How to Prep Kids for a 20-Minute Photo Session
- Maricela Lucero
- Oct 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Mini sessions are short and sweet and perfect for families with little ones who don’t have endless patience for the camera. But as any parent knows, kids don’t always love sitting still and smiling on command. The good news? With just a little preparation, you can help set your kids up for a smooth, stress-free session (and make sure we capture those natural smiles you’ll treasure forever).
Kids do best when they know what to expect. Let them know you’ll be meeting me for a quick photo adventure. Keep it light and fun, you can say: “We’re going to play outside while someone takes our picture!” Avoid telling them they have to smile; instead, encourage them to just have fun and be themselves.
Scratchy tags or stiff collars can turn a happy kid cranky in seconds. Pick clothes that fit well and let them move comfortably. If your little one isn’t thrilled about dressing up, compromise, maybe they wear the outfit for the photos and pack their favorite shoes or jacket for after.
Mini sessions move fast, so timing is everything. Try to book when your child is usually happiest (after a nap or snack is often best). Avoid scheduling during their usual mealtime or bedtime. A well-rested, well-fed child = smoother photos.
Sometimes a small comfort item (like a favorite toy or blanket) can help a shy child warm up. I recommend keeping it tucked away until we really need it. Bonus: if it makes it into a shot or two, it’ll be a sweet memory to look back on.
Pack a few small, mess-free snacks for before or after the session (think goldfish crackers or fruit snacks). Avoid anything sticky or colorful that could stain clothes. A quick nibble can be the difference between grumpy and giggly.
Kids pick up on stress, so the more relaxed you are, the more they’ll relax too. Don’t worry about whether they’re “behaving”. Let me handle getting their attention and drawing out smiles. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s capturing your family’s authentic connection. Remember: mini sessions are designed to be fun and efficient. Even if your child is wiggly, pouty, or silly, that’s okay! Those real, in-between moments often turn into the most cherished photos.
At the end of the day, your kids don’t have to be perfect for us to create beautiful, meaningful photos. A little prep helps, but the magic really happens in the love and connection your family already shares. That’s what I’ll be capturing — in just 20 minutes.
Spots are limited and tend to go quickly, especially during the fall season.
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