A photo shoot with your child is a beautiful memory, but it can also be a challenge. How do you ensure that your child looks relaxed and happy in the photos? And perhaps more importantly: what should you as a parent absolutely not do? Here are my best tips to make your shoot run smoothly and stress-free.

A well-prepared shoot ensures the most beautiful photos. So think about a few basics in advance:

1. Plan the Photo Shoot in the Morning: Children are often most rested and cheerful in the morning. Try to schedule the shoot in the morning so that your child is still fresh and energetic. Especially after a busy day at school or another activity, children can be tired and irritable, which makes the shoot less smooth.

2. Ensure Sufficient Sleep: A well-rested toddler or preschooler is a happy toddler or preschooler. Try to go to bed early the night before the shoot so that your child starts the shoot fresh and energetic. An overtired child can get frustrated more quickly, and you’ll see that in the photos.

3. Bring Food and Drinks: An empty stomach and a thirsty throat lead to cranky kids. Provide a snack and some water to recharge in between. Choose something that doesn’t make a mess (no chocolate or brightly colored candies!) and something that’s quick to eat, like a cookie, raisins, or a piece of fruit.

4. Clothing: Beautiful and Comfortable: Choose clothing in which your child feels good. An itchy sweater or too-tight pants can make your child feel uncomfortable, and that shows in the photos. Also think about layers so you can easily adjust to the weather or setting.

Once on location, there are a few do’s and don’ts that make the difference between a relaxed or frustrated shoot.

DO: Play and Laugh Together: Children respond best to a playful approach. Think of fun games or jokes that instantly make your child happy. Play tag, sing a song together, or let your child spin around. This creates spontaneous, happy facial expressions.

DO: Bring Favorite Music: Music can work wonders! Do you have a toddler who loves K3 or a preschooler who’s crazy about a certain song? Ask the photographer if you can play the music softly in the background. This helps your child relax and immediately creates a cheerful atmosphere.

DO: Give Compliments and Encourage Your Child: Let your child know that he or she is doing fantastic. Compliments like “You’re doing that so well!” or “What a beautiful smile!” are motivating. A positive atmosphere makes the shoot more pleasant for everyone.

DON’T: Immediately Pull Out an iPad or Phone: It might seem like a handy distraction, but if you offer a screen right away, you’ll completely lose your child’s attention. Afterwards, it’s almost impossible to get them back into the interaction, which comes at the expense of spontaneous and natural images.

DON’T: Stress Yourself: Children can sense very well when you are tense. So stay relaxed yourself and let the photographer do their job. A good photographer knows how to deal with children and gives your child the space to get used to the situation at their own pace.

DON’T: Force or Push: If your child doesn’t feel like it for a moment, don’t force them. Take a break, let your child walk around, or turn it into a game. Forced smiles look unnatural, while spontaneous moments actually produce the most beautiful memories.

Extra Tip: Prepare Your Child for What’s Coming

Explain in a playful way what’s going to happen. Tell them that you’re going to take fun photos together and that it’s not scary at all. Maybe you can even “practice” at home and come up with funny poses. This will make your child feel more comfortable during the shoot.

Relaxed and Spontaneous Is the Key

A successful photo shoot is all about having fun and being relaxed. The less pressure you put on it, the more natural the photos will be. So: prepare well, interact playfully with your child, and above all, enjoy the moment. This not only produces the most beautiful photos but also a pleasant experience for everyone!