The Best 5 Ways To Prepare Children For Your Richmond Virginia Family Session

When planning your Richmond Virginia Family Session, prepping your kiddos is key to making the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone. As a mom myself, I know how challenging it can be to get children ready for family photos. You might find yourself asking questions like, “How do I get my kids to behave?” “What if they need a nap during the session?” or “How can I make this fun for my kids?”

If these are the kinds of thoughts running through your mind, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into my 5 top tips for preparing your children for your Richmond Virginia Family Session—these suggestions are perfect for kids ages 2-10.

1. Let Kids Be Kids

One of the best ways to prepare your little ones for your Richmond Virginia Family Session is to let them embrace their natural behavior. Encourage them to run, jump, and play during the session—these candid moments often result in the most authentic, heartwarming photos. You can set the tone by engaging in playful activities yourself. Bring bubbles or a favorite toy to the session to help them feel more relaxed. When kids aren’t focused on “performing” for the camera, they’re more likely to have fun and feel comfortable, leading to great photos.

2. Prepare Kids Ahead of Time

The more you talk to your kids about the upcoming Richmond Virginia Family Session, the more at ease they’ll feel. Start the conversation about a week before the session to build excitement. Explain what a family photo session is, and let them help with the planning—talk about the location, what to wear, and why it’s important to capture family moments. You could even role-play how the session will go to familiarize them with the process. Showing them sample photos from previous sessions can give them a visual idea of what to expect. Make it a fun conversation so they feel included and excited!

3. Bring Mess-Free Treats

Keep your kids’ energy up and their focus sharp by packing a selection of mess-free snacks for the session. Think fruit pouches, mini cheese crackers, or nut-free trail mix—anything that won’t make a mess but will keep them happy and satisfied. Make it extra fun by presenting the snacks as a special “session treat,” something they can look forward to. A cute snack container can make it feel even more exciting. When the session begins, offer them a snack to help transition into the photo time with positive reinforcement! Our favorite reward snack for sessions are these!

4. Choose the Right Time for Your Richmond Virginia Family Session

Timing is everything when it comes to kids. Plan your session around your children’s daily schedules, ideally when they are well-rested and well-fed. For younger kids, early mornings often work best—especially after a good night’s sleep. If your children tend to get cranky later in the day, avoid scheduling close to nap time or too late past their bedtime. When you book your Richmond Virginia Family Session with us, we’ll help you choose the optimal time, considering both your kids’ needs and the best lighting for your photos.

5. Incorporate Playful Activities

To keep the session lively, plan some fun activities your kids will enjoy. Before the session, talk to your kids about games they like—whether it’s hide-and-seek, tag, or just running around. We can even help you incorporate a playful “photo scavenger hunt,” where your kids search for specific items in nature. Having these activities in mind gives your children something to look forward to, helping them release energy in a positive way and making the session feel more like play than a photo shoot.

By following these steps, you’ll create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for your Richmond Virginia Family Session. Your kids will feel comfortable and happy, and the result will be genuine, beautiful photos that you’ll treasure for years to come!