Set The Tone for Success


As a mom, I completely understand how stressful it can feel to get your kids ready for a photography session—matching outfits, brushed hair, clean faces…it can seem like a lot. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be that way! My sessions are designed to be relaxed, fun, and completely kid-friendly.

Over the years, I’ve worked with every type of little personality you can imagine—energetic, shy, silly, stubborn, or even a bit wild (yes, I have one of those myself!). And you know what? It always works out beautifully. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. The point is to have fun, make memories, and capture authentic moments along the way.

So please don’t stress if your toddler doesn’t want to sit still—in fact, I’d rather they didn’t! I want them running, playing, laughing, and just being themselves. Those real, unscripted moments are where the magic happens. That’s how we create joyful, heartwarming images you’ll treasure for years to come—photos that truly reflect your child’s personality and the love in your family.

Collection of children wearing casual t-shirts posing together near wooden railings outdoors.

Boy Mom

A Week Before: Set Expectations with Kids


Start talking with your kids about the upcoming photo session in a fun, positive way so they start looking forward to it. Make it sound like an adventure! If we’re meeting at a local park, like Live Oak Park, tell them about the ducks they might see or the big, beautiful trees they can climb and play under. Get them curious and excited.

Let them know they’ll be meeting a new friend—me!—who just wants to play games, explore, and take a few pictures along the way. I’ll be laughing, chasing, and talking with them so much that they might even forget we’re having a photo session at all. That’s when the real magic begins—when their guard drops, personalities shine, and we capture genuine smiles and moments of joy.

To help them feel more comfortable, show them a picture of me ahead of time, or share some of my past client photos with other kids having fun. This makes the experience feel familiar and safe before we even meet. By the time the day arrives, they’ll be excited, comfortable, and ready to simply be themselves—and that’s exactly how we create those natural, heartwarming images you’ll treasure.

A family enjoys playful moments running together through a sunny grassy field during golden hour.

The Day Before: Keep it Light and Fun


Try to keep the day before—and especially the day of—the session as simple and relaxed as possible. Avoid cramming in extra errands, activities, or late nights. The more “normal” the day feels, the more at ease your kids will be during the session.

Lay out outfits ahead of time so there’s no last-minute scrambling. Let your kids be part of the process by choosing a fun accessory or their own shoes. If they’re older, give them the family’s color palette and let them help pick a matching outfit. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps boost their confidence before we even start.

On the day of the session, make sure they’re well-rested, have had a good snack, and aren’t feeling rushed. Kids can sense our energy—if we’re calm, they’ll be calmer too. The goal is for everyone to arrive feeling happy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy some family time together. That’s when we capture those beautiful, genuine moments you’ll love forever.

What to Pack:Essentials for a Smooth Session


Session Day Checklist

Bring along a small bag with a few essentials to help keep everyone happy and comfortable:

  • Water bottles – especially important for warm summer sessions
  • Non-messy snacks – think fruit snacks, goldfish, or pretzels (nothing sticky or chocolatey)
  • Wipes or tissues – for quick clean-ups and runny noses
  • Favorite comfort item – a small toy, blanket, or lovey if your child needs reassurance
  • Backup outfit – especially for babies or toddlers (accidents happen!)
  • Neutral blanket – perfect for sitting on during outdoor shots without clashing with outfits

Having these items on hand can make the session smoother and keep smiles going strong.

And remember—if your little one needs a snack break, a sip of water, or just a moment to regroup during the session, that’s totally okay. We’ll go with the flow and make it a fun, relaxed experience for everyone.

During the Session: Let Kids be Kids


Don’t stress if your child isn’t smiling right away. Remember—they just met me, and I’m a new face in their world. It can take a little time for them to warm up, and that’s perfectly normal. I’ll use gentle direction and playful prompts to help them feel comfortable, keeping the mood natural and pressure-free.

Instead of forcing stiff smiles, I encourage playfulness, snuggles, movement, and genuine moments of connection. You might find yourselves tickling, spinning, or whispering silly secrets. I’ll be there to guide you through the entire session, but one thing I’ll never do is ask your child to “say cheese.” Kids have been trained to smile on command, and more often than not, that results in the classic “cheesy” grin—not the real, joyful expressions you want to remember.

We’ll play games, tell jokes, explore our surroundings, and let their personality lead the way. By creating an environment where they can simply be themselves, we capture the most authentic and heartwarming images—the kind that truly reflect your child’s spirit.

A series of outdoor family photos captured on a wooden bench under trees in a natural warm-lit setting.
Children sitting around large orange pumpkins with autumn leaves and hay bales in a festive fall photo setting.
A person and husky dog sitting together in a beautiful field of blooming blue bonnets on a spring day.
Two young children in tutus sitting on rocks and playing with bubbles in a wooded outdoor setting.
A vibrant field of red poppies stretches across the landscape on a sunny spring day.
Two children share a playful moment while sitting together in a saucer sled on sunny grass.

Your Job: Relax and Enjoy the Moment


The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kids will be. You are their safe place, their whole world—and they take their cues from you. If they see you smiling, calm, and enjoying the moment, they’ll naturally begin to do the same.

Don’t worry if the session feels a little chaotic or if your kids aren’t “posing” the way you imagined. That’s okay! I’m watching for the real magic through my lens. Some of my very favorite images come from those in-between moments: a sudden giggle, a tight hug, a silly face, or a shared look between you and your child that says more than words ever could.

Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Show up with love, be present, and let your family’s unique personality shine. When you do, everything else will fall into place, and we’ll capture the kind of memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

A playful interaction between parent and child during a sun-drenched outdoor photo session in a grassy field.
Three children in colorful t-shirts pose together on a wooden deck against an overcast sky.

You've Got This! (And I've Got You)


One last bit of encouragement—remember, this is meant to be a joyful experience for your family. You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time, and you’re never bothering me with questions. If you’re unsure about outfits, location details, or how to prepare your kids, just reach out. I’m always happy to help with prep, share ideas, and walk you through what to expect so you feel completely ready.

We’re in this together, and my goal is to make the process as easy, stress-free, and fun as possible. You can contact me anytime through my website: https://www.staciahebertphotography.com/contact/ —I’d love to hear from you!