A gentle reminder: Setting the stage for a successful family photoshoot from a parent and Eugene, Oregon family photographer

Kids set the tone. With some boundaries and strategies to engage them, following their lead, rather than feeling frustrated that they aren’t following your vision, leads to real moments.

Many Oregon kids like to get wet and play in the dirt! Eugene is known for rain, and when it isn’t raining, we have rivers, lakes and ocean. We might get wet or dirty, and that is okay. We might stack rocks, splash, or get our perfectly chosen wardrobe wet, and that is still okay.

The Oregon Coast is wet and sandy. There is nothing more natural than a kid in their element, digging in sand and running from waves.

Do you spend time at the river during the summer? Does your child love to play in the lake? Eugene has both the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers running through it. We also have Fern Ridge reservoir, Dexter Lake, Fall Creek, Dorena, Cottage Grove lake, and many more. Oregon as a state is outdoorsy, so embrace it, parents!

Don’t go in with a vision or expectation. You may not get what you were expecting, but you may get something you never would have expected! If you expect your child to behave in a certain way, and even bribe them to do so, you may arrive at location and they don’t feel that way. You may be totally bummed, and they will feel that.

Kids don’t have the same emotional regulation skills that adults do (and many of us still struggle with that!). They may feel nervous or want to play. Are they tired? Hungry? There are some things that we can do to help set them up for success, but ultimately they’re going to pick up on your stress. Breathe, I’ve got you!

Kids will be kids. Their attention span is short, and there is no rush. They can play, they can come back, they can snuggle, they can get dirty, they can take breaks, they can smile, they can not smile. Let their personality shine in whatever way they decide to show it that day.

When you look back, in 5, 10, 20, years from now, I hope you have memories of a special evening with your family. I hope you see small moments that remind you of their true selves at this fleeting age. I hope you remember the way you interacted together, loved each other, and played together. I hope it brings you back to their childhood.

Relax, breathe, and enjoy the moment