precious for it!

Get in Touch With Me!

Photoshoot in Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds of a family walking through the forest

And that’s a wrap on my tips for family photoshoot sessions - parents edition! Navigating these sessions can be a bit of a juggling act, but with a little patience, creativity, and a touch of fun, you’ll end up with photos that truly capture your family’s essence. Once the shoot is over, take some time to savour those moments and turn them into lovely keepsakes.


To keep the good vibes going, why not grab a coffee and relax? It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the memories you’ve just made.

Get in touch to enquire about your family photography in Suffolk, or beyond! Let’s chat!

Photo of a family photographer in bury st Edmunds












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Preparing Emotionally for Your Motherhood Photoshoot