Tips to help your family feel comfortable during a photo shoot
How to feel comfortable for your family photo shoot
It might be your first time or it might be your fifth, but having your family photographed can feel a little intimidating even if you’ve done it before.
Don’t worry, as a documentary family photographer in Dublin, I’ve seen it all: shy toddlers, silly pets, reluctant teens, and even parents who swore they weren’t “photogenic” (that’s where I come in!).
Here are my favorite gentle and practical tips to help you have a comfortable family photo shoot and enjoy every minute of it.
1. DON’T LOOK AT THE CAMERA
It’s time to unlearn what you’ve been taught as a kid! I’m happy to tell you, you don’t have to look at me and smile. This is documentary photography, yeah!
Don’t worry about smiling and looking at me — this is a real life reportage session, not a school portrait. The most meaningful moments happen when you forget there’s a camera around. So hold your child’s hand, cuddle your baby, play with your dog… I’ll be here to capture it all, naturally.
2. WE CAN TAKE BREAKS AS NEEDED, RELAX AND ENJOY
Family life isn’t non-stop smiles, and neither are my sessions. If your child needs a snack, your baby needs to nurse, or someone just needs a little breather, we pause.
That’s totally fine (and normal!). There’s no rush and no pressure to keep going if it doesn’t feel right. My sessions are 1.5 hours long so we have all the time we need. Breaks are part of the rhythm, and they often lead to the most tender, authentic moments, like your toddler snuggling up on your lap with a biscuit, or a quiet cup of tea while you rock your baby. These moments matter too.
3. DON’T WORRY ABOUT LOOKING PHOTOGENIC
You don’t have to be a model.
And you don’t even need to try to “look good.” You DO look good, just as you are, believe me. You’re just being too hard on yourself, and I’m here to help you let go.
You just need to show up, be yourself, and love your people. The real beauty is in your connection, not in perfect hair or flawless skin. I don’t chase perfection — I look for the things that make your family yours. I tear up every single time I edit a session. You know why? Because you guys look so cute and loving. Forget the mess, forget the PMS pimple.
4. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
You don’t need to know what to do, that’s my job!
I’m here to guide you, gently and respectfully, so you can simply enjoy being with your family. I won’t ask you to pose awkwardly or do anything that feels unnatural. Just be yourselves, and trust that I’ll be there to notice the beauty in your everyday gestures.
I will sometimes give you tried and true prompts that help you act natural so I can make your connections shine. No “I feel silly” being photographed — I promise, no family has ever left a session with me without saying they had a great time! You might want to read also: what to expect during your Dublin family photo session
5. CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE, JUST THIS ONCE
Try not to schedule anything right before or right after your photo session.
Give yourself and your family the gift of time, it makes such a difference!
When everyone shows up relaxed, without rushing from one thing to the next, the energy is calmer and more joyful. Kids especially do better when they’re not transitioning from a busy activity or being told to hurry. And after the session, it’s lovely to have space to just enjoy the feeling instead of racing to the next thing. Think of it as a little pocket of time just for you and your crew.
More helpful reads to feel even more prepared:
How to prepare your child for a photo session
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and create your family photography
I’m Aurélie, family photographer in Dublin, and I create timeless and heartfelt documentary photographs for loving families. Warm and honest storytelling for cheriched heirlooms of your little ones greatest treasure: their childhood pictures.
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