North Rim Photography
How to get amazing family photos without losing your mind. Even with toddlers. Even with teenagers. Even with the dog.
By Joel Jauregui | Hundreds of family sessions photographed
It's 4:30 PM on a Saturday. You've spent an hour getting everyone dressed. Your oldest changed three times. Your toddler already has mystery stains on their white shirt. Someone is crying because they can't find their shoes. Your partner is asking if they really need to tuck in their shirt.
And you're standing in the bathroom wondering why you thought matching outfits were a good idea.
This guide fixes all of that. Before it happens.
Best time of day, best season, how far in advance to book, and why golden hour is non negotiable. Plus nap time strategy for toddlers.
The coordinate, don't match rule. How to build a family color palette in 4 steps. Tips for mom, dad, kids, babies, and yes, the dog.
Age specific strategies for toddlers (1 to 3), young kids (4 to 8), and tweens/teens. What works, what backfires, and how to handle meltdowns.
How to include the dog without chaos. Exercise first, high value treats, bring a handler, and why pet shots go first.
What a 45 to 75 minute session actually looks like. How to get real smiles (hint: never say cheese), and what happens when things go sideways.
Timeline for getting photos back, printing recommendations, gallery wall ideas, social media sharing tips, and why annual sessions are worth it.
Works in literally every season and location
Clean, classic, timeless
Peak fall vibes
Striking and fashion forward
You cannot control them. You can only create conditions where good moments happen. Nap first, snacks second, let them explore third. Posed smiles from a 2 year old look forced. Movement and discovery look magical.
The sweet spot. Old enough to follow directions, young enough to be silly. Make it a game, give them a job, and promise ice cream after. Works every single time.
Self conscious and too cool for photos. Involve them in outfit planning, give them individual shots, use humor, and remove all pressure. The less you push, the better the photos.
That's exactly why this exists. The guide has age specific strategies that work with how kids actually behave, not how we wish they would.
Especially for you. Separate sections cover each age group with specific tactics. Plus a pre session pep talk to read the morning of.
Absolutely. There's a full section on pet prep: exercise first, high value treats, bring a handler, and do pet photos first while energy is high.
Nope. This works with any photographer. It's universal prep advice from someone who has done hundreds of family sessions.
For $9, you'll know exactly what to wear, how to prep the kids, and what to expect so you can actually enjoy being in front of the camera with the people you love most.
Instant download. PDF format. Keep forever.