How to Prepare Your Family for a Photoshoot

A little preparation goes a long way

A family photoshoot should be an enjoyable experience, not another thing to worry about. Whether we're photographing your newborn, your toddler's big personality, your growing family or your teenagers, my aim is to create beautiful photographs while keeping the experience relaxed and enjoyable.

After photographing newborns and families since 2014, I've learned that the best photographs rarely come from asking everyone to smile perfectly at the same time. They come from connection, genuine expressions and the little moments that make your family unique.

Here are my tips to help everyone feel comfortable and ready for our session.

Preparing your baby for a newborn photoshoot

Newborn sessions are all about patience, comfort and following your baby's needs. There is no need to worry if your baby needs extra cuddles or feeding time.

What to do

Feed your baby as needed. A comfortable, well-fed baby may settle more easily, but we will always take feeding breaks whenever necessary.
Dress your baby in something easy to remove. A simple outfit that opens at the front makes changing easier when we arrive.
Bring your usual essentials. Pack nappies, wipes, a spare outfit, a muslin cloth and anything else your baby normally needs.
Allow extra time. Newborn photography is never rushed. We take breaks for feeding, changing, cuddling and settling.
Tell me about your baby. If your little one has particular feeding needs, likes to be held a certain way or has any sensitivities, please let me know.

What not to do

Don't worry if your baby doesn't sleep throughout the session. Awake newborn photographs can be beautiful too.
Don't feel that you need to keep your baby awake before arriving. Follow your normal routine rather than trying to force a particular sleep schedule.
Don't stress if your baby cries. It's completely normal, and we will take the time your baby needs.
Don't feel pressured to follow a rigid posing schedule. Your baby's comfort and safety always come first.

Remember: There is no such thing as a perfectly behaved newborn. We work with your babies, not against them.

Preparing toddlers for a photoshoot

Toddlers are wonderfully curious, energetic and unpredictable. They may be excited one moment and reluctant to cooperate the next. That's perfectly normal!

What to do

Choose comfortable clothing. Your toddler should be able to move, sit, cuddle and play without feeling restricted.
Keep the usual routine where possible. Try to schedule the session around their normal nap and meal times so they're not overly tired or hungry.
Bring a familiar comfort item. A favourite soft toy, blanket or small book can help your child feel secure. We can sometimes incorporate it into a photograph, too.
Explain the photoshoot positively. Tell your toddler that we're going to take some lovely pictures together, play a little and have fun.
Bring a few simple snacks and a drink. A short break can make a big difference if your child becomes hungry or tired.
Give them time to warm up. Some children jump straight into the session, while others need a little time to become comfortable with me and the surroundings.

What not to do

Don't tell your toddler they must smile or behave perfectly.
Don't threaten punishment or promise a big reward in exchange for cooperating.
Don't repeatedly ask them to look at the camera. Too many instructions can make them lose interest.
Don't panic if they run around, become shy or refuse to sit still. We can adapt the session and use their natural energy.
Don't apologise constantly for your child's behaviour. You haven't done anything wrong!

My advice: Relax and enjoy your child. Sometimes the most beautiful photographs happen while you're cuddling, playing or laughing together rather than looking directly at the camera.

Preparing school-age children

Older children often understand what's happening, but they may feel self-conscious or worry about having to pose.

What to do

Explain what the session will involve and let them know that they don't need to know how to pose.
Choose clothes they feel comfortable and confident wearing.
Encourage them to participate in their own way, whether that means smiling at the camera, cuddling a sibling or simply being themselves.
Give them a little responsibility, such as helping choose between two outfits.
Keep the mood light and positive. Genuine interaction is much more important than perfect smiles.

What not to do

Don't criticise their appearance or compare them with siblings.
Don't insist on a particular expression if it makes them uncomfortable.
Don't turn the photoshoot into a test of obedience.
Don't correct every little movement or tell them how to stand throughout the session.

The goal is to capture your children's personalities as they are today, not to make them look like someone else.

Preparing teenagers for a photoshoot

Teenagers can sometimes be the most reluctant members of the family to have their photographs taken! They may feel awkward in front of the camera or simply prefer to be doing something else.

The best approach is to respect their individuality and help them feel involved rather than forced.

What to do

Let them have a say in their outfit. They are much more likely to feel confident if they like what they're wearing.
Explain why the photographs matter. A family session is an opportunity to preserve memories of this stage of life, especially when children are growing up quickly.
Give them some independence. Let them choose a few poses or suggest a photograph they'd like to create.
Keep things natural. Walking together, sitting comfortably or interacting with family members can feel less awkward than standing stiffly in front of the camera.
Allow a little humour. Sometimes a shared joke or a candid moment helps everyone relax.

What not to do

Don't embarrass them in front of the camera.
Don't make negative comments about their hair, clothes, expressions or posture.
Don't force exaggerated smiles or poses that don't feel natural to them.
Don't turn the session into an argument about participation.

Remember: Teenagers don't have to look delighted every second to create beautiful family photographs. Relaxed, thoughtful and playful expressions can all tell a meaningful story.

What should the whole family wear?

Clothing makes a difference to the overall look of your photographs, but you don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe.

I generally recommend a coordinated colour palette rather than matching outfits. Cream, beige, white, soft grey and earthy tones work beautifully for timeless family portraits.

My styling tips

Choose two or three complementary colours for the family.
Avoid large logos, bold slogans and very busy patterns.
Consider the location and season, particularly for outdoor sessions.
Make sure everyone feels comfortable in their clothes and shoes.
Lay the outfits together before the session to check that the colours work well.

For maternity sessions, I also have a selection of maternity gowns available. If you're unsure what to wear, I'm happy to guide you before your session.

What to do during the photoshoot

The most important thing is to relax and enjoy being together. You don't need to know how to pose or make everyone smile.

Do

Look at each other, cuddle, hold hands and interact naturally.
Follow my gentle guidance when I suggest a pose or a change of position.
Let children express their personalities.
Take breaks when someone needs a drink, a cuddle or a moment to reset.
Trust the process. Some of the best photographs happen between the planned shots.

Don't

Keep asking everyone to smile at the camera.
Worry about every stray hair or imperfect detail.
Correct your children after every movement.
Compare your family with photographs you've seen online.
Expect every image to look posed and formal. Variety makes a family gallery more meaningful.

I'll guide you throughout the session, so you don't need to arrive knowing what to do.

What if someone is having a difficult day?

It happens! Children can be tired, shy, overwhelmed or simply not in the mood. Adults can feel self-conscious, too.

If someone needs a break, we take one. We can change the activity, try a different approach or give everyone a moment to relax.

Please don't feel that you have to manage every situation perfectly. My job is to guide the photography session and help your family feel as comfortable as possible.

One final thing to remember

Your family doesn't need to be perfect to have beautiful photographs.

Your baby may need extra cuddles. Your toddler may want to explore. Your teenager may need a little encouragement. And you may feel unsure about being in front of the camera yourself.

That's all right.

My approach is to create a relaxed environment where your family can be yourselves, while I capture the connections, expressions and little details you'll want to remember for years to come.

Have questions before your session? Get in touch, and I'll be happy to help you prepare for your newborn, maternity or family photoshoot in Amsterdam.