As a photographer dedicated to creating playful family photos in Bend, Oregon, I know that preparing your family for a session can feel daunting. With the logistics of coordinating time, outfits, and getting everyone ready there’s a lot to think about. But a session going awry because the kids weren’t feeling it doesn’t have to be part of the problem.

Parents often worry about child behavior in a session, but in my seven years of experience I’ve only ever had to reschedule a session once because of toddler behavior - and it was because the toddlers were inconsolable. Mom guessed the reason why was because the toddlers were afraid of the chosen spot (there was open water). We changed to a different location (away from water entirely), and wow the difference was amazing - and the kids had a blast. Even better? Mom was thrilled with the beautiful family photos we were able to capture - even despite it being a different location than she had originally wanted for the session.

Consider logistics like location and time based on your kid’s age to set them up for success.

All parents understand that kids have different abilities and needs that’s generally based on age ranges. For example, young babies that can’t walk need to be held, adventurous toddlers need to have a watchful eye, and older kids can be quite capable.

When scheduling your family’s photoshoot, consider what you’re dreaming of under the lens of what your kids can realistically handle. Taking these factors into consideration when you choose your location will help set your kids up for success - because ultimately it’s the memories of your family enjoying time together that matter the most, not which particular location you use.

Location considerations to think about in Central Oregon

There are stunning natural backdrops that families can take advantage of for gorgeous family photos in Central Oregon.

Your location matters.

**If you have older, physically active children, choosing an expansive landscape where they can explore** like Smith Rock State Park or the paths around Dillon Falls helps create space for genuine moments.

If you have young children, it is a better option to lean towards areas that are safer for littles who are still learning their bodies.

A happy baby at a morning session in open shade, Drake Park Bend, Oregon — Spaces for young children.

Places like Drake Park or Shevlin Park with defined walking paths, large grassy areas, and open shade might be a better fit for very young children that like to wander, need to sit on a blanket, or are wobbly on their feet.

Timing considerations for Central Oregon

Living in the high desert means cool mornings year-round and late sunsets in the height of summer. This doesn’t mean that family sessions outdoors are impossible; rather, families can enjoy a variety of seasons and locations with family photos with some intentional planning.

For families with babies and young toddlers, I recommend avoiding golden hour in the middle of summer (June and July) when sessions would need to start late (often past bedtime). Instead, aim for spring sunset or late summer/early fall sunset times if you’ve got your heart set on golden hour photos.

A relaxed, cozy in-home photo session with young kids in Bend, Oregon — Choosing your home is okay for photos, too.

Families can opt for an early morning session at a location with open shade, or choose to have a family photo session at home for the ultimate level of convenience (including scheduling during a slower season, like winter).

Style kids for comfort and the weather

Styling kids for happy, relaxed family photos means more than just picking a trendy outfit. Kids are less concerned about how they look on camera and much more concerned about how clothing feels on their bodies. Always lean towards comfort for the child - check to ensure fabric doesn’t feel too scratchy, the clothes aren’t too big or too small, and they will be able to move comfortably.

Additionally, since Central Oregon weather can shift drastically - we all know how much the weather app changes day to day - it’s wise to have an extra layer that coordinates with a child’s outfit handy. This ensures you’re prepared if clouds roll in or wind is a bit high that day to continue having fun during your family photoshoot.

How to Get kids ready the day of the session.

Aside from getting kids clean and dressed, there are several things that parents can do to help children have a positive experience leading up to the photo session itself. I encourage families to be F.R.E.E. in their photoshoots. (Fed, Rested, Engaged, and Embrace)

Make sure kids are fed prior to taking photos.

Hanger is real! Make sure your kids are fed. Add a snack or move a meal as needed - think of it as their bodies fueling up for fun. Unless your kid is older (think teens), don’t fall into the ‘get a nice dinner afterwards’ trap. Always feed your kid well before taking family photos.

You can, however, enjoy a nice family treat after a family photo session (like ice cream), but don’t make it a treat based on their behavior during the session. Frame it as, “we’re going to take family photos and then go out for ice cream together!” This reframe takes the pressure off and lets the family enjoy both experiences more easily.

Make sure kids are well rested prior to taking photos.

Tired kids aren’t happy kids. Add a nap or consider a morning session (for really young children) to help avoid meltdowns. For older children, try to give them an opportunity to have some quiet time before the session.

Additionally, ensure that your photo session doesn’t fall on a day that another big activity is happening - like a long family hike or a big event at school. It’s usually best to have a casual, easy-going day leading up to family photos. Keep in mind that family sessions built on genuine emotion thrive on families interacting with one another - so don’t burn out before the shutter clicks.

Encourage positive behavior by setting your own example & be engaged with your children.

If a parent is engaged in the photo session and having fun, kids are generally eager to join in on the fun. However, a reluctant parent can mean kids decide that they don’t want to participate, either.

If you’re wondering what being engaged in a photo session can look like, think of it as quality time to play with your kids. Hug them, make jokes, laugh, and be willing to run around a bit. I’ve seen some amazing family pictures come out of kids seeing their parents relax and go all in for the moment. Remember, no one is going to know exactly what you did during the session - they’re just going to see real memories.

Embrace what is happening in the session.

Dedicate your session time to truly being present with your kid(s) and I promise it will result in some beautiful memories. This doesn’t just mean opting in for fun together, though. It also means embracing quiet moments, chaos, and everything in between.

Tears during a session doesn’t automatically mean that it’s ruined, nor does a kid having an angry moment. I’ve witnessed some beautiful moments of interaction when parents pause to address their kids' needs, and after this pause for connection the session continues to produce gorgeous memories.

Want more tips on what to do during your actual session? Try how to get candid family photos for some more in-depth tips on activities, or how to get relaxed, joyful photos for rules to follow during your session.

Parents hugging their daughters in a relaxed, connected family photo session in Bend, Oregon

Mistakes to avoid with kids during photo sessions.

Aside from prepping kids for success prior to a photo session, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid that will make your experience significantly smoother. In my years of photographing families, I’ve found that well-intentioned adjustments from parents can accidentally create the very tension they are trying to prevent. Recognizing these three subtle pressure points allows us to keep the atmosphere light, cooperative, and entirely child-friendly from start to finish.

Using “cheese” prompts to try to force a smile.

This common prompt often results in strained, unnatural expressions - which defeats the purpose of trying to get a kid to smile. I have experienced parents shouting ‘cheese’ at their children when I’m trying to photograph them, which defeats my goal of capturing real emotion in a moment.

I am sure this is well-intentioned by the parent - after all, I don’t blame parents for wanting a beautiful, smiling photograph of their child. However, the prompt ‘cheese’ often does the opposite of what the parent wants: it either makes a child give a forced smile that doesn’t look nice, or they realize they’re being asked to perform. Neither of these things will create the genuine smile parents are after.

As a photographer, I embrace children’s personalities.If a child is a bit camera-shy, that’s okay. It can take some time to warm up to the camera. If they are a high-energy performer, we will use that momentum. With nine summers of experience as a camp counselor, I’ve worked with a very wide spectrum of childhood personalities. This background experience is exactly why I learn about your family's dynamic prior to your photo session — so I can show up with a concrete game plan tailored to your child's individual needs.

Ignoring the child’s attention span.

When a child is done and ready to move on, you must respect that boundary. Pushing them to continue a pose or activity when their interest has waned can ruin their trust and willingness to participate in future sessions. Watch for signs like avoidance, restlessness, or verbal cues, and honor their needs to ensure a positive experience.

A seasoned family photographer will be watching these cues throughout your session. If I notice your child’s energy shifting, I will naturally redirect to appropriately accommodate this change. Hiring a photographer that respects your child’s boundaries means that you get to step out of the manager role and relax for the session.

Treating the photo experience like a chore.

Taking family photos should be a fun, engaging experience, not an activity that feels like a requirement. A professional family photo session should focus on interaction, resulting in heartfelt moments rather than stiff, unnatural posing. If a child feels like they are performing, their expression and body language will show it.

This includes avoiding the trap of bribing kids for good behavior in the session. While it is completely fine to reward children with a treat afterward as a "hooray, we did it!" celebration, active bribery usually backfires. I have watched sessions spiral into meltdowns because a child was reminded of a promised treat the moment their energy dipped or they stepped out of line. That continuous reminder transforms a playful experience into a high-pressure performance.

Prepping your kids for a photo session doesn't require rigid precision—it just requires understanding their limits and choosing a photographer who adapts to their pace. If you are looking for a collaborative experience that prioritizes your family's comfort, you can view my family photography services in Bend or reach out directly to check my current availability.