Two young girls at a family photo session, laughing and having the best time in Vermont

Preparing Your Kids for a Family Photo Session in Vermont

Family photos should feel joyful, relaxed, and natural, but if you’re a parent, you might wonder how your kids will actually behave once the camera comes out. I myself, fear this as a mother of young children, so I GET IT!

The good news? Kids don’t need to be perfectly behaved for beautiful photos. As a Vermont family photographer, I’ve learned that the best images come from real moments—laughter, movement, curiosity, and connection.

That said, there are a few simple things you can do ahead of your Vermont family photo session to help your kids feel comfortable and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

1. Talk About the Session in a Positive Way

Kids often mirror the energy of their parents. If family photos feel like a stressful event, they’ll sense that.

Instead, talk about your Vermont family photo session as something fun:

“We’re going to go play outside and take some pictures.”
“A photographer is going to take photos of us laughing and being silly together.”
Talk about your photographer like you know them! “We are going to see Tegan today! She’s so fun and she’s going to love taking pictures of you!”

Keeping the tone light helps kids feel relaxed before you even arrive.

2. Choose the Right Time of Day

Timing can make a huge difference when it comes to kids.

When scheduling family photos in Vermont, try to choose a time when your children are usually happiest—typically after naps and snacks.

Evening sessions are often ideal because they offer beautiful soft light, but if that timing really doesn’t work for your child’s routine, we can always find something that does.

Happy kids make the best photos.

3. Bring Snacks and Comfort Items

A small snack break can work wonders during a photo session.

Consider bringing:

Dry, easy, non-messy snacks
Water
A favorite small toy or comfort item for younger children

Sometimes the simplest things help kids feel grounded and happy during family photos in Vermont.

4. Let Kids Be Kids

One of the biggest misconceptions about family photography is that kids need to sit still and smile perfectly.

They don’t.

Some of the most meaningful images come from kids running, hugging, laughing, or exploring the scenery around us. When we photograph family sessions in Vermont, I gently guide families but always leave room for natural moments to unfold.

Your child’s personality is exactly what makes your photos special.

5. Trust the Process

As a Vermont family photographer, I’ve worked with children of all ages and temperaments. Whether your child is shy, energetic, curious, or a little unsure at first, that’s completely normal.

My job is to create a relaxed environment where families can simply be together.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.