Planning a family photo shoot can bring up a surprising amount of pressure, especially when you have young kids. 

You spend weeks thinking about outfits, trying to coordinate schedules around naps and dinner, hoping everyone is in a good mood, and crossing your fingers that your kids are going to make it through the session without having a complete meltdown halfway through.

I’m here to tell you that almost every parent of young kids has felt that way.

A family of four laughs together during a New England family photo shoot on a sandy lakeside beach at golden hour. Two parents swing their young son by the arms while their older son runs alongside them, with a tree-lined lake reflecting the evening sky in the background.

 

A mother and young daughter twirl and dance barefoot in an open wildflower meadow during a family photo shoot, their hair and dresses caught mid-spin. Seen from behind, the mother wears a flowing black gown while her daughter wears a white dress, with yellow wildflowers and trees glowing in the warm evening light.

What if My Kids Don’t Behave During Family Photos?

I have great news! Your kids don’t need to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera for an hour for your family photos to turn out beautifully. The goal is to document your family exactly as you are right now (and yes, that absolutely includes the dog! Check out this post if you’re thinking about bringing yours!) The running, the hiding behind mom’s legs, the unexpected belly laughs, all of it.

As a Boston family photographer, I approach every family photo shoot knowing that kids are going to be kids. We won’t fight against that; we’ll work with it. I’m never expecting your kids to perform for me. Some kids want to run the entire session, some need five minutes to warm up, and some want to tell me every fact they know about dinosaurs before we start. Those are usually the moments that make the best photos anyway!

So if you’ve been putting off booking a family photo shoot because the idea feels too stressful or overwhelming, here are 7 things that will actually help the session feel easier, and maybe even a little bit fun for both you and your kids.

A family of four poses together during a family photo shoot inside a lush botanical conservatory, surrounded by tropical plants and terracotta pots. The mother in a blue satin dress holds their smiling baby while their young blond son stands in front with the father, all dressed in coordinating shades of blue.

Choose a Quiet Location for Your Family Photo Shoot

A quieter location can completely change the energy of a family photo shoot, especially with younger children.

Busy parks, crowded beaches, and high-traffic areas can be overstimulating very fast. A lot is happening, a lot of distractions, and for some kids, it becomes really hard to settle when everything around them is competing for their attention. 

When we’re scouting locations, I always try to find spots that feel calm. Somewhere with room to move around and explore. Some of my favorite family photo locations in and around Boston include quiet spots like North Point Park and Arnold Arboretum.

 

Choose Comfort Over Anything Else for Your Family Photo Shoot

If your child hates what they’re wearing, everyone will know within 5 minutes.

Family photos are not the time to test itchy dresses, stiff suspenders, or shoes they’ve never worn before. Discomfort shows up in photos through tight smiles, stiff posture, and tears.

 Comfort matters more than perfection here!

Yes, I want you to feel great in what you wear. Yes, outfits matter visually. but not at the expense of how you actually feel during the session.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Neutral or earthy colors— creams, taupes, warm browns, soft greens, and dusty blues all photograph beautifully together.
  • Soft, breathable fabrics— linen, cotton, and jersey knit move naturally and don’t read stiff on camera.
  • Clothes that move naturally— think flowy dresses, relaxed dress pants, anything that lets your kids run, jump, and spin without restriction.
  • Coordinated, not matching— you don’t need everyone in the same outfit. Instead, aim for a cohesive color palette and similar levels of formality.
  • Layers and textures— a cozy cardigan, a light denim jacket, or a fun knit add visual interest.
  • Pieces that feel like you— the best outfits are ones your family would actually wear on a nice day out, not costumes.

A quick note on dressing for New England weather:

This part is so important and very easy to overlook. If we’re shooting in the fall or spring, it might be 70 degrees when you leave the house and 55 by the time golden hour rolls around. And a cold, shivering kid is not a happy kid. I always recommend wearing an extra layer that you can easily peel off if you get too hot.

A family of four laughs together during a Boston family photo shoot in a wide-open field bursting with autumn color. The mother holds their baby on one hip while swinging their gleeful curly-haired toddler by the arm, his feet lifting off the ground, as the father walks beside them smiling.

Summer sessions are a whole different vibe! The heat and humidity are real here in New England, so I recommend keeping things light and breathable. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton will be your best friend. They photograph beautifully and won’t leave you feeling sweaty halfway through the session. 

Three siblings sit barefoot on a grassy path during family photos in Boston, laughing and smiling at the camera. The middle boy drapes his arms around his blonde brother on the left and his younger sister on the right, with tall wildflowers and meadow grasses framing them on either side.

If you ever have a question about what to wear, reach out! I’m always happy to help you think through it. When in doubt, just send me a message. I genuinely love helping with this stuff!

 

Pack a Bag of Snacks, a Favorite Toy, and a Change of Clothes

I call this the parent survival kit, and I am absolutely begging you to bring it.

A hungry child can derail a family photo shoot faster than almost anything else. I’ve seen it many times, it’s not pretty!

Pack snacks, just nothing too messy that will stain their clothes or turn their mouth a fun shade of blue. Crackers, fruit or yogurt pouches, and granola bars are great options.

A favorite toy or comfort item is also a game changer, especially for toddlers who need a minute to warm up. It gives them something to hold onto, something familiar, and can be a great prop for candid moments, too. 

And a change of clothes? Just trust me on that one. Kids find ways to need it.

A family of five enjoys a joyful moment together on a sandy beach during a family photo shoot, with two curly-haired daughters in matching pink dresses hugging their father as he crouches down, while the mother kneels nearby holding their smiling baby boy. Coastal rocks and wild shrubs glow in the warm sunset light behind them.

 Let Your Kids Get to Know Me Before Your Family Photo Shoot

This one is probably the tip that makes the biggest difference, and it’s the one most people don’t think about ahead of time.

Kids are naturally a little skeptical of strangers… especially strangers pointing cameras at them. So when we first meet up, I’m not going to start shooting right away. We’re going to hang out for a few minutes first. I’ll get down on their level, ask them what they’re into, and maybe be completely ridiculous to get a laugh out of them. I want them to decide I’m fun before I ask anything of them.

One thing that can make a really big difference, especially for toddlers and younger kids, is showing them a photo of me before the session. I know it sounds so simple, but it works! When kids already have a face to put to the name, I’m not quite as much of a stranger when we show up. You can pull up my Instagram or website, point to a photo, and just say something like “this is Lauren, she’s going to take our pictures, and she’s so fun!” Even just a 30-second conversation about who I am and what we’re going to do can help them feel so much more prepared and at ease when we actually meet.

This warm-up time is built into every family session I do, so you never need to rush. The more relaxed your kids feel with me, the more natural and joyful the photos will look, and that’s always the goal!

A family of three plus their corgi smile together during a spring family photoshoot on a tree-lined Boston sidewalk. The father holds their fluffy corgi while the mother carries their grinning baby boy in tiny sneakers, with blooming pink magnolia trees, fallen petals on the ground, and historic brownstones stretching behind them.

Keep Timing in Mind

This one is big and worth a conversation before we even pick a date and location.

Think about your kids’ schedules when planning your family photo shoot. Something scheduled in the middle of nap time or right before dinner is going to be hard on everyone, including you. I always recommend scheduling sessions during a time of day when your kids are naturally at their best and most playful. 

We will also keep the time of year in mind when planning your photo shoot. New England light in the fall is stunning, but golden hour comes much earlier than it does in the spring and summer. You won’t have to worry about this too much, though, because I’ll always help you figure out the ideal start time based on the season and location!

One more thing worth mentioning: you don’t need to block off your entire afternoon for this. Family sessions with kids don’t need to be long. In fact, shorter sessions often produce the best results. We can cover a lot of ground in 45-60 minutes when everyone is happy and energized, versus pushing through a two-hour session where by the end everyone is grumpy and ready to go home.

 Go With The Flow— Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

I know it’s tempting to try to get every photo to be perfectly posed with everyone looking directly at the camera with a big smile. But to be totally honest, those photos are rarely the ones you’ll end up loving the most.

The photos you’ll frame, the ones you’ll cry over when you see them the first time, are the ones where your kid is mid-laugh, or your partner is looking at you like you hung the moon, or the whole family is piled on top of each other being absolutely chaotic.

My job is to capture your family the way you actually are, not a stiff, staged version of it. So during our session, my biggest ask is just that you focus on being present with your people and let me handle the posing. Tickle your kids, tell an inside joke, look at each other instead of the lens. I’ll be there capturing it all.

Want to see what that looks like in real life? Browse some of my favorite family sessions here.

A family of four plus their golden doodle poses together in a lush wildflower garden during a Boston family photographer session. The parents smile at each other while their two children stand in front, surrounded by rows of purple, white, and red blooms with the mother cradling their fluffy dog in her arms.

A brother and sister sit side by side on a wooden bench during a Boston family photographer photos session, arms around each other and grinning at the camera. They are dressed in coordinating casual summer outfits, with bright yellow flowers and green gardens softly blurred behind them.

Plan a Bribe. Yes, Really!

I fully support strategic bribery and have zero shame about it!

Having a little reward waiting at the end of the session can work miracles for younger kids who need a little extra motivation to stay cooperative. Promise it early, remind them of it mid-session if needed, and absolutely follow through. Here are some of my favorite post-session treat ideas in Boston:

  • Ice cream at Crescent Ridge Dairy in Sharon
  • Their favorite dinner spot, even if it’s McDonald’s
  • A stop at Kimball Farm in Carlisle or Westford
  • Hot chocolate or a pastry at a local bakery like Flour
  • A trip to their favorite playground

A family photo shoot should feel like a fun day out, not a chore, and ending it with something they’re genuinely excited about makes the whole experience feel like a treat for everyone.


Two brothers lean over a wooden fence rail grinning at the camera during a family photo shoot in New England. One boy wears a sage green thermal shirt and the other a red button-down, with softly blurred orange and green autumn foliage filling the background.

A close-up portrait of a young toddler girl beaming with a big smile during fall family photo shoots, her hair in two small buns. She leans forward with arms outstretched wearing a cozy cream knit sweater, with brilliant golden orange autumn leaves glowing softly behind her.

How To Schedule a Family Photo Shoot With a Boston Family Photographer

I work with families all over the greater Boston area, including Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Framingham, Natick, and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of golden hour in the woods, a relaxed morning at a local farm, or something more urban, I would love to help you figure out the perfect spot.

Here’s how my booking process works:

  1. Fill out my inquiry form and tell me all about your family! I want to know everyone’s names and what kind of images you’re hoping to create.
  2. We will find the perfect time and location together, keeping your little one’s schedules in mind.
  3. I’ll send over an online contract for you to review and sign, and once your retainer deposit is in, your session is officially booked!
  4. You’ll receive my full session guide, packed with tips and lots of outfit inspiration to help you feel totally prepared.
  5. Text me your outfit options, questions, concerns… seriously, feel free to message me if you need anything. I love helping and want to make sure everything photographs beautifully!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photo Shoots in Boston

How long will a family photo shoot take?

Most family sessions run between 45 and 60 minutes, and honestly, that’s the sweet spot, especially with young kids. It’s long enough to settle in and capture a variety of moments, but short enough that nobody is having a meltdown by the end. 

What if my kids won’t cooperate during the session?

This is the number one thing parents worry about, and I promise it’s okay. Kids don’t need to be perfectly behaved for your photos to turn out beautifully. Wiggly, silly, and distracted kids make for some of the most genuine, joyful images. I build in warm-up time at the start of every session, specifically so your kids can get comfortable with me before I start shooting.

 

What should we wear for our family photos?

The families whose photos feel the most timeless usually wear outfits that feel soft, lived-in, and natural together rather than overly styled. Think textures, movement, cozy layers, and colors that feel inspired by New England itself. Coordinated but not matching, comfortable but still intentional. Once you book, I’ll send over a full session guide packed with outfit ideas, styling tips, and everything else you need to feel totally prepared and confident going into your session.

When is the best time of year for a family photo shoot in Boston?

Every season has something special to offer in New England. Fall is incredibly popular for the light and foliage, spring brings soft greens and blooms, and golden hour in the summer is stunning. The most important thing is choosing a time that works for your family’s schedule and your kids’ moods, and we’ll figure out the rest together.

 

Two young sisters in matching blue floral smocked dresses run hand in hand toward the camera laughing during Boston family photos, with their parents smiling and strolling together on the path behind them. Their blue hair bows and dresses flutter as they run, with a lush tree-lined garden stretching around them.

Two blonde sisters in matching blue floral smocked dresses and blue hair bows sit side by side on a weathered wooden garden bench during a Boston family photographer session, both giggling at the camera. A gravel garden path, stone walls, and colorful autumn foliage create a charming backdrop behind them.

 

How much does a family photo shoot cost?

Pricing details are available on my website, and I’m always happy to walk you through what’s included. I offer a straightforward booking process with a retainer deposit to hold your date, and every session comes with a full prep guide so you feel completely ready ahead of time.

Where do you shoot family photos in the Boston area?

I work with families all over greater Boston and love finding locations that feel calm, spacious, and visually beautiful. Some of my favorites include North Point Park, Arnold Arboretum, and quieter spots in towns like Newton, Wellesley, and Needham. If you have a place that’s meaningful to your family, I’d love to hear about it!

How do I book a family photographer in Boston?

It’s simple! Just fill out my inquiry form and tell me a little about your family. From there, we’ll find a date, time, and location that works for everyone. I’ll take care of the rest!

 

A family of three laughs together in a sun-dappled meadow during a Boston family photographer session. The father balances their delighted baby girl on his shoulders while the mother in a blue floral tiered dress looks up at her smiling, with tall grasses and green trees glowing in the summer light behind them.

Your Family Deserves a Beautiful Family Photo Shoot— Chaos and All

Here’s what I want you to take away from all of this: your family is already perfect for a photo shoot. Not a future version of your family where everyone is perfectly behaved and nobody has a meltdown. Your family right now. Exactly as you are. 

My whole approach as a Boston family photographer is built around capturing the real, joyful moments that are so specific to your family that nobody else could replicate them. The genuine laughs, snuggles, and maybe even a little sass from your youngest… those are the photos you’re going to hang on your wall and look at 10 years from now, reminiscing about this exact season you’re in.

Parents often tell me afterward that the session felt nothing like what they were dreading. That’s always the goal.

A family of four plus their golden retriever poses together along the pond path during a spring family photo shoot in Boston Public Garden. The parents crouch down with their smiling toddler daughter and young son, all dressed in coordinating shades of blue, with their happy golden retriever front and center, weeping willow trees and the pond reflecting in the background.

Two parents share a joyful moment by the pond during a spring family photo shoot in Boston, the father lifting their baby high overhead while the mother leans in laughing beside him. They stand on the grassy bank of the Boston Public Garden pond, surrounded by weeping willows and colorful red and green trees reflected in the water.

Book Your Family Photo Shoot With a Boston Family Photographer

I would be so honored to be your family photographer. Not just once, but for all the seasons ahead.

If you’ve been wanting family photos that actually feel like your family, playful, emotional, a little chaotic, and genuinely connected, I’d love to help you create something that feels easy and fun from start to finish. No stress, no stiff poses, just real moments with the people you love most.

You can reach out through my inquiry form here, and we’ll figure the rest out together.

 

A Boston Photographer’s Guide to Family Photos: 7 Tips for Prepping Kids for a Family Photo Shoot

Families

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a Boston and New England wedding and dog photographer. I love mini polaroids, phish food, and gin & tonics. I use the heart eyes emoji far too much, I could watch episodes of FRIENDS all day everyday, and checking the mail is my favorite part of every day. If you’re looking for pictures of beautiful, joyful couples and fluffy, adorable pups, you’re in the right place!

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A Boston and New England wedding and dog photographer.

Lauren Dobish Photography is a Boston, Massachusetts wedding photographer serving clients all over New England. She is also a Boston family photographer and a Boston dog photographer.

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