Do you dread family photos? I would say we all do in some way. But the pain is worth the gain. So I`m sharing some tips on how to make your photo session FUN!

Here`s what actually works for getting real, genuine smiles out of kids during a family session:
✨ Don`t say "smile!" I know, wild concept. But forced smiles look... forced. Instead, I get them laughing by being absolutely ridiculous. Think silly sounds, dad jokes, and the occasional armpit noise. You`re welcome.
✨ Build in 5 minutes of play first. Let the kids warm up to me before I point a camera at them. We`ll chase, we`ll race, we`ll do something goofy — and then the magic happens naturally.
✨ Bring a bribe. No shame. Lollipops for after the session? A trip to get ice cream? A new toy waiting in the car? USE IT. Parenting is survival and I fully support it. 🍦
✨ Schedule around nap time — not during it. A tired toddler is a WILD toddler. Golden hour is beautiful but not if your 2-year-old turns into a pumpkin at 7pm. Know your kid!
✨ Lower your expectations and raise your fun. The families who have the BEST sessions are the ones who come in loose and ready to laugh. The "perfect" pose matters so much less than the real moment.

The chaos IS the memory, mama. Let`s capture it together. 💛

Drop a 😂 if your kid has ever destroyed a photo session and I`ll respond with my BEST survival tip just for you!

📸 Sessions booking fast! Comment FAMILY to get details!

P.S. Sharing one of boy`s last day of school photos, because sometimes you just got to have fun and be silly. 😂

#kansascityphotographer #photographer #familyphotos #summerphotos #lastdayofschoolphotos