Dear Family Photo Sessions,
Everybody wants that one “nice” family photo...the one where everyone is looking at the camera, smiling and somehow perfectly coordinated, right?
We get it and yes, we’ll absolutely try to get that photo.
But the honest truth? Your family is so much more than everyone looking at the camera at the same time.
The photographs that often become favourites are the ones filled with real personality: your child’s scrunched-up laugh, the way they reach for your hand, the spontaneous group hug, or the real life chaos that feels completely ordinary right now, but will mean everything one day.
The secret to natural family photos isn’t asking your children to smile. It’s giving them a reason to.
DO: Make Your Kids Laugh
The more you repeatedly ask a child to smile, the less likely they are to give you a genuine one. That’s just how kids work! Instead, shift the focus away from performing for the camera. Tell a silly joke, start a tickle fight, race toward your photographer, dance together or whisper something funny in their ear. A genuine smile will always photograph more beautifully than a forced one.
DO: Coordinate Your Outfits
Your clothing makes a bigger difference than you might realize. You don’t need to wear identical outfits, in fact, coordinating usually photographs much better than perfectly matching. Choose a soft, complementary colour palette and mix in different textures and subtle patterns. Avoid large logos, overly bright colours or anything uncomfortable that you’ll be adjusting throughout the session. If choosing outfits feels overwhelming, lean on your photographer! I always have colour palettes available for my clients and I’m happy to help you bring everything together.
DO: Show Lots of Love
Hold hands. Give hugs. Pick up your little ones while you still can. Kiss their cheeks, cuddle closely and let them climb all over you. Your family session is not the time to worry about being too affectionate. Those natural points of connection help your photos feel warm, relaxed and true to your family.
DO: Show Your Kids What to Do
Instead of repeatedly telling your children how to behave, demonstrate it!!! If you want them to laugh, laugh with them. If you want them to cuddle, start the cuddle. If you want them to feel relaxed, show them that there is nothing they need to do perfectly. Children often mirror the energy around them. When the adults are relaxed, playful and engaged, they’re much more likely to follow along.
DO: Plan a Simple Activity
Having something to do can help everyone forget about the camera.
Bring a favourite book, kick a ball around, collect flowers, make pancakes at home, explore the beach or plan a little picnic. The activity doesn’t need to be elaborate, it simply gives your family a natural way to interact. This is especially helpful for children who need a little time to warm up.
DO: Let Your Photographer Take the Lead
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. That’s my job!
I’ll guide you when you need it, create opportunities for genuine interaction and keep the session moving so it never feels stiff or overly staged. Trust the process, stay present with your family and let me watch for the moments unfolding between you.
DO: Let Your Kids Take the Lead, Too
Some of the best photographs happen when we follow a child’s curiosity.
If they want to explore, run, dance or stop to examine something on the ground, we can work with it. Giving children a little freedom helps them feel comfortable and allows their real personality to shine through. We don’t need to control every minute of the session for it to be successful.
DON’T: Ask Your Child to Smile Over and Over Again
Honestly, please stop asking your child to smile every few seconds. No one enjoys that, and it usually creates the exact opposite reaction. It also means you may appear distracted or mid-sentence in every photo instead of relaxed, present and connected with your family. You can relax knowing that your photographer is always watching for genuine expressions. Even when your child isn’t looking directly at the camera, something meaningful may still be happening.
Let them be little. I’ll take care of the rest.
DON’T: Expect Perfection
Someone might feel shy. Your toddler may need a snack break. A child might decide they’re finished before we are. None of that means your family session is going badly.
Real family life is energetic, unpredictable and occasionally chaotic and that’s part of what makes it beautiful.
Your children do not need to be perfectly behaved for us to create photographs you’ll love.
DON’T: Spend the Session Correcting Every Little Thing
Try not to worry about every untucked shirt, silly expression or moment when your child looks away.
Constantly correcting children can add pressure and make the session feel like work. Unless something is unsafe, give them space to play and connect. Your photographer will gently step in when something truly needs adjusting.
DON’T: Wait for the “Perfect” Time
You don’t need to wait until life feels calmer, your child reaches a certain age or everyone becomes more comfortable in front of the camera.
Your family is worth documenting exactly as it is today.
The missing teeth, tiny hands, wild curls, favourite stuffed animal and the way your child fits in your arms won’t stay the same forever. These ordinary details are the ones you’ll want to remember.
The Goal Is to Remember What This Season Felt Like
Of course, we’ll make time for the beautiful portrait where everyone is looking at the camera. But we’ll also create space for movement, laughter, connection and all the wonderfully imperfect moments in between.
Because one day, you won’t only want to remember what your family looked like.
You’ll want to remember exactly how it felt to be together.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, documentary-style family photography session in Toronto or the GTA, I’d love to help you preserve this season of your family’s story.
Here's What your Family Photo Session Should Look Like
