How to Keep Young Children Happy During a Golden Hour Photoshoot


Golden hour is a magical time of day when the light is soft and golden, making for stunning photos. However, it's also often past the bedtime of young children. If you're a photographer in Billings, MT, and you're looking to capture the magic of golden hour with your young clients, here are a few tips to keep them happy and cooperative:


  1. Choose the right location. If you're shooting in a park or other outdoor space, make sure to choose a location that is well-lit and has plenty of interesting things for the kids to see and do. This will help to keep their attention and prevent them from getting bored.
  2. Bring snacks and drinks. No one likes to be hungry or thirsty, especially not young children. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your clients' energy levels up. My favorite is animal crackers... sweet, simple, and no Cheeto fingers or spills to worry about!
  3. Plan some activities. If you're shooting in a studio, you can plan some activities to keep the kids entertained. This could include playing with bubbles, doing arts and crafts, or reading stories. If we are out in nature... let kids play! Some of the most magical shots are when children are engaging in play and exploration!
  4. Be patient and understanding. It's important to be patient and understanding with young children. They may get tired or cranky, but it's important to stay calm and positive. If they're not cooperating, take a break and come back to it later. We are not in a rush!
  5. Have fun! The most important thing is to have fun and make the experience enjoyable! If the kids are having fun, they're more likely to cooperate and give you great photos.


Bonus Tip: If your kiddos still nap, see if you can put them down a bit later that day. Pregame it and eat dinner (or a hardy appetizer) before the shoot... nobody likes to be hangry and told to smile! And make sure to pack a sweater or a warm layer just in case!


By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your golden hour photoshoot with young children is a success. With a little planning and patience, you can capture the magic of this special time of day in stunning photos that your clients will cherish for years to come.