If you’re anything like most of the families who enquire with me, you’ve probably had this thought at some point:

“I’d love family photos… but I don’t know how it will go.”

What if the kids don’t listen?
What if someone gets tired, sandy, muddy, hungry, or overwhelmed?
What if it all feels like hard work instead of something enjoyable?

I want to gently reassure you, family photoshoots don’t need to feel stressful or over planned to be meaningful. In fact, the most relaxed family photography sessions in Cornwall are often the ones where families arrive without a long checklist or high expectations.

This guide isn’t about getting everything right.
It’s here to help you feel prepared, relaxed, and confident. So you can enjoy your time together while I document your family naturally and honestly.

Think of this as practical advice from someone who photographs families every week, not another thing to get perfect.

What to Bring With You to Your Family Photoshoot

1. A “Go With the Flow” Mindset

This matters just as much as outfits and snacks!

Children don’t need to perform or smile on cue. They just need space to be themselves. When family photography sessions are allowed to unfold naturally, the most meaningful images tend to appear in the quiet in between moments. I’ll offer you some guidance but always to help you look your best, I have to say though alot of my favourite photos are always in the moments before or after the poses!

2. Comfortable Clothing

I’ll always guide you on what to wear for your family photoshoot and I offer a client wardrobe for mums who want that extra ease.

Comfort is key. Clothing that allows you to walk, sit, cuddle, and move freely will always photograph better than anything restrictive and keep your little ones happy which is golden for us.

3. Snacks (Especially for Younger Children)

Snacks help keep energy levels steady and remove pressure. We take breaks when needed and those pauses often become moments of connection rather than interruptions. Not just for us to chat, but hearing you all chat together often gives me a little pieces I can use to keep children engaged for longer.

4. A Familiar Comforter (If Needed)

A teddy, blanket or favourite toy can help children feel settled. Sometimes they appear in the photographs, sometimes they don’t but either way, they help the session flow more calmly.

5. Trust

Trust that I’ll guide you.
Trust that your children don’t need to behave a certain way.
Trust that relaxed, honest moments are always enough. Trust that the session is probably going better than you think it is.

You don’t need to manage the session, thats what I’m there for!
You just need to be present with your family.

Before we move on to what you can leave behind, it’s worth knowing how these sessions actually run.

There’s time built in for settling in, snack breaks, cuddles, and pauses when children need them. Nothing is rushed, and there’s no strict structure to follow. I respond to your family as they are, rather than trying to make them fit a plan.You don’t need to manage the session. You just need to show up and be with your children.

What to Leave Behind

1. The Idea That Everyone Needs to Look at the Camera

They don’t.

When they do they often feel forced, make faces and just have a ‘I wish i was somewhere else’ look about them. Some of the loveliest family photographs happen when children are looking away, exploring their surroundings, or leaning into you mid moment. These are the images that feel real years later.

2. Apologies for Your Children

There’s no need to apologise.

I am a mother too. I’ve seen it, heard it, smelt it and felt the need to apologise for it too. But don’t.

Its all good, There is no “too loud”, “too shy”, or “too energetic” in family photography. Childhood is allowed to be exactly what it is. Just roll with it.

3. Pressure to Make the Session ‘Worth It’

You don’t need to force moments.

Showing up is enough.
Holding hands is enough.
Standing close is enough.

When you stop trying to control the experience, the photographs naturally fall into place. It might be that you end up with a simple photo of your children looking up at you whilst you give them a hug. The look on their face- worth it!

Simple Family Photoshoot Checklist

Essentials

☐ Water
☐ Snacks
☐ Wipes or tissues

Clothing

☐ Session outfits
☐ Layers or extra jumpers
☐ Spare clothes for children
☐ Comfy clothes or pyjamas for the journey home

Outdoor Extras

☐ Towel (especially for beach sessions)
☐ Sensible footwear
☐ Blanket to sit on

If Helpful

☐ Comfort item
☐ Hairbrush or hair ties
☐ Sun cream or waterproofs (weather dependent)

Most Important

☐ A relaxed, flexible mindset

Bringing It All Together

If you take just one thing away from this, let it be this:

You don’t need to organise your family into perfection for a family photoshoot to be worthwhile.

You just need to show up as you are.

I’ll guide you gently, work at your children’s pace, and photograph your family in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and true to this season of life.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a family photographer in Cornwall but waiting for things to feel calmer or more “together”, this is your sign that now is already enough.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for a Stress Free Family Photoshoot in Cornwall