Let’s be real—keeping little ones happy and awake for an evening photo session can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry! With a little planning (and maybe a snack or two), your child can stay happy, engaged, and full of energy when it matters most. Here are 5 tips to keep kids awake and ensure your evening session is a success!
5 Tips for Successful Sunset Family Photos
1. Adjust Their Nap Schedule đź’¤
One of the easiest ways to keep kids awake for an evening session is to shift their nap earlier in the day. If they usually nap at 1 PM, try moving it back to noon. A well-timed nap helps prevent overtired meltdowns while still giving them enough energy for the session.
2. Plan a Low-Key Afternoon 🌿
Avoid scheduling too many activities on photo day. If they’ve had a full morning of running around, they might be exhausted by evening. Instead, plan a calm, relaxing afternoon with quiet playtime, books, or even a cozy movie to keep their energy levels steady.
3. Avoid Car Naps on the Way đźš—
This is a big one! If your child falls asleep in the car, even for 5-10 minutes, they might wake up groggy and cranky—making it much harder for them to be happy and engaged during the session. If you have a long drive, keep them entertained with music, a small snack, or quiet activities to prevent them from dozing off.
4. Give Them a Snack Beforehand 🍎
No one likes being hangry—especially kids! A well-timed protein-packed snack about 30-60 minutes before your session will help keep their mood up. Think cheese sticks, yogurt, peanut butter crackers, or fruit to give them lasting energy without a sugar crash. Even if you follow all these tips, some kids will still feel a little sleepy and grouchy past their bedtime (though I promise it’s rare). A special treat with a little jolt of sugar can be hugely helpful! Think something like marshmallows, that won’t leave stains versus M+M’s.
5. Make It Fun! 🎉
The best way to keep kids awake for an evening session? Keep them engaged! Let them know this is a fun adventure, not something they “have to do.” I’ll guide them with games, movement, and silly prompts so they feel like they’re playing rather than posing. A little laughter and play go a long way in keeping their energy up!
The Key to a Great Session
The most important thing is to keep the experience positive and relaxed. When kids are having fun, they’ll stay naturally engaged and happy. And if they start to get sleepy? Don’t stress—I’ll be there to capture beautiful, candid moments no matter what.
Now that you have 5 Tips to Keep Kids Awake, you’ll be ready for a stress-free, fun, and energetic evening session!