How to Make the Most of Your Family Photo Session

May 5, 2025

5 Tips for Capturing the Best Photos of Your Kids

As a Boston family photographer who’s spent countless family photo session hours chasing giggles, dodging snack crumbs, and capturing moments of childhood magic, I’ve learned a thing or two about photographing kids. Here are my top five tips to help you get the most out of your family photo sessions with little ones:

1. Embrace the Chaos

Kids are unpredictable—that’s part of their charm! Instead of striving for perfection, focus on letting them be their authentic selves. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance move or a goofy face, these candid moments during your family photo session often make the most cherished photos.

2. Choose the Right Time

Timing is everything. Schedule your photo sessions when your kids are well-rested and fed. As much as us photographers love golden hour, it sometimes conflicts with dinner time and bed time. A happy, comfortable child is more likely to have fun during our session. Let me worry about finding the good light – that’s my job.

3. Let Them Be Themselves

Encourage your kids to express their personalities during your family photo session. If your daughter loves wearing her superhero cape or your son insists on carrying his favorite stuffed animal, let them! These personal touches add uniqueness to your photos and make the experience more enjoyable for them.

4. Keep It Fun

Turn the photo session into a game or adventure. Play their favorite music, tell jokes, or have a mini treasure hunt. Feel free to hug your kids, tickle them, and scoop them up in your arms. Keeping the atmosphere light and fun helps your kids relax and results in more natural, joyful expressions. Giving in to the fun photos often makes them more cooperative when it comes to the classic photo of everyone smiling at the camera.

5. Be Patient and Flexible

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—and that’s okay. Be patient and go with the flow. If your child needs a break, take one. Flexibility can lead to unexpected and delightful photo opportunities. Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your children—their laughter, curiosity, and spirit. By creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment, you’ll not only get beautiful photos but also create lasting memories together.

A collage of four children: one in a Darth Vader mask with a red light saber, one smiling in plaid, one holding a stuffed bunny, and one in a white dress outdoors. Left: Family of three poses by blooming pink flowers and greenery; the mother is pregnant. Right: Young boy in plaid shirt and denim overalls sits and smiles on a brick path near water. Two children stand close together on a wooden path surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers, smiling at the camera. On the left, a man holds a laughing boy upside down while a woman kisses the boy. On the right, a woman and girl hug among wildflowers, both smiling at the camera. A child in a cream sweater and knit hat stands in front of a wall covered with colorful autumn ivy, smiling with hands clasped. Four people—an adult man, a teenage boy, a young boy, and an adult woman—pose, smiling, at the edge of a swimming pool with wet hair and casual clothing. A young boy in a striped shirt and jeans balances on a large rock outdoors with trees and greenery in the background. Two young boys in blue shirts sit together at the bottom of a green slide outside, smiling and playing. A smiling young boy and a tabby cat lie together on a bed behind a white wooden bed rail. A young girl in a light gray dress stands barefoot on a rocky Maine shore with waves and distant houses in the background. Two children in sweaters, plaid pants, boots, and knit hats sit on a wooden fence outdoors in autumn, surrounded by colorful foliage. Two family portraits outdoors in autumn; left shows a man and woman with two young children, right shows a man and woman with a boy on the man’s shoulders.

Towns Featured in these Photos: Winchester, Burlington, Medford, Acton, Cambridge, Worcester, Arlington, Lincoln, Westminster, Santa Monica, and Wells Beach

Posted in Families