A joyful candid moment shared between a parent and child laughing together in the kitchen.
People playing ping pong in a backyard with a blue table tennis setup.
A baby explores toys while sitting in a high chair as adults interact at meal time.
A fluffy white cat being pet by children while held by someone in a blue shirt.

Prep them for a different kind of photo session


Ways to help your kid have a successful home photo session. Tell them that you are going to do some of your favorite things together and have Ali come photograph you doing them. You can act like Ali isn't even here or you can show her all your favorite things and how we do xyz.


A group gathered in a bright indoor space with children playing and colorful exercise equipment.
A casual family gathering in a modern living room with plants and comfortable decor.
A relaxed scene in a modern white kitchen with people gathered around a counter.
A cozy living room scene viewed through a window frame with warm orange walls and comfortable seating.

If you want them to tidy their room, make it fun!


The worst thing for an in home session is for the photographer to be the reason that your kids had to do all that dreaded cleaning! Make cleaning/tidying up a game like who can get more stuffed animals into the bin? or how many of your toys can find a home during this 5 minute timer? If we are just nagging our kids to clean up over and over, they are already going to be in an annoyed mindset.

An overhead view of playtime on a patterned carpet with toys and coffee.
A playful indoor scene with toys and a wicker basket on carpet showing family interaction.
Family enjoying quality time together in cozy living room with bookshelves and large windows.

Include them in selecting an outfit


The night before, give them parameters, like...finding something with no words and no big logos on it that you want to wear! Or...pre-select two to three of their outfits that you would be ok with and then give them a choice. Often kids do better (adults too!) with a few select choices than their entire wardrobe.

Tender moment between two people sharing affection outdoors against blue wall.
Two children preparing beverages at a tea or coffee brewing station.
Three people posing playfully in front of a garage door with Christmas tree.
People playing and jumping outdoors in a backyard garden area.

Ask them what things you do together that they want to remember when they are grown ups. Ask them what their favorite things to do all together are.


Sometimes you'd be surprised by how forward thinking kids can be. Sometimes kids will have a detailed plan and lots of ideas and other times kids will just shrug and not feel like giving input. Either way is totally fine. Just letting them know that the photo session isn't just them doing things on someone else's list the whole time will help a lot. You can share some of the ideas you have about things to do during our time together.

People having fun playing with water in a large blue container outdoors.
Playful indoor scene with colorful cushions and fort-like setup.
Two people sitting at table playing with small orange pieces or toys.
Cozy indoor fort scene with soft draping and comfortable pillows.

Prepare Yourself

Basically, if you would talk to your partner about the plan for the session, talk to your kiddo about it. Even a toddler can understand some parts and will love being a part of the process. If you do have a little little one, set out a few options for activities and let them decide and/or let them decide the flow of activities. Give lots of choices! Be ready yourself for what choices you are willing to give your kids. If you like to have a lot of control and order, prep yourself for a few different possibilities and then try your hardest to relax even if things don't go as planned. Be flexible and understand that you hired a photographer for their people skills as well as camera and editing skills is part of the deal!