You’ve got the date circled on the calendar. The outfits are picked, the snacks are packed, and you’ve mentally prepped for a smile-through-the-chaos kind of day. But as much as you’re excited to finally update those family pictures, a tiny voice in your head wonders: will the kids cooperate? Will they smile? Or will this turn into an epic meltdown in front of the camera? Here are 5 easy ways to make family photos fun for kids to ensure the best results.
Before you start spiraling, take a deep breath. As a Minneapolis family photographer, I promise you this: family photos can be fun. Like, actual fun. Not the fake kind where everyone forces a grin and counts the minutes until it’s over. If you’re hoping to capture genuine smiles, snuggles, and moments that make you melt every time you look at your photos, you’re in the right place. Let me show you how. And if you’re still looking for a photographer who gets it, I’m right here for you: Kristen Elizabeth Photography.
1. Keep the Kids Fueled and Happy
This is probably number 1 of the 5 easy ways to make family photos fun for your kids. Hungry kids are cranky kids who do not want to take photos. It’s a simple fix: feed them before the session, and bring a quick, clean snack (think fruit snacks or dry cereal). Bonus points if it’s a treat they love but don’t get often, just enough to make it special.
Also, pack a water bottle. It might seem obvious, but staying hydrated helps keep energy levels up. And if we take a short snack break mid-session? That’s totally fine. Sometimes, that tiny pause is all it takes to reset the mood.
2. Talk It Up Like It’s the Event of the Season
Kids feed off your energy. If you’re stressed and nervous, they’ll feel it. But if you talk about your upcoming family photo session like it’s going to be the best part of their week, that excitement becomes contagious.
A few days before the session, start chatting about it. Tell them who I am (Kristen, your Minneapolis family photographer!) and how we’ll get to play games, explore a cool park, and maybe even have a little dance party. Let them know it’s all about having fun and being together, not about posing perfectly.
If they’re little, try “playing photo shoot” at home. Pretend to be the photographer and take turns posing and being silly. This helps ease nerves and builds familiarity with being in front of the camera.
3. Let Them Be Comfy (Yes, Even If That Means the Favorite Hoodie Comes Along)
You may have found the cutest outfit ever. But if your child is itchy, uncomfortable, or tugging at their clothes every few seconds, it’ll show in the photos and not how you want.
Here’s the truth: comfort is better than perfection.
The best family photos happen when kids feel like themselves. If they want to wear their favorite boots or a beloved dress they’ve worn a hundred times, lean into it. Family pictures should reflect who you are, not just what you wear.
Looking for more family picture ideas and what-to-wear inspiration? When you book your session with me, I’ll send you a full style guide complete with outfit suggestions for every season.
4. Bring a Comfort Item (Even If It’s Just for Backup)
Sometimes, all it takes is a stuffed bunny or a favorite blanket to bring those little shoulders down from their ears. You might not even need it, but having it nearby can be just the reassurance your child needs to relax.
And if that stuffed animal makes a guest appearance in a few photos? That’s not a flaw. It’s a sweet memory of this chapter in your life. These things matter most when you look back years from now.
Trust me, some of my favorite Minneapolis family pictures include a well-loved teddy bear or superhero cape. Real life makes the best photos.
5. Add in Something You Love to Do Together
Want a surefire way to make family photos feel fun and genuine? Incorporate an activity your family already loves. Toss a football, blow bubbles, read a favorite story, or bring a picnic blanket and snacks.
These little moments not only keep kids engaged but also bring out natural smiles and interactions. It’s no longer about sitting still and saying cheese; it’s about playing, laughing, and soaking in that beautiful chaos that makes your family yours.
When I plan sessions for Minneapolis family pictures, I always ask about your favorite family traditions or go-to activities. It’s the perfect way to make the session feel familiar and meaningful.
Real Smiles. Real Memories. Real You.
At the end of the day, your family photo shoot isn’t about being perfect. It’s about connection. It’s about holding your little ones close, sharing belly laughs, and freezing those fleeting, beautiful moments before they grow up.
As your Minneapolis family photographer, I aim to make the entire experience, from the planning to the final gallery, fun, stress-free, and genuinely memorable. Whether you’ve done family photos every year or this is your first time, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
So, if you’re ready to finally have family pictures that make your heart skip a beat, reflect the love and laughter of your everyday life, and proudly hang on your walls for years to come, don’t wait! Book your family session now before the most popular dates are gone. Trust me, following these 5 easy easy ways to make family photos fun for kids will definitely make a difference in family photos that you like and family photos that you love!
Ready to read more helpful blogs like this one? Check out – 3 Tips For Beautiful Family Photos
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