Tips for Family Photos: A Guide on Prepping Your Kids in Bend, OR

TLDR/Quick Answer: Family photos go smoother when you plan around your kids' real abilities — the right location for their age, good timing, and a fed, rested kid on the day of the session. Skip the "cheese" prompts and bribery, and let a little chaos be part of the story. (You’ll be glad you did.)

As a Bend, Oregon photographer and a mother to two busy boys, 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 like participating doesn’t have to be part of the problem. I’ve put together this guide of prepping tips for family photos to help - because I’m a parent, too, and these are the details that can make or break your photoshoot with your kids.

Parents often worry about child behavior in a session, but I’ve only ever had to reschedule a family session once strictly because of toddler behavior. The toddlers were inconsolable, and their mom guessed the reason why was because they were afraid of the photo location (there was open water nearby). We changed to a different location - the kids had a blast, and mom was thrilled with the beautiful family photos we were able to capture.

How Do You Set Kids Up for Beautiful Family Photos?

All parents understand that kids have different abilities and needs that are 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. Keeping these limitations in mind will go a long way in helping you create beautiful family photos. 

When scheduling your family’s photo session, consider what you’re dreaming of against what your kids can realistically handle. Ultimately, it’s the memories of your family enjoying time together that matter the most - not which particular location you use.

What are some location tips for family photos in Central Oregon?

Here in Central Oregon, there are stunning natural backdrops that families can take advantage of for beautiful family photos. But with rugged terrain, seasonal daylight varying widely, and our high desert weather that can change quickly, families should be picking locations for their family photo session that serves them well.

If you have older, physically active children, choosing an expansive landscape like Smith Rock State Park or the paths along the Deschutes near Dillon Falls where they can explore can help create space for interaction. Oftentimes, in families with older kids, the kids just need permission to let go and be themselves. Both locations give self-conscious teens or tweens enough room to let loose. 

If, however, you have young children, it is a better option to lean towards areas that are safer for littles that are still learning their bodies. Places like Drake Park or Shevlin Park with defined walking paths, large grassy spots, 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. 

If you’re unsure of what location might best fit your family’s needs, let’s talk. I’d love to help you plan a session that feels fun and stress-free.

What are some timing tips for family pictures?

Living in the high desert means cool mornings year-round and late sunsets in the height of summer. Though Oregon weather can vary widely, families can enjoy a variety of seasons and locations for family photos in Central Oregon with some intentional planning. 

For families with babies and young toddlers, I recommend avoiding evening golden hours 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 in the evening. 

Choosing your home is okay for photos, too.

Alternatively, 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).

What are the important kids' styling tips?

Kids are less concerned about how they look on camera and much more concerned about how clothing feels on their bodies. One of my biggest styling tips for family photos is to always lean towards comfort for the child.

Pro Tip: Check to ensure fabric doesn’t feel too scratchy, the clothes fit correctly, and kids 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. 

If styling is one of your family’s biggest pain points, check out my blog on how to style your family for any season.

What tips for family pictures should we know for 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 remember my F.R.E.E. tips for family photos. (Fed, Rested, Engaged, and Embrace)

Make sure kids are fed.

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. 

You can 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.

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 photoshoots.

Set a positive 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 family photoshoot ideas for some more in-depth tips on activities, or how to get natural family photos during your session.

What mistakes should you avoid with kids during photoshoots?

Aside from prepping kids 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 tension and start to derail a photoshoot.

Skip using “Cheese” to try to force a smile.

I don’t blame parents for wanting a 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, or they realize they’re being asked to perform. Neither of these things will create the genuine smiles that 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 under my belt, 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.

Don’t ignore the Child's Attention Span.

When a child is done and ready to move on, you must respect that boundary. Pushing them to continue an activity when their interest has waned can ruin their trust and willingness to participate. Watch for signs like avoidance, restlessness, or verbal protests, 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 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.

Avoid treating the photo experience like a chore.

Taking family photos should be a fun experience. A professional family photoshoot should focus on interaction rather than stiff, unnatural posing. If a child feels like they are performing a duty, their facial expressions and body language will show it. 

Additionally, 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 start to spiral because a child was reminded of a promised treat the moment they stepped out of line. That continuous reminder transforms a playful experience into a high-pressure performance.   

As you can see from these tips for family photos, prepping your kids for a photo session doesn't require rigid precision. Rather, it needs understanding their limits, a bit of empathy, 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 portraits experience in Bend or get in touch to book a family session.

Frequently asked questions about tips for family pictures:

1. What should kids wear for family photos?
   Comfort matters more than trend — check that fabric isn't scratchy and clothes fit well enough to move in. Since Central Oregon weather shifts fast, pack an extra coordinating layer just in case.

2. What's the best time of day for family photos in Bend?
   For babies and young toddlers, avoid summer golden hour since it falls too close to bedtime — spring or early fall sunset works better. Early morning sessions or an at-home session are good alternatives year-round.

3. What if my child cries or has a meltdown during the session?
   Tears or a rough moment don't ruin a session. Pausing to address what your child needs often leads to some of the most genuine, memorable images of the day.

4. Should I bribe my kid with treats to get them to behave?
   Active bribery during the session tends to backfire and can trigger a meltdown if the reward gets delayed. A treat afterward as a "we did it" celebration is fine — just don't dangle it mid-session.

Hi, I’m Elise.

I’m a photographer based in Bend, Oregon who specializes in thoughtfully guided lifestyle portraits for families in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver. If you’re looking to skip Pinterest poses and instead capture photos that feel like your family, you’re in the right place.