The Ultimate Guide to a Fun & Stress-Free Lifestyle Photo Session (Even with Kids!)
Let's be honest: the idea of a family photo session can bring a wave of anxiety. Will my kids behave? What will we wear? What if we look awkward? It’s enough to make you put it off for another year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A lifestyle session should be a fun, memory-making experience you actually enjoy, not a stressful test you have to pass. This guide will walk you through everything, from choosing the perfect outfits to embracing the beautiful chaos, ensuring you feel prepared, relaxed, and excited for a session that truly reflects your family.
Part 1: The Preparation Phase – Setting the Stage for Success
What to Wear: The 3 C's (Comfort, Coordination, and Character).
Comfort: If you're not comfortable, it shows. Avoid anything too restrictive.
Coordination: Don't match, coordinate. Offer a sample colour palette (e.g., "earthy neutrals with a pop of mustard or denim"). Advise against big logos or busy patterns.
Character: Let individual personalities shine through accessories or layers.
Location, Location, Emotion.
While a random pretty field can be nice, a location that is meaningful to you adds a powerful layer of emotion and storytelling to your photos. Consider the places where your family feels most at home and happy. This could be your own house, a favourite park in Cyprus where you always take walks, the beach where you spend your summers, or even an ice cream shop you love. A familiar environment helps everyone, especially children, relax and be themselves.
Timing is Everything: The Magic of Golden Hour
The secret ingredient to those dreamy, glowing photos is light. We almost always schedule lifestyle sessions during "Golden Hour"—the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, creating a soft, warm, and incredibly flattering light that wraps around you. It eliminates harsh shadows and squinting, and gives every image a magical quality. It’s worth adjusting schedules for!
Part 2: During the Session – It's Time to Play!
Forget "Cheese!" – Embrace Prompts
The best lifestyle photos are born from genuine interaction, not forced smiles. That's why we use prompts instead of poses. A "pose" is static and stiff ("Stand here, look at me, and say cheese!"). A "prompt" is an action that creates a natural reaction ("Everyone race towards me!", "Tell dad a secret that will make him laugh," "Let's see who can give the biggest bear hug"). Your only job is to interact, play, and connect with your loved ones.
Trust Your Photographer to Find the Magic
During the session, try to let go of the need to control the situation. Your photographer is constantly scanning for beautiful light, interesting compositions, and those fleeting, authentic moments. We see the magic you might miss. Your only job is to be present with your family. Let us worry about the angles and the camera settings; you just focus on enjoying the moment.
Embrace the Beautiful Chaos
This is especially true for sessions with young children. Kids run, they get messy, they cry, and they laugh uncontrollably. This is not a problem; this is the story. The imperfect, chaotic, and candid moments are often the ones you'll cherish the most because they are real. We are prepared for anything and will happily follow your child's lead to capture their true spirit.
The Photos Are Just the Souvenir of a Great Time
The goal of a lifestyle session is to create a positive experience first and beautiful photos second. When you focus on having fun and connecting as a family, the stunning images will follow naturally. A little preparation and a shift in mindset are the keys to a session that you'll not only love the results of but will also remember as a wonderful memory in itself.
