Consider a fall session for very young kids
Why? If you have a 1 year old who is accustomed to a 7:30pm bedtime, scheduling a session in late June, when golden hour doesn't even START until 8:30, is likely a bad idea. Instead, to take advantage of that golden hour goodness, a September session--combined with a later nap--is just the ticket for a smooth session for Junior (and for mom and dad!)
Make your session the day's "Main Event"
Little kids are notorious for acting out when they're tired and overstimulated. (Actually, so are we all!) Scheduling family photos after you've spent the day at the lake or perhaps at a baseball tournament is a recipe for disaster. Instead, I recommend making the photos the only major thing on the day's schedule to prevent overwhelm and unnecessary fatigue.
Parents, you set the tone. Try not to threaten your kids in the car on the drive over. :)
If someone is a little crabby, just let it slide, and let me take over once we're together. I promise: Even the crabbiest kids can usually be induced to forget their crabbiness when they're allowed to move and play outside--and we do a lot of that! (This also works on reluctant dads, too!)
Make sure they're not tired or hungry.
This one's pretty obvious, but so important! This also applies to dads.
Embrace the chaos and, when in doubt, HUG IT OUT
Some kids just aren't feeling it, and--especially if they're two--they just can't be talked into their normal, cheery disposition. It's pretty rare, but it does happen. Listen though: Some of my families' favorite photos have happened during quiet, side snuggles. They're honestly the best. It's going to be okay, I promise! If your kids are feeling a little ornery and energetic, let me direct their energy and we will move around and get those wiggles out.
Et, Voila!
You have now set yourself up for major photo session success! As always, please get in touch with me if you have questions about a family session--they're my JAM, ma'am.