How to Make Holiday Mini Sessions with Kids Go Smoothly: Top Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

The holiday season is one of the most exciting times for family photos, especially when it comes to mini sessions! With their short timeframe and quick turnaround, these sessions are a fun way to capture those fleeting childhood moments. However, as any parent knows, getting young kids to cooperate can sometimes feel like a challenge.

Whether it’s their first mini session or their fifth, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure everyone has a fun, relaxed experience—and leaves with smiles that look natural, not forced.

1. Set Expectations (And Use Positive Reinforcement!)

Let’s be honest: most young kids don’t fully understand the idea of a “photo session,” so prepping them ahead of time can work wonders. I recommend talking about the session in the days leading up to it. You could explain that it’s a fun activity where they’ll get to play, smile, and maybe even jump around a bit!

Here’s a great trick: decide on a fun treat or activity to do together after the session. Whether it’s a hot chocolate stop, a trip to their favorite playground, or a small treat, let them know they’ll earn it by doing their best in front of the camera. During the session, we can use this reward as a motivator rather than trying to negotiate or feel frustrated. Positive reinforcement is key!

2. Skip the iPads and Phones Before the Session

In today’s world, it’s easy to give kids a phone or iPad for a bit of quiet time, but try to avoid it right before a photo session. Once kids start using electronics, it can be tough to pry them away. Coming in with fresh eyes and no recent screen time keeps them more focused and engaged, making the session much smoother for everyone.

Instead, get them excited about the session as you walk in! They are always welcome to “help out” with picking their favorite poses or let them know that they’ll get to be little “stars” for the day. A bit of imaginative play can work wonders for their cooperation and willingness to have fun with the process.

3. Bring Their Favorite Music (But Leave It Off Your Phone!)

Music is an instant mood booster, and kids are no exception! If your child has a favorite song that makes them smile, let us know! We’ll play it over the speaker system, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s crucial to avoid playing music directly from your phone, though. As soon as kids see a phone, their instinct is to grab it, play with it, and even look at it instead of the camera! Having the music on a separate system keeps their attention on the session itself while still giving them the comfort of their favorite tunes.

The Goal: Fun, Authentic Photos!

During holiday mini sessions, my main focus is capturing genuine, joyful moments. Sometimes, kids may need a little warm-up time, and that’s okay! I’m here to make the experience easy, lighthearted, and enjoyable for both the kids and the parents. When kids feel comfortable, it shows in the photos—no forced smiles, no fake laughs, just real moments that you’ll treasure.

So, let’s work together to make your next holiday mini session a smooth, memorable experience! By setting expectations, skipping screens, and bringing in the right tunes, we can create a stress-free atmosphere for you and your family.