Planning a family or maternity photoshoot in Valencia is one of those ideas that feels beautiful in theory but can cause a bit of anxiety in real life, especially if you have kids. I hear it all the time: What if they don’t listen? What if they don’t smile? What if everything turns into chaos?
As a photographer who works with families every week here in Valencia, I want to reassure you of something straight away. You don’t need perfect behavior, perfect outfits, or perfect timing to create meaningful photos. What you need is a little preparation, realistic expectations, and permission to let your kids be exactly who they are.
This article is my honest advice, based on real sessions, real families, and real moments.
Start by Framing the Photoshoot the Right Way
How you introduce the photoshoot to your kids matters more than you might think. A day or two before the session, I always recommend talking about it casually. Keep it simple and positive.
Instead of saying things like “You need to behave” or “You have to smile for the photos,” try framing it as a relaxed family activity. Something like:
“We’re going for a walk together and someone will take pictures while we spend time together.”
When kids feel they’re part of something enjoyable rather than being asked to perform, they naturally relax. And relaxed kids always photograph better.
Comfort Comes Before Style
I love beautiful outfits, but comfort always wins. If a child feels itchy, restricted, or uncomfortable, it will show immediately. I’ve seen it many times. That’s why I always advise parents to choose clothes their kids can move in freely.
Running, climbing, sitting on the ground, hugging, spinning, and playing are all part of how I photograph families. If your child can’t do those things comfortably, they’ll lose interest fast.
According to Sandra Peterson, a fashion writer at a US-based custom essay writing service, “soft fabrics, familiar shoes, and simple layers work best. Coordinated colors are great, but matching outfits are not necessary. Feeling like themselves is far more important.”
Bring Familiar Comforts if Needed
Some children feel perfectly confident anywhere. Others need something familiar to feel safe. Both are completely normal.
If your child has a small comfort item they love, it’s absolutely okay to bring it along. A favorite toy, a tiny figure, or even something they like holding can help them settle. I never see this as a problem. Sometimes those little objects become part of the story and add even more meaning to the images.
You don’t need to bring everything, just one or two items that genuinely help your child feel secure.
Let Go of the Idea of “Good Behavior”
This might be the most important advice I can give you. Kids do not need to behave a certain way for a photoshoot to work. They don’t need to sit still. They don’t need to smile on command. They don’t need to look at the camera all the time. Some of the most beautiful images I’ve captured came from moments when parents thought everything was going wrong. A child refusing to stand still, walking away, laughing loudly, or even hiding behind a parent often leads to the most genuine photos.
I work with movement, curiosity, and emotion, not against them. Your child being themselves is exactly what I want.
Choose the Right Time for Your Child, Not Just the Light
Valencia has incredible natural light, especially early in the morning and in the evening. But beautiful light means nothing if your child is overtired or overwhelmed.
That’s why I always ask parents when their kids are happiest. For many families, mornings work best. For others, especially with older children, late afternoon or early evening feels more natural.
There is no universal “perfect” time. The best time is when your family feels calm and unhurried. I’d rather photograph a happy child in slightly less dramatic light than a tired child in perfect light.
Expect the First Minutes to Feel Awkward
The beginning of every photoshoot is a warm-up. For adults and kids alike. I never expect families to arrive and instantly relax. The first few minutes are about getting comfortable. We might walk, talk, or simply observe what your kids are drawn to. I gently guide, but I don’t rush.
Once children realize there’s no pressure and nothing they have to do, they naturally open up. That’s when the magic starts to happen.
Breaks Are Not a Problem
If someone needs a pause, we pause. That could mean sitting down, hugging, taking a breath, or just having a quiet moment. I always come prepared with wipes, tissues, and a lot of patience. Parenting doesn’t stop just because a camera is present, and I never expect it to.
Some of the most emotional and meaningful photos happen during those pauses, when everyone stops trying and simply connects.
Treat the Photoshoot Like an Experience, Not a Task
One of the best things you can do is mentally remove the idea of “getting photos done.” Instead, think of the session as shared time together in a beautiful place.
We might walk through a park, explore a quiet street, or spend time near the sea. I photograph what unfolds naturally. The more you lean into the experience instead of focusing on the outcome, the more authentic your images will be.
Kids are incredibly sensitive to their parents’ energy. When you’re relaxed, they feel it too.
Trust That I’ve Got You
I know how much these photos mean to families. I don’t take that lightly. But I also know that stress and pressure don’t create beautiful images.
My role isn’t just to take photos. It’s to hold the space, guide gently, and adapt to whatever your family brings that day. Every family is different, and every session is unique.
Whether your child is shy, energetic, emotional, or all of the above, there is always a way to create images that feel honest and meaningful.
Preparing kids for a family photoshoot in Valencia doesn’t require strict rules or perfect planning. It requires trust, flexibility, and the understanding that real moments are far more valuable than posed perfection.
If you’re considering a family or maternity photoshoot in Valencia and feel nervous about how your kids will behave, know this. You don’t need them to do anything special. You just need to show up together.
The rest unfolds naturally.
And those are the moments worth remembering.
Author bio
Julia is a photographer based in Spain and the founder of Gnatenko Photography. She specializes in family, maternity, couple, and portrait photography, and loves capturing real, emotional moments that tell a story. When she’s not behind the camera, she enjoys writing about travel, creativity, and everyday inspiration. You can follow her work on Instagram at @gnatenko_photography.
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