The secret to beautiful family portraits isn’t perfect poses or matching outfits – it’s happy, comfortable kids who feel excited about the experience. Here’s how to prepare your kids up for success during your Minneapolis family photo session with Mycah Bain Photography.

Start the Conversation Early (But Not Too Early)

The Sweet Spot: 2-3 Days Before Don’t mention the photo session too far in advance, or you’ll field endless questions and potentially build anxiety. But definitely don’t spring it on them the morning of! About 2-3 days before your session, start casual conversations about the upcoming “picture adventure.”

Frame It as Something Fun Instead of saying “We have to take family photos,” try “We’re going to meet a really nice photographer who wants to take pictures of our awesome family!” The way you present the session sets the tone for how your kids will perceive it.

Address Their Concerns Kids often worry about the unknown. Common concerns include: “Will it hurt?” “Do I have to stand still for a long time?” “What if I don’t know what to do?” Answer these honestly and reassuringly.

Preparing Kids for Family Photo Session by Age Group

Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

• Keep explanations simple: “We’re going to play outside and take some pictures!”
• Practice saying “hi” to new people at home
• Bring their favorite small toy or comfort item
• Don’t over-prepare – toddlers live in the moment

School Age (Ages 5-10)

• Explain that the photographer is like a teacher who helps families
• Let them practice “picture poses” in the mirror
• Show them examples of other family photos you love
• Emphasize that they can be themselves

Tweens and Teens (Ages 11+)

• Involve them in outfit selection when possible
• Explain why family photos are important to you
• Address concerns about looking awkward or “weird”
• Respect their input about poses and groupings they’re comfortable with

The Day Before: Final Preparations

Get Good Sleep: This seems obvious, but ensure everyone gets adequate rest. Tired kids are cranky kids, and cranky kids don’t photograph well. Plan for earlier bedtimes the night before your session.

Plan Your Timeline: Map out your day so you’re not rushed, especially considering Twin Cities traffic patterns. Whether you’re traveling from Edina to Lake Minnetonka or from Minneapolis to a St. Paul park location, know exactly when you need to start getting ready, account for travel time, and build in buffer time for unexpected delays.

Prepare the Outfit Situation: Lay out everyone’s clothes the night before. Let kids see their outfits and try them on if they want to. This eliminates morning surprises and gives them time to get excited about their “special picture clothes.”

Pack the Survival Kit: Prepare a small bag with: snacks, water bottles, wet wipes, hair ties, lip balm, and any comfort items for little ones. Having these essentials removes stress for both parents and kids.

The Day Of: Setting Everyone Up for Success

Timing is Everything: Schedule your session around your children’s natural rhythms. If your toddler naps at 2 PM, don’t book a 2:30 session. If your kids are most energetic in the morning, advocate for an earlier time slot.

Feed Them Well: Hungry kids are unhappy kids. Ensure everyone has eaten a good meal before the session, and pack snacks for any energy dips. Avoid messy foods right before photos, but don’t leave anyone hangry.

Manage Energy Levels: About an hour before the session, engage in some physical activity to burn off excess energy, but don’t exhaust them. A walk around the block or some dancing in the living room can help kids settle into a good mood.

Stay Calm Yourself: Kids pick up on parental stress more than anything else. If you’re anxious about getting the “perfect” photos, they’ll sense that tension. Take deep breaths and remember that the goal is to capture your family’s authentic connections.

What to Tell Kids Before a Family Photo Session

Explain What Will Actually Happen Tell your kids: “We’re going to meet a photographer at a beautiful spot in Minneapolis who will ask us to stand together, walk around, and play some games while she takes pictures. It’s like playing pretend at your favorite Minnesota park, but with a camera!”

Address the Time Factor Let them know the session will last about an hour, which might seem long to them. Compare it to something familiar: “It’s about as long as one episode of your favorite show.”

Discuss Cooperation vs. Perfection Explain that they don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to listen and participate. “You don’t have to smile every second, but you do need to stay with the family and try the things the photographer suggests.”

Motivation Strategies That Actually Work

Create a Reward System For younger kids, simple motivation works wonders. “After we take our family pictures, we can stop for ice cream at Sebastian Joe’s!” or “We’ll visit the playground at Lake Harriet after our photo session!” Make sure the reward is something they genuinely want and takes advantage of the beautiful Twin Cities locations.

Involve Them in the Process Let kids help with small decisions when possible. “Should we take some pictures by Lake Minnetonka or in downtown Edina first?” “Would you rather have our family photos at Minnehaha Falls or at one of the beautiful Minneapolis parks?” Giving them some control reduces resistance while showcasing the amazing variety of locations available in the Twin Cities area.

Make It About Family Pride For older kids, emphasize the importance of family memories. “These pictures will show how much we love each other, and we’ll have them forever.”

Use Positive Language Instead of “Don’t run away,” say “Stay close to the family.” Instead of “Stop making faces,” try “Show me your best smile.” Positive framing gets better results.

Handling Specific Challenges

The Shy Child

• Arrive a few minutes early so they can observe the photographer from a distance
• Let them bring a comfort item that can be easily hidden in photos
• Ask the photographer to start with family shots where they can “hide” behind parents
• Don’t force interaction – let comfort develop naturally

The Hyperactive Child

• Plan movement-based shots early in the session
• Bring a special snack as a mid-session energy boost
• Use their energy positively – running shots can be beautiful!
• Have them help the photographer by “being her assistant”

The Resistant Teen

• Acknowledge that photo sessions might feel awkward or “lame”
• Emphasize the importance to you without guilting them
• Let them have input on poses and groupings
• Keep their individual shots brief and natural

The Meltdown-Prone Toddler

• Bring their favorite snack and drink
• Pack a small toy or book for distraction
• Be prepared to take breaks
• Remember that sometimes the best shots happen right after tears when they’re calm and cuddly

What to Tell Your Kids About Posing

It’s Not About Standing Still Explain that family photos aren’t like school picture day. “We’ll walk around, play games, and the photographer will take pictures while we’re having fun together.”

Natural is Better Tell them: “The best pictures happen when we’re just being ourselves. If you want to laugh or be silly, that’s perfect!”

Following Directions “The photographer knows how to make pictures look really good, so when she asks us to try something, we’ll give it a try. It might feel silly, but it will look beautiful in the pictures.”

During the Session: Staying Positive

Celebrate Small Wins When your child cooperates well, acknowledge it positively. “You’re doing such a great job listening!” This encouragement keeps them motivated.

Stay Flexible If something isn’t working, don’t force it. Professional photographers like Mycah are experts at adapting to children’s moods and energy levels.

Focus on Connection Remember that the goal isn’t perfect poses – it’s capturing your family’s love and connections. Sometimes the most beautiful photos happen during unplanned moments.

After the Session: Positive Reinforcement

Acknowledge Their Effort Whether the session went perfectly or had its challenges, thank your kids for participating. “I’m so proud of how you tried your best during our photo session!”

Build Excitement for Results “I can’t wait to see how beautiful our family pictures turned out! The photographer is going to make them look amazing.”

Follow Through on Promises If you promised ice cream or a special activity after the session, make sure to deliver. This builds trust for future photo sessions.

The Long-Term Benefits

Building Confidence Children who have positive experiences with photo sessions become more comfortable with cameras and develop confidence in front of them.

Creating Family Traditions When photo sessions are enjoyable, kids look forward to them as special family events rather than dreading them.

Teaching Cooperation Photo sessions are great opportunities for kids to practice following directions, patience, and working together as a family unit.

Remember: It’s About the Journey, Not Perfection

The most important thing to remember is that family photo sessions are about capturing who your family really is right now. Your kids’ personalities – whether they’re silly, shy, energetic, or contemplative – are exactly what should shine through in your photos. Professional photographers like Mycah Bain Photography are skilled at working with children of all temperaments and ages. Trust the process, stay positive, and focus on enjoying this special time together as a family. When kids feel prepared, comfortable, and excited about the photo session, it shows in every image. Those genuine smiles, natural interactions, and authentic moments of connection are what transform a simple photo session into treasured family memories that you’ll cherish for decades to come.

Ready to schedule your stress-free family session in the Twin Cities?

Contact Mycah Bain Photography to discuss how we can create the perfect experience for your unique family – including all the wonderful, authentic personalities of your children – at one of Minneapolis, Edina, or Minnetonka’s beautiful locations.

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Have specific concerns about your child’s temperament or needs during a photo session?

Reach out to Mycah Bain Photography for personalized advice on making your Twin Cities family session a positive experience for everyone.