The Best 5 Ways To Prepare Children For Your Yorktown Va Family Session

When planning your Yorktown Va Family Session, prepping your kiddos is very important! I know as a mom myself, that prepping my children for family photos is a daunting task. “How do I get my kids to behave?” “What if they need a nap during the session time?” “How do I make this fun for my kids?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like these, then your in the right place. Lets dive into my 5 tips on how to prep your children for your Yorktown Family Session. These tips are best for kiddos ages 2-10!

1. Let Kids Be Kids

When preparing for your Yorktown Va Family Session, encourage your children to embrace their natural behavior during the session. Remind them that it’s perfectly fine to run, jump, and play—these moments often lead to the most authentic photos. You can set the tone by engaging in playful activities yourself. Bringing bubbles to your session could be a really fun way to get playful and this way, your kids will feel more relaxed and less pressured to “perform” for the camera.

2. Prepare Kids Ahead of Time

Start the conversation about your Yorktown Va Family Session well in advance—ideally a week prior. Use this time to build excitement! Explain what a family photo session is, and involve them in the planning. Discuss the location, what to wear, and the importance of capturing family moments. Role-play how the session will go, which can help familiarize them with the process. You can even show them sample photos from previous sessions to give them a visual idea of what to expect. Make it a fun topic at the dinner table, so they feel included!

3. Bring Mess-Free Treats

Plan ahead by packing a variety of mess-free snacks that will keep their energy levels stable and their attention focused. Items like fruit pouches, nut-free trail mix, or mini cheese crackers are excellent choices. Create a small snack kit with these treats and make it a special ‘session snack’ that they can look forward to. One of my favorite snacks for kiddos are these! You could also consider using a fun snack container to keep it exciting. Just before the session begins, offer them a treat to help transition into the photo time with positive reinforcement!

4. Choose the Right Time For Your Yorktown Va Family Session

Selecting the best time for your session is crucial. Try to schedule it around your children’s daily routines, ideally when they are well-rested and fed. Early mornings can be great for younger children who are usually fresh after a good night’s sleep. If your kids tend to get cranky later in the day, avoid scheduling close to nap times or too late past their bedtime. When working with us for your Yorktown Family Session, we will talk about the best timing, especially for lighting considerations, to ensure both the kids and the environment are in their best states.

5. Incorporate Playful Activities

Plan specific activities that can be incorporated into the session to keep things lively. Before the session, brainstorm with your kids about games they enjoy, such as hide-and-seek or tag. Prior to your session, we will discuss these ideas so you can be ready! Having an ‘activity’ in mind gives your kids something to look forward to and helps them channel their energy positively. You could even create a “photo scavenger hunt” where they look for specific items in the environment! This keeps things super exciting for kids because there is always something fun to be found in nature.

By taking these steps, you’ll create a more enjoyable atmosphere that keeps your children calm and happy during your Yorktown Va Family Session, leading to beautiful, genuine photos!

Luxury portrait photographers Jacob & Brielle Photography offer wedding, maternity, newborn baby & family heirloom portrait photography in Virginia. Serving families all over Eastern, Central & Northern Virginia including Alexandria, Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton Roads & VA Beach