Let’s be honest: the phrase “enjoyable family photo session” can feel like an oxymoron. Someone’s shoes are too tight, the toddler has decided today is the day they hate everything, and you’ve spent three weeks agonizing over whether navy and sage go together. (They do. It’s fine.)

Here’s what actually makes a session go well – and spoiler: it’s not the outfits.

Feed everyone first. This sounds obvious, and yet! A hungry kid is a feral kid, and a feral kid is a blurry kid. Eat a proper meal before you come. Pack snacks for after. If you want to guarantee cooperation from a four-year-old, a granola bar at the right moment is worth its weight in gold. (This also applies to dads. You know who you are.)

Don’t over-coordinate. Pick a colour palette and let people wear what feels like them within it. When everyone is stuffed into matching outfits they’d never otherwise choose, it shows on their faces. This goes double for teenagers, who will look exactly as thrilled as they feel. Comfortable people look better in photos. True story.

Bring bribes, and own it. Fruit snacks, Timbits, screen time promises, the beloved stuffy – whatever works for your crew, bring it. There is zero shame in this. We are all just doing our best! (If grandma needs a chair and a coffee to get settled, that counts too.)

Let go of the perfect moment. The photos you’ll love most are rarely the ones where everyone was perfectly still and looking at the camera at the same time. They’re the ones where your kid said something ridiculous and you both cracked up, or where grandpa finally cracked a real smile, or where you were just actually hugging, not pretend-hugging. The mess is often the magic.

Trust your photographer. You don’t need to manage the session or apologize for your teenagers rolling their eyes or your mom insisting she “doesn’t photograph well.” That’s what I’m here for. I’ve seen it all, I know how to work with it, and I genuinely like your weird, wonderful family.

Show up, be present, and let the rest happen. That’s it. That’s the whole secret.

Ready to book your summer session? I’d love to meet your crew – chaos, grandparents, and all. Send me an email and let’s make a plan!

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!