How to Make Your Family Session Less Stressful (Yes, Even With Toddlers)
Over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of families, and one thing I’ve learned is that every session looks different, especially with toddlers. Whether you’re feeling totally relaxed or a little unsure going into it, it helps to know what to expect and how to make the most of it.
Earlier this year, we did our own beach photo session as a family. It was one of those days where things didn’t go exactly as planned. By the time we got home from church, my daughter was exhausted but couldn’t fall asleep. Getting her dressed took longer than expected; she changed her mind about the dress we had all picked out together. And as we were rushing to get out the door, her underwear ended up getting left behind (total dad move). She needed a little time to warm up to the photographer, which surprised us. But then she found a little flower and held onto it like it was treasure. It even made its way into some of our favorite photos. She played in the sand. She laughed. And by the end, she was running toward the water barefoot with the biggest smile on her face.
That experience reminded me that family photos aren’t about things going perfectly. They’re about showing up as you are, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Being on the other side of the camera gave me a fresh perspective and made me a more patient, intuitive photographer. It also deepened what I’ve always believed: the best photos come from the real moments. And the photos we got that day? They’re moments I will get to look back on forever.
Based on what I’ve learned over the years, including my own recent family photo session, here are a few tips to help make your session feel relaxed and enjoyable, whether you’re in Orlando, the surrounding areas of Central Florida, or beyond.
1. Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for real.
The best photos (and memories) often come when you stop performing. They happen when your toddler is being themselves, whether they’re laughing, running around, or even being a little mischievous. During our session, my daughter wanted to play in the sand because we were at the beach, of course. We let her do her thing. She played in the sand, and we ended up sneaking in a few quiet couple photos while she was being silly in the background. Those turned out to be some of our favorites.
Some of the best shots happen when you stop thinking about what the photo “should” look like.
2. Don’t over-schedule the day.
It’s easy to try to fit in too much before your family session, especially if it’s your day off. But the more rushed you feel, the harder it can be to relax. For our session, we were running late and dealing with some chaos, so I’m glad we kept the morning simple. Keeping your schedule light gives you more space to breathe and helps you feel more natural in front of the camera.
3. Give yourself time to warm up.
It’s completely normal for kids (and adults!) to take a little time to get comfortable during a photo session. The first few minutes are usually spent helping everyone settle in. During our session, my daughter was a little shy at first, but once she warmed up and started to connect with our photographer, her bubbly personality really came through. Don’t rush the process. Allow some time for everyone to relax and get into the moment before expecting perfect shots.
4. It’s okay if the timing isn’t perfect.
We planned our session for golden hour, but with it being over an hour away and the usual rush that comes with getting kids ready, things felt a bit hectic. Even so, we framed the day as an adventure, promised some playtime at the beach, and ended the night with a family dinner. That small shift in how we looked at the day helped turn what could have been a stressful experience into something memorable.
If you’re booking a family session in Central Florida, we’ll always talk through timing that works best for both lighting and your family’s rhythm. But even when things aren’t perfectly aligned, we’ll find the good moments.
5. Work with a photographer who gets it.
As a dad, I know what it’s like when a toddler decides the day isn’t going according to plan. I don’t expect your child to follow every direction or stay clean or cheerful the whole time. My job is to work with your toddler, not around them and to create space for who they are on that day.
When we did our own session, we had to remind ourselves of this too! It can be tempting to direct your child or apologize when they’re not “cooperating,” but your photographer knows what they’re doing. A seasoned family photographer expects a little chaos and works with it, not against it. Trust the process, and your photographer will capture moments you’ll love, even in the midst of the unpredictability.
6. Keep it short and sweet.
When it comes to family sessions, especially with toddlers, less can really be more. I’ve found that 30 minutes is often the sweet spot before they’re over it. After that, it’s a toss-up. And that’s totally fine. Most of the time, I spend the first few minutes helping your child warm up. Once they feel comfortable, we move fast. I never stop a session until I know I’ve got images you’ll love, even if that means staying a few extra minutes.
Ready to capture your family’s real moments?
At the end of the day, family photos aren’t just about what you wore or whether everyone looked at the camera. They’re about connection, memory, and the little personalities that make your family yours.
If you're thinking about booking a session, we’d love to help you create something beautiful, and completely stress-free.
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