Planning a **family photoshoot in Townsville** can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, especially when young children are involved. The key to a smooth and enjoyable experience is preparation! Here’s how you can help your kids (and yourselves!) feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun in front of the camera.

A relaxed and heartfelt guide to getting the most out of your session

Booking a family photoshoot is such a beautiful way to press pause and hold on to the little details: those chubby toddler cheeks, the hand-holding, the belly laughs, and everything in between. Whether you’re celebrating a new season in life or simply wanting to document your everyday magic, I’m so happy you’re here. As a Townsville family photographer, my heart lies in capturing connection, joy, and those fleeting moments that make your family uniquely yours.

A little preparation can make a world of difference. Not in making things perfect, but in helping everyone feel comfortable, confident, and ready to simply enjoy the experience.

Let’s chat about what helps your session flow beautifully, and how we’ll work together to make it feel fun, natural, and memorable.

Start with the right time of day. Little ones tend to be their happiest when they’re well-rested and fed, so I always recommend choosing a session time that works with their natural routine. Early mornings or late afternoons during golden hour are usually ideal, with soft, flattering light and the kind of calm energy that brings out the best in everyone. We want the experience to feel gentle and easy, never rushed.

Keep outfits comfy and coordinated, and not matching. When choosing what to wear, comfort really is key. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen work beautifully and feel lovely to wear. Stick with neutral or earthy tones, soft pastels, or gentle textures that photograph well and feel timeless. Bright whites can be a little harsh on camera, so I always recommend warmer off-whites or creamy tones instead.

Rather than everyone wearing the exact same thing, aim for complementary outfits. This means choosing colours and styles that work well together but aren’t identical. Picture a soft colour palette. Maybe mum in a flowy oat-coloured dress, dad in a relaxed stone-toned shirt, one child in a dusty blue romper and the other in soft blush. It creates a cohesive look without being too uniform. The mix of textures and tones brings movement and a natural feel to your images.

Have all of your outfits ironed and laid out the night before your shoot to avoid any last-minute stress. Trust me, it’s one less thing to think about on the day, and it helps you feel calm and organised from the start. It’s also a good idea to check out your photoshoot location on Google Maps the day before, and factor in traffic so you know exactly where you’re going and how long it’ll take. It makes the whole experience feel smoother and helps you arrive relaxed and ready to go.

Lauren wasn’t sure what to dress her family in, but after a quick chat and sharing some outfit ideas back and forth, we landed on a soft, earthy palette that photographed beautifully. She later said,
"I was so unsure about what we should all wear, but Maria helped me piece together outfits that looked amazing on camera and felt totally 'us'. Nothing too matchy, just beautifully coordinated." – Lauren M.

And if YOU are ever unsure, I’m more than happy to help you pull looks together beforehand. Just send me a message with your outfit ideas!

Let your little ones know what to expect: but in a way that feels fun and exciting. Rather than saying, “We’re going to a photoshoot,” you could say, “We’re going to meet Maria! She’s a lovely friend who takes pictures of families while they play and have fun together.” This small shift in language helps your kids feel more at ease, and might even get them excited about the day.

One more tip? Try to avoid saying “cheese.”
While it’s a classic, it often brings out those stiff, unnatural smiles, and after a while, it can actually make kids feel a bit anxious or frustrated if they’re being told to keep smiling over and over again. Instead, let’s keep things playful and light. I’ll guide you through some fun little games and prompts to bring out those genuine grins and heartfelt moments. That way, everyone feels relaxed and the smiles come naturally.

Make the experience feel like an adventure. The best family photography doesn’t come from stiff poses, it comes from real moments. I love capturing the silly, the snuggly, the in-between glances, and the bursts of laughter. We’ll keep things light, playful, and spontaneous. If someone’s feeling a bit shy or unsure, I’ve got plenty of gentle tricks up my sleeve to help bring out their smiles.

One of my favourites? I’ll make a sneaky little fart noise and say, “Hey! Who was that?” It’s all in good fun, and those genuine giggles? They’re the moments we’re after.

"Our kids still talk about the session. Especially Maria’s funny teddy bear and the stickers on her forehead! She made them laugh from the moment we arrived." – The Bennett Family

Snacks and comfort items can be magic. Bringing along a few healthy, non-messy snacks can be a lifesaver, especially for younger kiddos. A familiar toy or favourite blanket tucked in your bag is also a great idea. It can help ease any nerves or offer a quiet moment of comfort (if needed).

Stay flexible and go with the flow. Kids are wonderfully unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes their energy so special. If they need a moment to warm up or are bursting with excitement from the start, we’ll follow their lead. They are also incredibly intuitive, and pick up on your energy. So the more calm and relaxed you are, the more at ease they’ll feel too.

Most importantly, trust the process. You don’t need to worry about posing or getting everything “just right.” I’ll guide you through gentle prompts and fun, natural interactions, so your family’s unique connection shines through. Whether your toddler wants to chase waves or your baby just needs a cuddle. We’ll capture it all, exactly as it happens.

Family photos are more than just something to hang on the wall. They’re a way of freezing moments that are otherwise gone in a blink. If you’re looking for a professional family photographer in Townsville who values real connection, warm light, and laughter above perfection, I would love to be part of your story.