Kids' Photoshoot: Tips from a South Jersey Photographer

How to Plan an Effortless Session With Children.

Let’s be real for a minute—getting your kids ready for a photo shoot can feel like you’re preparing for the next Olympic event. There's the fight over clothes, the threat of tantrums, and, of course, the inevitable last-minute snack requests. But fear not, my fellow parents, I’ve got your back! As a seasoned photographer based in South Jersey (and sometimes a makeshift kids’ wrangler), I know exactly how to make a photo shoot not only manageable but fun. In fact, my recent brother and sister photo session at Ridley Creek State Park in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, was the perfect example of how to embrace the chaos and turn it into an unforgettable session.

Brother and sister for the perfect wall art for mom!

Ridley Creek State Park Pennsylvania

1. The Location: Ridley Creek State Park, aka Kid’s Playground + Insta Wonderland

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but the location can make or break a photo shoot. Ridley Creek State Park, though, is basically the Swiss Army knife of photo shoot locations—wooded areas, beautiful mansions, flowing creeks, and enough fall leaves to make you feel like you’re inside a Pinterest board.

Love this kid and the fountain at Ridley Creek Park!

For this session, the kids were able to run wild through a sprawling 2,600-acre park (but don’t worry, no one got lost in the woods), while I got to snap some adorable pictures. The mansion’s stone steps provided the perfect platform for their impromptu dance party, and don’t even get me started on the autumn leaves that created a natural confetti shower every time they jumped into them.

I promise, this place has more photo ops than an influencer’s dream. It's got the kind of charm that makes your photos look as stunning as if you spent months on a mood board.

We started off in the woods near the mansion in a custom made butterfly gown!

2. The Mansion Grounds: A Kid's Playground That’s Fancy Enough to Look Like Royalty

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A mansion? Really? My kid’s got dirt under their nails and snacks on their shirt.” But, here’s the thing: kids don’t care about fancy backdrops—you care. And I’m here to tell you that a photo shoot at Ridley Creek’s mansion grounds is like giving your kids a VIP tour of a castle, minus the dress code.

The grounds at the Ridley Mansion are awesome. Even if not doing a photo shoot, definitely a place to check out.

Picture this: the kids frolicking among the stone arches and trellises, posing (okay, more like goofing off) on the steps like they’re the stars of a fairy tale. The contrast between the timeless elegance of the mansion and their messy, giggly selves? Pure magic. Trust me, they’ll bring the charm, and the backdrop will elevate it.

Now onto couture. This is one of my favorite dresses!

3. Fall Foliage & Ruins: More ‘Wild Explorers,’ Less ‘Perfect Poses’

So, you know how some parents really want everything to be picture-perfect? I’m over here like, “Perfection is overrated.” At Ridley Creek, we found the perfect place for the kids to embrace their inner adventurers. Between the beautiful fall leaves and some mysteriously old ruins (think: “What was this building even used for?” vibes), the kids were able to explore, climb, and laugh without worrying about making their hair too perfect.

Another of the dapper brother and sister.

Seriously, when you’re in the midst of all that autumn glory, the last thing you need is for your kids to look like they’re on a runway instead of a wild adventure. These are the moments you want to remember: the giggles as they jump into piles of crunchy leaves, the way their eyes light up when they find a new “treasure” (aka a stick), and the excitement when they finally decode what the ruins used to be. And let’s be honest, those aren’t things that happen if you’re telling them to “say cheese” for an hour.

Brother and sister looking dapper!

4. Tips for a Mostly Stress-Free Kids’ Photoshoot (Key Word: Mostly)

Okay, let's talk strategy, because no one wants a meltdown halfway through.

All smiles here! Natural.. beautiful smiles.

• Location is Everything: Take it from me, Ridley Creek was perfect because it gave the kids enough space to roam free. If you’re doing a photoshoot in a place that feels like a cage (aka a tiny studio), good luck. Let them explore, get dirty, and interact with their surroundings.

• Snacks are Your Secret Weapon: I'm not saying bring an entire picnic, but seriously—snack breaks can save lives. Think granola bars, crackers, anything that will keep them fueled.

• Outfits, But Make It Comfortable: You know what’s worse than an uncomfortable kid? An uncomfortable kid who now has a meltdown in front of a camera. Pick clothes they can move in. Bonus points if they’re cute but also functional.

• The Golden Hour (Not the Golden Rule): Kids are most energetic either in the morning or late afternoon, so try to shoot during those hours. You’ll also get that gorgeous natural light that makes everyone look like a glowing angel, instead of a grumpy toddler.

• Let Them Be Kids: Don’t micromanage. Kids are pure joy when they’re allowed to just be. Let them jump, twirl, explore, and make a mess—those are the moments you’ll cherish forever.

This little cutie sitting among the leaves!

5. Leave It to the Pros (Yes, I’m Talking About Me)

Okay, so this part is for the parents who are like, “Dee, you seem like you’ve got everything under control. I’m going to let you handle it all.” Trust me, I get it. If you’re tired of trying to organize the perfect photo session while keeping your kids happy, you deserve a pro who can step in and make it all look effortless (because I’ll tell you right now, it's not).

Keep twirling lady!

Hiring a photographer who knows how to make kids feel comfortable and actually enjoy the session is priceless. And as a Pennsylvania photographer who loves working with families from all over the Philly area (yes, even those from South Jersey), I'm here to make sure your kids’ photo shoot feels more like a fun adventure than a chore.

Twirling among the fall colors. I love this shot!

So, put down the “perfect” Pinterest boards and let’s make some memories instead. After all, kids grow up fast, and those moments of pure joy? Well, they’re worth every single mess.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.