What does kids photography cost?
Kids photography is a short, playful session focused on your children rather than the whole family — usually 45 minutes to an hour in a park, playground, beach or at home. On TulipFrame it starts from €200. The final quote depends on the photographer, duration, number of children, location and date, so check the quote for the exact price.
Children photograph best when they forget the camera is there. A kids session is built around that: the photographer follows your child through something they enjoy — climbing, cycling, digging at the beach, reading in a favourite chair — and photographs them in their element.
Parents can appear in a few frames, but the focus is the children. For a full family set, choose family photography instead.
Built around your child
The photographer will ask what your child loves. The answer shapes the session more than any location:
- The outdoorsy one: dunes, woods, a climbing tree — Amsterdamse Bos, the Haagse Bos or the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
- The cyclist: a quiet cycle path or square; very Dutch, and gives natural motion.
- The collector: the beach at low tide, looking for shells at Kijkduin or Noordwijk.
- The homebody: their own room, the Lego project, a pile of books.
Siblings can be photographed together and separately. Two children in one hour is comfortable; three or more benefits from a longer slot.
Getting real expressions
"Say cheese" produces the same frozen grin in every photo. Experienced children's photographers use games instead: races back to the camera, whisper challenges, asking a four-year-old to tell the photographer a secret. For older children, a little responsibility — holding a reflector, choosing the next spot — works better than instructions.
Parents help most by stepping back. Standing behind the photographer and repeating "look at the camera" usually has the opposite effect.
Age by age
| Age | What works |
|---|---|
| 2–4 | Short bursts, lots of movement, a parent nearby; 45 minutes is plenty |
| 5–8 | Games and challenges; they love seeing a photo on the back of the camera |
| 9–12 | More input on style and location; some prefer fewer posed shots |
Teenagers generally prefer a portrait session with a bit of say over the result.
When and where
Late afternoon in spring and early autumn gives soft light without squinting; summer mornings are better than summer evenings for young children, because sunset in June is after 21:30. School holidays and Saturdays are the busiest slots, so a weekday after school can be easier to book.
For a beach session with kids, go for a calm day between May and September and bring a towel and dry clothes: children will end up in the North Sea whether the plan says so or not. More on the coast in the beach photoshoot page.
Seasonal ideas across the Netherlands
The Dutch calendar gives each session a different backdrop:
- Spring: blossom in city parks in April, and tulips in the bulb region — children love running along the verges beside the rows (never into the field).
- Summer: early mornings in the woods or dunes before it gets hot; the Amsterdamse Bos and the Haagse Bos give shade and space.
- Autumn: leaf-kicking in Vondelpark, the Haarlemmerhout or Utrecht's Wilhelminapark in late October; wellies and a rain jacket in a warm colour.
- Winter: short days, so late morning. On the rare days with frost or snow, drop everything and go outside — Dutch winters often pass without a single white day.
A yearly session at the same place in the same season makes a series you can put side by side: the same tree, the same bench, a child who keeps getting taller. Ask the photographer to note the spot so you can return.
Price
Kids photography starts from €200 for a short session. More children, longer sessions, or a location outside the photographer's home area add to the quote. The pricing page explains the variables.
What’s included
- A quick planning chat about your child's interests and temperament
- Location suggestions near you
- Photographer time for the booked duration
- Individual and sibling portraits
- Natural editing of the selected photos
- Online gallery with high-resolution downloads
Optional extras
Additional child
Allow extra time for each child beyond two.
Parent frames
Ten minutes of parent-and-child photos at the end of the session.
Birthday mini-session
A short yearly session at the same place, for a series that shows them growing.
Durations and what you receive
| Session | Edited photos |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 20–35 edited photos |
| 1 hour | 30–45 edited photos |
| 1.5 hours (three or more children) | 40–60 edited photos |
Starting prices are indicative. Your final quote depends on the photographer, duration, location, number of people, date and specific requirements.
Who books this
- Parents who want portraits of the children rather than the whole family
- Siblings photographed together and individually
- A yearly birthday portrait
- Children who dislike posing and need a playful approach
Kids Photography by city
Kids Photography: questions
What age is kids photography for?
Usually from about two to twelve. For babies, see baby or newborn photography; teenagers often prefer a portrait session.
My child hates having their picture taken. Is it worth it?
Often yes. A session built around an activity they like, with no pressure to smile, tends to work well with camera-shy children. Tell the photographer in advance.
Should parents be in the photos?
A few frames with parents are usually possible. If you want the whole family covered, book family photography instead.
What should my kids wear?
Clothes they are comfortable in and can move in. Solid colours and soft patterns, no large logos or characters. Bring a spare set.
How long until we receive the photos?
Commonly one to three weeks, depending on the photographer and season. Your quote will state the delivery time.
