How to Keep Kids Happy During a Maui Family Photo Shoot
A family photo session in Maui is a dream come true. You'll have the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories between the stunning beaches, lush jungles, and jaw-dropping sunsets. But, if you’re like most parents, the thought of a family photo shoot can raise one big question: How do I keep the kids entertained and happy during the session?
As a Maui family photographer, I’ve worked with countless families, and over the years, I’ve learned many tricks to make the experience as fun and stress-free as possible - especially for kids! If you’re planning a Maui family photography session and want to ensure the kids are engaged and excited, keep reading.
But fret not, I’m also here to help your kiddos find their best selves - it’s what I do best!
Here are my top tips to keep things light, fun, and picture-perfect:
Make It an Adventure
Kids LOVE a good adventure, and Maui is the perfect place for it! I recommend telling your littls that they’re going on a “treasure hunt” or an “exploration mission.” Whether we’re on the beach or in the lush greenery, I’ll make sure they have a reason to stay active and engaged. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to capture those joyful, candid moments when kids are fully in their element.
Plan Plenty of Breaks
We all know that kids have a limited attention span (like…reallllly limited!). So, I always plan for short, playful breaks between shots. It’s important to let them move around, get their wiggles out, and grab a snack or sip of water if needed. The more relaxed and natural they feel, the better your Maui family pictures will turn out.
Bring Fun Props
Sometimes a simple prop can work wonders! Consider bringing a few small toys or beach balls to keep your littles entertained. I typically like to incorporate some of my own props or props from Mother Nature into the session to make it more fun and interactive on my end as well, so don’t worry if you forget to bring some to our Maui family photography session. Things like bubbles, colorful scarves, beach balls, or a favorite stuffy can keep them engaged and create fun, whimsical shots.
Let Kids Play
If your kiddos are feeling shy or uncooperative, it’s often best to just let them play and find their groove. I always encourage parents to let go of the pressure to get the “perfect” shot and let kids interact freely with each other, with nature, or even with their surroundings. I urge parents to not place any demands on their kids or “encourage” them to smile, look at the camera, or do this or that….it can feel overwhelming to them and then, they’ll just shut down. Relax, and trust the process - they’ll show up, I promise! Trust me, some of the best family photos in Maui come from the moments where the kids are simply playing in the sand, running through the waves, or splashing in the surf & shoreline.
Keep Things Moving
No one likes to stand still for too long, especially kids! The key is to keep things moving. And trust me, we always do! We’ll do a mix of action shots, candid moments, and a few classic posed photos. This way, everyone stays engaged, and you’ll get a beautiful variety of shots to choose from in your Maui family photography collection. If you’re worried about how long the shoot will last, I always suggest booking a session that’s about 60-90 minutes. It’s long enough to get a variety of shot, but not too long to make anyone (especially the kids) lose interest.
Choose the Right Time of Day
The golden hour - just after sunrise or just before sunset - is the best time for family photography in Maui, Hawaii. Not only does the soft, golden light create stunning portraits, but it also happens to be when kids are typically more relaxed. I recommend scheduling your shoot early in the morning at Sunrise or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and give your littles ones a better chance of staying engaged and cheerful.
Incorporate the Whole Family
One of the best ways to keep kids entertained is to get the entire family involved. Whether it’s a game of tag, a fun group pose, or a goofy family moment, involving everyone creates genuine smiles and natural interactions. When kids see their parents being silly and having fun, they’re much more likely to let their guard down and enjoy the process. Tickles help, too. 🙃
Bring Snacks and Hydration
This is THE MOST ESSENTIAL TIP! Any family photographer in Maui will always recommend bringing snacks and water, especially for younger kids. A quick snack break can do wonders to reset the energy and make everyone feel comfortable. Plus, it helps keep those little smiles bright throughout the session. Believe me parents, NO ONE wants a #hangry child!
Dress for Fun
A big part of the fun is choosing the right outfits. Light, comfortable clothing in soft. colors work best for Hawaii family photo outfits. Think flowy dresses, shorts, and li get shirts - nothing too stiff or uncomfortable. When kids are dressed in clothing t hat allows them to move freely, they’re more likely to have fun during the shoot, and that will show in the final photos.
Go with the Flow
Finally, remember to go with the flow! As much as we plan and prepare, kids are unpredictable - and that is perfectly okay! In fact, I LOVE it! I always work with families to capture genuine moments, and sometimes the best photos come when you least expect them. So if your title one is being a bit tricky, trust that I’ll still get those magical moments that will last and last.
I hope these tips help you feel more confident about your upcoming Maui photo shoot, and more importantly, I hope they help you and your family have an unforgettable time in this tropical paradise I’m lucky to call home! I can’t wait to capture your Maui family memories!
Looking for a family photographer in Maui, Hawaii? Reach out to me today for information on pricing, availability, and tips to make the most out of your session! 🌴
