Two young boys get silly during professional family photos at Yates Mill in Raleigh, NC. — Family photos aren’t about perfect smiles or still moments.

They’re about the real laughter, the tiny quirks, and the love that makes your family unmistakably yours.

Capturing professional family photos is more than just standing in front of a camera and smiling, it’s about documenting your family exactly as you are right now. As a Raleigh-based photographer, I’ve worked with families of all sizes and energy levels, and one thing is consistent: preparation makes a huge difference. From toddlers who have boundless energy to older kids who would rather be anywhere else, there are ways to make your session fun, smooth, and memorable.

Plan Around Kids’ Schedules for Your Professional Family Photo Session

One of the most important tips I give families is to consider your kids’ natural rhythms. If you’re hoping for golden hour photos outdoors but your toddler has a 7 pm bedtime, it might make more sense to schedule a morning session or an in-home session that works around nap times. Your family will enjoy the experience more if everyone is rested, fed, and in a good mood.

I often remind parents that your job during professional family photos isn’t to force smiles, it’s to love on each other. Let kids play, run, and explore. You’ll get genuine connection and movement that shows your family’s personality in the best way.

Grandparents laugh on a blanket with three young grandkids during extended family photo session at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve in Raleigh.

Girl dances with parents and dog during fall family photos at Lake Crabtree County Park in Raleigh, NC.

Sister and brother play while mom has a quiet moment with another son during a blended family photo session at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve in Raleigh, NC.

Bring Snacks, Water, and Favorite Toys

A simple but critical tip is to bring snacks and water. Kids get hungry and thirsty quickly, and a quick break can prevent a meltdown. Toys that your children love are also helpful, and bonus if they photograph well. Bubbles are always a favorite, as they create playful moments that are perfect for photos.

During a recent maternity session at Yates Mill in Raleigh, I worked with a family whose two-year-old son was full of energy and sometimes refused to smile. We brought a few small toys, let him explore the park, and spent time prompting him gently. The result was movement, hugs, and environmental portraits that fully captured their family dynamic. This is why I encourage parents to embrace their kids’ personalities rather than fight them.

Coordinate Outfits Without Overthinking

Outfit coordination can elevate your family photos without making them look overly matched. I suggest choosing a color palette and mixing patterns thoughtfully. For my full session clients, I offer Style and Select, an exclusive digital styling service to inspire outfit choices, and even purchase select pieces if you love them. The goal is that you look and feel amazing in your photos.

Coordinated outfits make a subtle difference in your final images, drawing attention to your family rather than clashing patterns or colors. It’s a small detail that pays off visually and emotionally.

Let Kids Be Kids

Brothers play wrestle during a professional family photo session at home in Raleigh, NC.

A family plays outside during a family photography session at home in Chapel Hill, NC.

Family with three young kids play guitar and enjoy time together during an at-home family photo session in Durham, NC.

Having three kids under the age of seven myself, one with ADHD, I know firsthand how chaotic a session can feel. But chaos isn’t the enemy, it’s where the magic happens. Kids want to run, jump, be silly, and sometimes cry. That is OK. I use prompts and light posing to create connected moments, whether your children are ready to participate or need time to burn off energy. Your chaos becomes my chaos, and we make it work together.

During a recent summer session at Historic Yates Mill County Park, I worked with a family of three kids who wanted to capture their big and silly personalities. The parents were comfortable letting their boys explore the rocks and water around the park while also calling them back for specifically prompted photos. We spent the session moving from location to location, capturing movement, playful moments, hugs, and environmental portraits that fully reflected the energy and love of this family. This session reminded me why I always encourage parents to embrace their kids’ personalities rather than try to control them.

For families who want to capture energy and play, storytelling at home sessions are a great option. They allow kids to be comfortable in familiar surroundings, which often results in more genuine and relaxed professional family photos.

Tips for Outdoor and Urban Locations

If you’re considering an outdoor session, parks like Yates Mill in Raleigh provide shaded areas, open fields, and streams for playful exploration. Parking is easy, and it’s very kid-friendly. On the other hand, for families who love the urban vibe, Durham offers some amazing city locations with murals, industrial textures, and clean streets that make bold backdrops for photos.

From my experience, the best sessions happen when kids feel free to explore these environments. I guide them with playful prompts while keeping the camera ready for authentic moments. Whether it is skipping across a field, blowing bubbles, or laughing at a sibling, these movements create photos full of life.

Embrace Connection Over Perfection

Finally, remember that professional family photos are about connection, not perfection. Your job is to love and enjoy the experience together. Whether your children smile on cue or need to explore for a bit, the images you receive will be full of emotion, movement, and authenticity.

For inspiration, check out my family photo portfolio to see how families just like yours shine when they let go of the pressure to “perform” and simply enjoy the session.