So you’re thinking about scheduling a professional family photoshoot, which sounds great… except you’re not quite sure if your kids will participate. You’re already juggling getting everyone on board, planning, finding outfits… and then there are all those age-dependent considerations, especially with younger kids under 10. Scheduling family photos can feel a bit daunting. As a Munich Family Photographer, I hear this all the time.

But don’t worry, I’ve got this. I know what it feels like to have these concerns, and that’s why I started Hoechsmann Photography. With a bit of preparation and an understanding photographer, we’ll make this the easiest and most enjoyable photo experience and capture photos that you will cherish for years to come!

So what can you do to prepare?

Scheduling

While I’d love to shoot every session in dreamy, golden light, I also like to be realistic. Depending on the time of year, Golden Hour may get pretty late (or pretty early) for a session. If your kids are older, it is probably easier to keep them up for the best lighting, but if they are young, a Summer Golden Hour session starting at 7:45 PM may just not work well with their schedules.

You don’t need to figure this out yourself! You have enough on your plate already. That is why when you book a session with me, I take the lead with planning. We’ll be getting to know each other over the weeks leading up to your family photoshoot. I will use the information you provide in your pre-session questionnaire, our chats and my knowledge to plan a session that meets both your vision and is realistic for your family.

Prep

One of the biggest pieces of advice across parenting spectrums for just about anything is: preparation. Kids who know what to expect almost always do better.

About a week before your photoshoot is scheduled, start talking with your kids about the upcoming photoshoot. You don’t have to start sooner than this as it may lead to more pressure or confusion around time (especially with younger kids).

Explain the Purpose: Tell them why you’re doing a family session in the first place. Talk to them about how special it is to have photos to look back on as they get older. Emphasize that it’s a fun and exciting experience, or ask them for help.

Talk About the Process: Explain what will happen during the session in simple terms. Let them know that they might be asked to play games, hug each other, or do other fun activities to capture happy moments.

Tell them about me: Tell them my name and show them my picture! Kids will feel more comfortable if they don’t feel like they are meeting a total stranger. You can tell them I have two little girls, and a furry dog named Mac, I love dancing to music and hiking in the mountains, and I enjoy making silly faces.

Tell ME about them:

The pre-session questionnaire I send covers all kinds of details, not just logistical planning. I want to know your family. You’re investing in family keepsakes, and I invest my time getting to know you. The more detail you give me about the things your kids love, what makes them laugh, and what they DON’T like, the easier it will be for me to build rapport with them. It’s worthwhile to take the time to give me these details.

I have so much fun reading through these and getting sneak peeks at personalities. It’s also a great opportunity for you to reflect on your own family for a moment. What stage are you at? What strengths do your kids have? What are their interests? You know how fast these change.

Come prepared

Bring Comfort Items: If your baby or toddler has favorite toys or comfort items, allow them to have these nearby during the session. It can provide a sense of security and familiarity.

Avoid Hunger and Over-tiredness: Make sure your kids are well-rested and fed beforehand. Being hungry or tired can really affect their mood and willingness to participate (this goes for us as grown-ups too!!).

Dress kids comfortably: We all want to have photos of our kids in perfect, cute outfits, but don’t forget the outfits should be comfortable and fit well first and foremost. There is only so much we can do if the fabric is itchy, or the pants are too tight, or the skirt is too short, and we have to keep pulling it down.

Pay attention to fabrics your kids feel comfortable in and the weather forecast. We can layer up in winter or use light, cooling fabrics like linen in the summer.

Set your expectations

I’ve saved the most important tip for last. The number one thing you can do to help your kids before and during a professional photoshoot is to set realistic expectations for yourself.

If you can go into our session with a relaxed and confident mindset, your kids will mirror that energy. Anticipate that kids may be restless, reluctant, and camera-shy. Avoid putting any pressure on them in the lead-up to the shoot to “behave” or perform a certain way. Embrace these moments as part of the authentic family dynamic that makes for beautiful, real-life captures.

A Fun, Easy Session for Kids Means a Fun, Easy Session for the Whole Family

Booking a family photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture memories of who you are and where your family is in each stage of life. I am here to make the process as easy and as fun as possible. Want to know more about how I make sessions fun and easy for kids? You can read more on my blog post on what I do to create a stress-free, enjoyable photography experience for your little ones.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!