The Ultimate Kids Snack List for a Family Portrait Session
Raise your hand if you’ve ever bribed your child with candy or food to get them to do something. It’s alright, all the best parents have!
Sometimes, bribing our children with a delicious treat or snack is a necessity. Whether we need them to behave, be quiet, or be patient, snacks can be an acceptable way to get children to more easily cooperate in unique situations.
While perhaps not widely believed in, as a professional photographer, I’m PRO snacks and treats for helping children during portrait sessions. I’ve actually seen it work miracles in making children smile, last longer through the duration of the session, and even create some really sweet moments. However, I do have some strong opinions on which specific snacks are picture perfect.
Before diving into the snack ideas list, I first want to explain how to handle snacks or treats before, during or after a portrait session with kids.
Snacks BEFORE a Portrait Session:
It may be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that any snacks or food given BEFORE a portrait session should be given BEFORE they get into their outfits!
I love the time and energy a family puts into coordinating their outfits for a family portrait session and would hate to see any parent stressed out or disappointed because the cute dress or button up shirt now has chocolate or Cheeto crumbs on it.
Rule #1: Have your child eat BEFORE they get dressed, and make sure to wipe those hands and faces before getting them dressed.
Snacks DURING a Portrait Session:
Yep, it’s totally acceptable in my book to offer a small snack or treat to your child during a portrait session IF you feel like it will actually help them perform at their best.
You may find that your child is struggling to last through the entire session (sometimes "just one more photo" can last a long time to a child!) Try offering them a small sized treat (suggestions below!) and throw in the concept that they can have one or two every 5 minutes until you’re finished.
Not only could offering a treat during the session actually help your child stay engaged and motivated, it also can distract them from thinking about potentially uncomfortable clothing, a chilly location, or the poses they may not be most fond of.
Rule #2 for offering snacks and treats DURING a family session is to keep the item you offer small enough to eat in one or two bites. It would be ideal to avoid elongating the photo session by having to wait until they are done chewing to strike the pose or snap the candid moment.
Snacks AFTER a Portrait Session:
Nothing can be more motivating to a young child or even teenager than the promise of a tasty treat, their favorite meal, or a snack you save for special occasions. I highly recommend promising your child (if you can) something motivating to help them power through the whole session with a smile on their face.
I’ve heard of some families who go out to a big meal afterwards to celebrate the togetherness they just experienced. Additionally, it could be fun to honor the occasion by going to get ice cream together and letting everyone pick their own flavors.
While the snack list below may not be as critical for AFTER the session, feel free to use it for the drive home (sometimes you have to travel a decent distance to a location), or for the final few minutes when you’re wrapping up the session and perhaps don’t need your kiddos in any further images.
Rule #3 for snacks AFTER the session is to use them as a motivator and remind them of the reward throughout the process to keep them excited and engaged while the camera snaps.
15 Photographer-Approved Snack Ideas for a Family Portrait Session
Mini Pretzels
Veggie Straws
Rice Chex
Pita chips
Mini Marshmallows*
Smarties Candies*
Dried apple slices
Grapes*
Non-buttered popcorn*
Fruit snacks
Animal crackers
Cheerios
String cheese
Carrots
Wheat Thins
*Items might be a choking hazard and should be given with caution.
Make Your Family Portrait Session a Total Success
With these snack suggestions, and a game plan going into it, you will be sure to have a successful family portrait session and happy kids at the same time. Just don’t forget to reward YOURSELF after all is said and done. You deserve it!
Check out these other helpful family portrait session tips: