How to Prepare Kids for a Successful Outdoor Family Photoshoot

As a family photographer in Edmonton who focuses on capturing emotional connections and natural moments, I often hear the same concern from parents: “My kids won’t cooperate. How do I prepare them for a family photoshoot?”

Here’s the truth: about 90% of my clients have wild kids, and that’s completely normal. If your family includes young children, this guide is for you. Below are my best tips to help you prepare your kids for a relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable outdoor family photography session in Edmonton.

1. Talk to Your Kids Before the Family Photoshoot

If your child is in the “I want to do the opposite of what I’m told” phase, telling them they’re going to a “photoshoot” where they “need to behave” can easily backfire.

Instead of saying: “You need to listen to the photographer.” Try reframing the experience in a way that feels exciting and pressure-free:

• “We’re going to the park!”
• “We’re visiting a flower garden!”
• “We’re going on a little family adventure.”

Talk about the fun things they might see or do: spotting ducks, throwing leaves, jumping in puddles, or running through open space. This helps kids form positive expectations instead of feeling controlled.

For older kids, you can explain that it’s more like a fun family hangout where they get to play, be silly, and spend time together.

This mindset shift makes a huge difference, especially during outdoor family photo sessions, where kids have room to explore and be themselves.

2. A Relaxed Parent Leads to Relaxed Family Photos

Kids are incredibly intuitive. They pick up on your emotions, if you’re stressed or anxious, they’ll likely mirror that energy.

Take a deep breath and treat this family photo session like a chance to pause from your busy life. Forget the housework, work stress, or rigid expectations. Just enjoy the moment outdoors with your family.

I found these mind prepareation really help my client enjoy their family sessions:

• Avoid offering bribes like iPads or candy; this tells them the session is something unpleasant that they need to be “rewarded” for.
• Don’t expect your gallery to look exactly like someone else’s. You might see your friend’s family photos where their kids are sitting and smiling at the camera. But your kids might not enjoy looking at the camera that way, and that’s okay. Let them be themselves, and ket your family photos be yours.

As your Edmonton family photographer, I will guide the flow with no pressure, no rigid posing, just fun, dynamic family time. If I ever need help with your kids, I’ll let you know what to do. Don’t panic, even if they’re wild, we will still create beautiful photos.

3. Turn Your Family Photo Session Into a Game

To keep your kids attention, we need to make the family session dynamic and playful. That’s one reason I love offering natural and story-telling family photography in Edmonton durinmg the summer. We can use the outdoor space for movement, games, and laughter.

Here are a few fun ways to keep your child engaged:

• Play chasing games
• Tickle each other
• Make funny faces
• Jump and dance
• Go on a “leaf treasure hunt”
• Make animal sounds together
• Telling a secret

Before you leave the car, build excitement by saying things like:

“We might see birds fighting in the sky!”
“Maybe we’ll find ducks (or other animals).”
“Let’s tickle daddy all at once!”
“Let’s race and see who’s the fastest!”

You know your kids best and use what gets them giggling and curious.

4. Timing Matters: Sleep, Snacks, and Energy Levels

This tip is especially important for babies and toddlers under three. Kids who are hungry or overtired are much more likely to struggle during a session.

Try to schedule your family photography session around your child’s natural routine whenever possible. In Edmonton, summer sunsets can be very late, sometimes close to 10 p.m. If you love golden hour but have younger kids, fall sessions can be a great option, with softer light around 7–8 p.m.

Bring water, small mess-free snacks, and any comfort items your child loves. A well-rested, well-fed child is far more likely to enjoy the experience.

5. Choose Outfits Your Kids Can Move In

For outdoor family photos in Edmonton, you don’t need to dress ultra-formally. I have a complete outfit guide for you to look at.

Not only we want you to blend beautifully with the natural surroundings in Edmonton, but I also want to capture genuine, relaxed moments. Stiff clothes can get in the way of that. Dress your kids in soft, breathable clothes that they can move in. Let them be themselves and that’s when the magic happens.

6. Reduce Screen Time Before Your Family Photoshoot

This tip is for families who don’t currently limit screen time. If kids are used to constant stimulation from screens, they may struggle to stay engaged during slower outdoor moments.

Because my family photography sessions are intentionally relaxed, kids who rely heavily on screens may say they’re bored more easily.

If this feels familiar, try gradually reducing screen time or setting clearer limits in the week leading up to your session. Many parents notice a big difference within days, especially with younger children, as they become more curious about the world around them.

This can be a challenging change, but the benefits go far beyond one photoshoot.

Final Thoughts on Preparing Kids for Family Photos

So, how do you prepare kids for a family photoshoot?

Make it interesting.
Make it playful.
And most importantly, let go of the pressure.

Your Edmonton family photography session doesn’t have to feel stressful or stiff. With a little preparation, a relaxed mindset, and a playful attitude, your kids can have fun — and you can actually enjoy the experience.

At the end of the day, the most meaningful family photos come from genuine connection, not perfect poses.