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How To Prepare Kids For Sunset Family Photos

family photography

You are getting ready to book your Spring or Summer sunset family photos but then you realize that it will be past your kids bedtimes! Ah!

Don’t worry, I will share how to have a fun and laid back photo shoot and how to prepare your kids for family photos in the evening, even past their bedtimes.

I am a Vancouver Washington family photographer. In the spring and Summer, especially in the pacific northwest, the sun sets about nine o’clock at night. For the best light of the day, I start photographing families about a hour or so prior to the sun setting. Thus, the first question and concern I get from moms is that they are worried their kids won’t be able to do photos that late in the evening. It’s past their bedtimes and they don’t what grumpy little kids for their photos. Understandable and I get that, I have younger kids also and we get photos every year.

But I have good news, they will do great and I will share how to have a fun family photo experience even past their bedtimes!

#1 Tip For Sunset Family Photos: Dinner and Bring Snacks

Do you feel like you are turning into a ware wolf if you get hangry? I do and my kids getting hungry are that same version of me times a hundred! Make sure you have had a delicious dinner before your photo shoot and bring non messy dry snacks! When they have full bellies they will be happier. In addition, snack breaks are a great distraction.

Luckily, I am fairly quick and getting your family photos done in about an hour. With that said, your kids may still need some snack breaks. A few good snack ideas to bring to your shoot are: string cheese, plain crackers (colorful crackers like goldfish are messy), trail mix, and one of their favorite snacks. Just be mindful of what snacks will look like in teeth and clothing. If they love Oreos, save those for after the shoot! 😉

A Late Afternoon Nap

If your little one is still taking naps, try your best to push their nap into late afternoon. If they sleep a little longer than they usually do-let them. If they are napping into dinner time, wake them up when dinner is ready and give them adequate time to eat and relax before getting into the car.

Have A Laid Back Day Before Your Sunset Family Photos

Have your photo shoot be the big event of the day. Taking your kids to the zoo, all day at the park, or big birthday party before your shoot will exhaust them. Getting some exercise and outdoors that day is a great idea. However, very stimulating events may be too much the day of your shoot. If possible, try to lay low for that day.

Moms: Be Prepared For Your Sunset Family Photos

You may be doing most of the preparing for what to wear and pack. Have everyones wardrobe hung and ready to go the day or evening before. Pack some snacks, wipes, water, and a light jacket in case. I like using a large beach bag, it’s light and easy to carry, and I don’t mind if it gets a little dirty on the ground when I need to set it down. Preparing for your photos takes a little effort, if you can, try to have a laid back day also. Run errands a different day if possible and drink your coffee a little slower that morning. 🙂

Let Go Of Expectations For Your Kids

Unless it’s a safety concern, try to avoid worrying about how your kids will behave, smile, and staying super clean in their outfits. You’ve spent time getting everything ready and you just want it to go smoothly. I am here to make your family photo experience fun and something you’ll want to do again.

If your kids accidentally trips and gets their pants dirty, let it go. They may need to run around and be silly, let them. You get to be the laid back cool mom that day. There is no judgments on how they “behave” and I prefer genuine smiles and having fun during your photo shoot.

Not Convinced Your Family Is Ready For Sunset Family Photos?

You know your kids the best, if you know that it may just be too late I have recommendations about how you can still get those beautiful sunset photos!

Try scheduling your family photos in early spring or late summer. The sun sets the latest during summer solstice, which is in mid June. After that, the sun starts to set earlier. You can see when the sun sets all through the year here.

Moreover, you can schedule your family photos in the fall but if you really have your heart set on spring or summer evening photos, these tips have helped every family I have worked with and I have not had a kid not do well!

Moms: I got you and I am here to help!

Ready to book your photo shoot? Contact me and I am so excited to meet your family!