What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for a Stress Free Family Photoshoot in Cornwall
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 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.
So 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 for you to worry about.
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! (and snacks are important!)
Children don’t need to perform or smile on cue. In fact I prefer when they don’t smile for the camera, those forced smiles don’t hit the same way as those belly laughter moments that will make you smile when you flick through your gallery. When family photography sessions are allowed to unfold naturally, the images tend to be so much more sincere and personal. I’ll offer you some guidance but only to help you out because I know someone having their camera walking around you doesn’t scream comfortable for you, 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 and some little ones, when you want that extra ease.
Comfort is key. Clothing that allows you to sit but also move freely will always photograph better than anything restrictive and keep your little ones happy which is golden for us.
Every photographer in the land has written at least one post about avoiding logos and bright colours, and I whole heartedly agree, it’s not to make your images look like everyone else’s but they just age better, they look better in frames in your homes.
3. Snacks (Especially for Younger Children)
I told you, snacks help keep energy levels steady and little ones happy. We take breaks when needed and not just for me 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. So don’t worry if little ones want to bring their comforters.
5. Trust
Trust that I’ll guide you.
Trust that your children don’t need to behave a certain way. 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 and let me take care of the rest.
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, most locations are a little walk from the carpark so a great chance for me to get everyone on side. Nothing is rushed and there’s no strict structure to follow I’ll guide you around the location we choose- chances are I’ve been there before.
I’ll interact with your family as they are, rather than trying to make them fit a plan. I have 3 children myself so I understand how you’re feeling, we got this.
What to Leave Behind
1. The Idea That Everyone Needs to Look at the Camera
They don’t.
I said this before but when they do they often feel forced, they make faces and I know thats going to make you feel as though you need to step in. Don’t. I’ll encourage them and get some cheeky smiles in there somewhere.
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- you won’t regret 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, I had to learn this the hard way! Me trying to force kids into a pose for one shot didn’t get me too far, I’ve learnt to relax and it’ll be fine- honestly. Then 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 pj’s 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
So lets agree, you’ll just need to show up as you are.
I’ll guide you gently, we’ll work at your children’s pace and photograph you and 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.
