3 Tips for Preparing Your Children for an In-Home Photoshoot
You’ve booked your in-home family photoshoot - yay! The date’s in the calendar, outfits are sorted(ish), and you’ve started silently panicking about how your kids are going to behave.
First of all: totally normal. Every parent wonders if their child is going to cooperate, melt down, or proudly show the photographer their nostrils for 30 minutes straight. (All have happened. All are fine.)
The beauty of in-home sessions is that they’re relaxed, unposed, and all about connection. But, a little preparation does help things run smoothly. So, here are my top three tips for preparing your children for an in-home shoot… without bribing them with a lifetime supply of lollies. (Though a little bribery isn’t off the table, if we’re being honest.)
A family enjoying connection during a session.
1. Feed them first (and keep snacks handy)
Let’s be real, a hungry child is a wild card. One minute they’re cute and cuddly, the next they’re dramatically collapsing onto the floor because someone looked at their cracker.
So, tip number one: make sure everyone’s had something to eat before I arrive. Make this some healthy and filling food, with this in their belly, it’ll make a huge difference.
Then, have a few simple snacks ready to go during the session. Nothing too messy (maybe save the spaghetti for after I leave), but fruit, crackers, or even something you can make together (pancakes are a hit) and I can also capture some sweet photos during that time.
And then, a little treat for the end. It could be an ice cream, a chocolate button, or a little trip to the park once we’re done. Something they can look forward to as their “you did it!” moment. I’ll remind them about it if they need a little boost halfway through.
Boys loving a mid session snack.
2. Let them know what to expect (and that they’re allowed to have fun)
The more relaxed your child is, the more naturally they’ll behave, and the more beautiful your images will be. So the day before (or the morning of), let them know what’s happening:
“Hey, guess what? Laura is coming over today to take some photos of us at home. You don’t have to smile or pose. She just wants to play and take pictures of us being together.”
Tell them I might ask them to play with their toys, cuddle on the couch, or show me their favourite books. Make it sound fun (because it actually is). If they think it’s a big scary grown up thing, they’ll freeze up or act out. If they think a friendly lady with a camera is coming to hang out, they’ll be far more themselves.
Also… drop a cheeky mention that I’m great with kids. I’ve got my own secret stash of games, distraction tricks, and cheeky humour that helps them open up without pressure.
This sweet girl full of energy showing me how she can climb up her window.
3. During the shoot: let me take the lead (Yes, even if they’re being wild)
Okay, this one’s big. During the shoot, please resist the urge to tell your kids off, bribe them mid shot, or instruct them on how to behave. I know it’s tempting (I’ve done this myself during shoots with my kids), especially if one of them starts flinging cushions or suddenly decides to pretend to be a lizard. But trust me, I’ve got it.
Kids (especially young ones) usually respond much better to me giving them gentle direction than to their parents telling them what to do in front of a stranger. If they feel like they’re being watched or corrected constantly, they shut down. If I make it a game? We’re back on track in seconds.
I’ll guide them with playful prompts, funny noises, silly challenges. Things that make them laugh and lean into the moment without even realising they’re “posing.”
You don’t need to manage the chaos, that’s part of my job. Your job is just to be there and enjoy the moment. Honestly, that’s when we capture the magic.
A family photo with smiles, laughter and love.
Your children don’t need to be perfectly behaved, perfectly dressed, or perfectly still. They just need to feel comfortable, safe, and seen. That’s what these sessions are all about.
Feed them, prep them with kindness, and then hand over the reins. I promise we’ll make something beautiful together - chaos, giggles, snack breaks and all.
If you want to chat about how your kids might go with an in-home session, I’m so willing to have a talk with you and get to know your family. Reach out!