Enjoy Your Family Photoshoot
Many parents worry about how their children will behave during their family photography.
Comments I have heard or been asked include:
“What if my baby doesn’t sleep like normal the night before our session? Or if she misses her nap?”
“So, my little fellow doesn’t follow instructions. At all.”
“My daughter won’t sit still for even a second.”
“My young son says no to everything.”
“My kiddo is super shy.”
“My teen hates being in photos.”
“My teen thinks photo sessions are dumb.”
Sound familiar? Let’s talk–inquire today.
Here’s the good news: stress-free family photos in Colorado are possible — and often the best images come from kids being themselves.
Quick Photography Back Story
First, boy mom alert! I have two sons and have seen and dealt with EVERYTHING.
I also used to be a preschool teacher.
And, I’ve been photographing families across Boulder, Longmont, and Northern Colorado for nearly two decades. I guarantee your child will not be the worst behaved person I have ever photographed! (And keep reading for stress-free family photo tips.)
Helpful Ideas and Tips for Stress-free Family Photos in Colorado
Why You Don’t Need Perfect Behavior for Great Family Photos
Children are naturally curious, playful, and energetic. Instead of fighting that, I lean into it. Movement, giggles, and even a little silliness often create the most genuine images. I’m not trying to get everyone looking at the camera and smiling on cue — I’m trying to capture your family the way it actually feels.
How I Capture Natural Moments (Even with Wiggly Kids)
With nearly two decades of experience photographing families across Boulder, Longmont, Denver, and Northern Colorado, I’ve developed strategies to gently guide families into relaxed, comfortable moments. I’ll direct just enough to help, but never force kids into stiff smiles.
Tips for Parents
- Keep expectations realistic — perfection isn’t the goal. Fun, joy, and capturing real life are.
- Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or snack for comfort.
- Choose a time of day when your kids are happiest. Young kids typically do best earlier in the day — consider a morning session. Teens may do better later in the day — consider an evening session.
- Dress in comfortable clothes that allow for play.
- Stay relaxed — your kids are reading you. If you’re tense about how they’re behaving, they’ll feel it. Your one job is to not worry. Mine is to get the photos.
- I’ll ask for your help when I need it. You know your kids better than anyone. If I need you to do something specific — make a sound, bring out a favorite toy, step in or step back — I’ll tell you. Otherwise, follow my lead.
A Note on Location
As I always say, I LOVE in-home family photography sessions. Both kids and partners are more comfortable in their own space, and family members can take breaks while I photograph others. During breaks, partners can refill coffee, young kids can snuggle with a favorite stuffy, teens can check in with their phones.
Plus, in your home, let your kids be kids! Let’s jump on beds to burn off energy. If a baby falls asleep, let’s take sweet sleeping photos. No packing snacks, multiple outfits, or loading up a car. No worrying about little ones falling asleep on the way. Stop worrying!
Another perk of in-home sessions, especially with toddlers, is confined spaces. Many toddlers will run from me gleefully at a park. But on a chair or their bed, I can typically get a variety of expressions quickly.
If we photograph outdoors in Boulder, Longmont, Berthoud, or anywhere across the Front Range, let’s pick a spot where kids can safely burn off energy and be themselves — running, jumping, playing. If your child is a runner, safety comes first. We’ll choose an enclosed or contained space rather than a wide-open park.
Playground features can work well at the end of a session, but if you’d rather keep equipment out of your photos, we’ll pick a spot without that.
A Note on Bribes and Rewards
I’d steer away from promising treats or rewards during the session itself — in my experience, once kids know there’s something waiting, that’s all they think about. If you want to plan something fun afterward — ice cream, a playground, whatever your kid loves — that’s your call. Just don’t make it the focus.
Next Steps
Ready for stress-free family photos? I’d love to create relaxed, natural portraits for your family here in Northern Colorado. Contact me today to book your family session.
