When a family of six, with four lively kids, books a session, some photographers might brace for a wild ride. But let me tell you, this recent family session at the historic Manassas Battlefield, which was part of an even larger extended family gathering, was truly the best kind of fun! With a grand total of eight kids in attendance across the full session, it was a beautiful reminder that with a little preparation and a lot of love, family photos can be not just manageable, but genuinely joyful.

From the moment we started with this wonderful family, these kiddos were delightful. Their parents did an incredible job preparing them for our time together, and it truly made all the difference. Before each session, I share a little tip sheet guide with parents, packed with ideas to help make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Some of my favorite tips include:

• Empowering the little ones: I suggest telling kids they can pick a special picture to get printed for their room. This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement!
• Santa’s little helpers: For younger children, a playful tip is to tell them the pictures get sent to Santa to see how well they’re doing throughout the year. It’s amazing how well that works!
• The magic of mini marshmallows: And yes, sometimes, a few tiny bribes like mini marshmallows can be a lifesaver!

For this particular family, we barely even needed to dip into the marshmallow stash. The children were incredibly well-behaved, and the entire session felt relaxed and natural. Little B, the youngest darling, was especially eager to be part of the fun, as long as Mom was happily nearby. Those little moments of connection are what truly make these sessions special.

It’s always such a joy to witness and capture the unique dynamics of each family. This session at Manassas Battlefield was a perfect example of how genuine connection and a sprinkle of preparation can lead to stunning, heartfelt memories that will be cherished for years to come.