5 Important Items You’re Forgetting to Bring to Family Pictures || Milwaukee, WI

Packing these five important items to bring to family pictures with young kids can save the day, and make for fun family photos!

If you are wanting your next family portrait session to run smoothly, but not sure how to best prepare for it here are a few things to pack in your bag that can save a session!

5. BLANKET

Blankets make the perfect prop at family sessions! Your family sitting on the blanket tickling one another or wrapping up and pretending to “keep warm” are all great ways to capture your loving interactions.

Kids love playing games with the blankets such as peek-a-boo or London bridge. This can turn our “dull” session into one your kids will love! Just make sure the blanket you choose coordinates with your family’s outfit colors!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a blanket to bring, just let me know you would like one for your session. I would be happy to give you a few options from my studio props.

4. SWEATER OR JACKET

Let’s face it, if your kids feel chilly they aren’t going to be having much fun or smiling during our family photo session. That’s why I recommend you plan a sweater or jacket that you don’t mind being photographed.

That way if your little ones start to feel cold, we have an immediate and color-coordinated solution!

3. BACK UP OUTFIT

Let’s face it, little ones can be messy! Bringing an extra outfit for your kids, just in case they had a little too much fun in a mud puddle or tripped, fell, and ripped their pants can save your session.

2. FAVORITE TOY

Bringing your little one’s favorite toy is a great way to get them smiling. But there are a few things to be considered.

I highly recommend hiding the toy in your purse or bag. This way your little ones don’t know it is with you, but we can bring out the toy if we need it!

Make sure it is a toy that you would be okay having in your family photos. I prefer to use toys as a last resort. This is because most little ones don’t want to give the toy back once they have it. So think about this when planning what to pack.

1. SNACKS + WATER

Being hungry at family pictures is NO fun! I highly recommend eating before your family session and bringing a few snacks and a water bottle.

Snacks that can be easily broken into small bites are perfect for positively reinforcing smiles. You’d be surprised the genuine thrill of a good fruit snack!