How to Prepare Children For Your Session

How to Prepare Your Kids for a Family Pop Up

Family pop up sessions are fast, fun and efficient – a quick way to update your family photos without a huge time commitment. Preparing your kids beforehand keeps those few minutes as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

1. Explain what will happen

Talk to your kids about the session in the days beforehand so it doesn’t feel like a surprise.

You might say: “We’re going to see a friend who’s going to take some quick family photos of us. We’ll cuddle, play a little bit, and then we’re done”

Reassure them that it will be quick and that you’ll be with them the whole time.

If you have older kids, you can show them previous family photos and let them know you’re updating them so you can remember this stage of life.

2. Keep the lead-up simple

Because the session is short, it helps if everyone arrives with a bit of energy left.

Try not to pack the day with big events right beforehand (e.g. back-to-back sports and parties).

If possible, give younger kids some quiet time or a rest earlier in the day.

Think of the session as the “main event”, not the final thing squeezed into an exhausting schedule.

3. Feed them first (and bring backups)

Snacks are your best friend.

Make sure everyone has eaten before you arrive so no one is running on empty.

Bring small, dry snacks and water for before/after or in the car home – crackers, fruit slices, etc.

Try to avoid messy, sticky or highly coloured foods right before your photos so you’re not battling stains or crumbs at the last minute. But I'll usually have some face wipes handy if needed.

4. Aim to arrive a little early

A small buffer of time makes a huge difference to how everyone feels. Try to arrive a few minutes ahead of your scheduled slot.

Use that time for last-minute toileting, a quick face and hand wipe, and a deep breath for the grown-ups.

Starting calm sets everyone up better than running in flustered and stressed.

5. Set gentle expectations

On the way there, keep the vibe light. Remind the kids that it will be quick and playful.

Let them know you’ll be close by, cuddling and playing together.

Focus on teamwork and doing it together as a family.

Low pressure, clear expectations and a bit of encouragement go a long way in making a short, efficient session feel fun rather than stressful.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Children’s Portrait Pop Up

Children’s portrait pop ups are short and sweet, so a little preparation beforehand really helps your child feel comfortable and ready.

1. Talk about it ahead of time

In the days leading up to the session, let your child know what’s happening in simple, relaxed language. For example:

“We’re going to visit a friend who will take a few quick photos of you. It’ll be really fast and we’ll just have a little play.”

Keep it light and positive. Try to avoid saying things like “You have to smile nicely” or “You must behave.” We want them feeling curious, not pressured.

If you can, show them some photos of themselves (even on your phone) and explain that you’re going to make some new ones together.

2. Keep the day calm

Because the session itself is quick, it helps if the rest of the day isn’t too full-on.

• Avoid packing the day with big outings or activities right before the session.
• If they still nap, try to time it so they can be reasonably fresh and alert when you arrive.

A calm, rested child will find it much easier to cooperate in a short time frame.

3. Make sure they’re fed and watered

Hungry kids and short sessions don’t mix well.

• Give them a snack or meal before you come so they’re not arriving hangry.
• Bring a small, dry, low-mess snack for before or after (crackers, apple slices, cheese cubes) if they need a top-up.
• Pack a water bottle so they can have a quick drink before or after the photos.

Try to avoid sticky, coloured or crumbly snacks right before the session so clothes and faces stay nice and clean.

4. Choose outfits they’re comfortable in

Honestly, I'm not fussed what your children wear. The main thing is that they are happy and comfortable in whatever they wear. Please try to avoid anything fluorescent as well as activewear.

Pick something they can move in and feel good wearing.

• Avoid scratchy fabrics, tight necklines or anything they hate having on.
• If they’re particular about clothes, involve them in choosing between two or three parent-approved options.
• Have them fully dressed and ready before you arrive, if possible.

A child who isn’t distracted by uncomfortable clothing will find it much easier to relax.

5. Allow a few extra minutes

Pop up sessions run on a tight schedule, so arriving a little early really helps.

• Aim to be there a few minutes ahead of your time slot.
• Use those minutes to straighten hair, wipe little faces and hands, and let them take in the new space.

Arriving in a rush can make everyone feel flustered; a tiny buffer helps you all start off on the right foot.

Sunset Family & Maternity Sessions

Planning a sunset family session in Perth means you’re in for something pretty special – soft golden light, salty air, and time together with your favourite people. It does usually fall close to bedtime though, so a little prep goes a long way to keeping everyone happy.

Here’s how to help your kids (and yourself) arrive relaxed, excited and ready to enjoy it.

1. Talk about it like a fun adventure

You know your kids better than anyone. How you explain the session will set the tone.

In the days leading up to it, let them know what’s happening in simple, positive language, for example:

“We’re going to the park while the sun goes down. A friend with a camera is going to take some photos while we play lots of games together.”

Avoid talking about “being good” or “smiling nicely”. When kids know they don’t have to perform, they show up far more relaxed and themselves – and that’s where the magic is.

You can also show them past family photos (even iPhone snaps). Most kids love seeing photos of themselves and it helps them understand what we’re doing and why.

2. Loosen the routine (just for one night)

I know how precious routines are – especially with little ones. But your photo session is just one evening, and it’s okay for things to be a bit different.

• Try to keep the day itself as calm as possible.
• If you can, avoid stacking the day with big activities (no huge hike and a birthday party and photos). Let the session be the “main event”.
• If your child still naps, consider a slightly longer or later nap to help them last the distance.

Dinner and bedtime can be a touch later than usual. You’ll never regret making a little room for this.

3. Prioritise rest, snacks and water

Happy tummies = happier photos.

• Make sure your little ones are fed before you arrive so they’re not hangry (hungry kids are never easy to work with).
• Bring a small stash of dry, non-messy snacks for during the session and the drive:
• Apple slices
• Carrot sticks
• Rice crackers

We can absolutely pause for snack and play breaks – I’ll often keep shooting quietly through these moments, because they’re usually gorgeous and real.

And water! Perth evenings can still be warm, even at sunset, so pack water bottles for everyone.

4. Your energy sets the tone

The secret to a beautiful session isn’t perfectly behaved children – it’s a relaxed, connected atmosphere.

If you can stay calm, playful and present (even when someone is wriggly or a bit grumpy), your kids will usually follow your lead. Try not to worry about whether they’re “doing it right”. That’s my job.

You focus on cuddling, playing, and enjoying them in this season of life. I’ll focus on the photos. I want you to enjoy your session AND love your photos. Both are my aim.

Why all of this matters

These aren’t just pictures for your walls or your Instagram grid. They’re little time capsules of what life felt like.

Years from now:

• Your children will see how deeply they were loved.
• You’ll see yourself with softer eyes – the way your kids see you now.
• The parents who usually avoid the camera will be so glad they stepped into the frame.

Whether this is your first sunset family session or one of many, these images will become part of your family story – a visual legacy of love, chaos, tenderness and everything in between.

I’m so looking forward to our session together and to meeting your little ones. If you have any questions about your child’s specific temperament, nap schedule or needs, you’re always welcome to chat with me before the day – we’ll figure it out together.