How to Prepare Kids for Family Photos | Spokane Family Photographer Tips
- Morgan Bruneel
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Hey there friend — welcome!
If you found your way here, I’m guessing one of two things has happened:
1. You’ve had a less-than-magical family photoshoot in the past.Tantrums. No nap. Bad hair day for mom.
What I like to call the trifecta.
It’s enough to make previously sane parents consider swearing off family photos forever.
2. You haven’t had professional family photos taken yet, but you’ve heard enough horror stories from friends to make you nervous about the whole experience.
If that’s you, take a deep breath.
I get it.
I’m a mom of four little ones myself, and getting everyone dressed and out the door for photos is no small feat. But after years of working as a Spokane family photographer and Coeur d’Alene family photographer, I can promise you this:
With a little preparation, family photos can actually be fun.
Here are the same tips I share with all of my clients before their session.
1. Slow Down the Day
This is my biggest piece of advice.
On the day of your session, try to keep the schedule light.
If it normally takes an hour to get everyone ready, give yourself two.If the drive takes 30 minutes, leave early.
Don’t pack the day full of errands or activities.
Your family photo session should be the main event of the day, not something you squeeze in between soccer practice and dinner.
When everyone arrives relaxed, the entire experience feels easier — and kids can sense that.
And one thing I know for sure after years of family photography in Spokane and North Idaho:
Stressed parents = stressed kids.
2. Tell Your Kids You're Going to Play
Instead of telling your kids you're going to “get pictures taken,” try reframing it.
Tell them you're going to play outside as a family, and your friend Morgan will be there with her camera.
Most of my sessions are relaxed outdoor sessions around Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and North Idaho — fields, beaches, trails, and open spaces where kids can move around.
When children expect to play instead of perform, they naturally relax.
And relaxed kids create the most genuine photos.
3. Dress for the Weather (Not Just the Outfit)
If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than five minutes, you know how unpredictable the weather can be.
One day: 50 and rainy.The next: 75 and sunny.
So flexibility is key.
If you planned a cute sundress but the temperature drops, add layers.Cardigans, tights, boots, or cozy sweaters can actually photograph beautifully.
The most important thing is comfort.
If a child is sweating in a sweater or freezing in a summer dress, it will show in the photos.
Comfortable kids = happy kids.
And happy kids make beautiful images.
4. Full Bellies Are Essential
If your session is anywhere near mealtime, make sure everyone eats beforehand.
Hungry kids rarely cooperate with anything — especially family photos.
I also recommend bringing a small bag with non-messy snacks for quick breaks.
A few bites can completely reset the mood of a session.
Trust me on this one.
5. Give Everyone Grace
This one matters the most.
Kids are kids.
Sometimes someone trips in the dirt on the walk to the location.Sometimes an outfit choice suddenly becomes unacceptable five minutes before leaving the house.
And sometimes toddlers simply decide they are done.
That’s okay.
The location you choose and the outfits you plan will never matter as much as the connection between your family.
The best family photos come from moments of laughter, movement, and real interaction — not perfection.
So take a deep breath, laugh things off, and focus on enjoying your time together.
I promise that’s when the magic happens.
Family Photography in Spokane & Coeur d’Alene
Families across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Liberty Lake, and North Idaho come to me looking for family photos that feel relaxed and natural.
My sessions are designed to feel less like a traditional photoshoot and more like a family evening together — exploring beautiful outdoor locations, letting kids run and play, and capturing the real connection between you.
If you're looking for a Spokane family photographer, you can learn more about my approach here:
Planning Your Own Family Session?
If you're thinking about scheduling family photos in Spokane or Coeur d’Alene, I’d love to photograph your family.
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