Bribery? Maybe. Magic? Definitely – The Secret Power of the Treasure Box

If you've ever photographed little kids, you know that capturing genuine smiles can sometimes take a little extra magic—and for my sessions, that magic comes in the form of a treasure box. This simple but powerful tool has become one of our favorite ways to bring a little joy to the end of each session. After all the posing, giggles, and maybe even a few bribes, kids get to pick a special prize from our treasure box as a fun reward.

With fall right around the corner and Halloween creeping closer, we decided to give our treasure box a seasonal makeover—and let us tell you, it’s never looked cuter. We’ve filled it with tiny fall-themed trinkets, spooky (but sweet!) surprises, and Halloween goodies that perfectly match the cozy, playful vibe of the season. Think a mixture of sweet, non-food items, and things that bring out their imagination. HERE is a link of spooky and seasonal items I added in my treasure box.

These themed prizes not only get kids excited, but they also help create a positive memory tied to their photo session—making it an experience they’ll look forward to year after year.

I always like to mix in fun sweets and non-sweet items. This is for kids who may not be allowed to have candy or for kids so young that they shouldn’t have candy. My treasure box right now has halloween themed play-doh packets, halloween bracelets, mixed bag of candy favorites, cute squishy toys that are halloween themed, and sticker pages that are perfect to create at lunch or dinner afterwards. You can find all the items, including the fun playdoh packs here.

I even like these Halloween cups if you want kids to pick more than one item, they can easily carry all the goodies home in.

As photographers, we know the little details often make the biggest impact—and our fall-themed treasure box is a perfect example of that. It’s not just about the prize itself; it’s about creating an experience that kids (and parents!) remember long after their session ends. Whether it’s a tiny ghost toy clutched in their hand or a pumpkin sticker proudly stuck on their shirt, these small treasures bring big joy—and help turn photo day into something truly special.

So if you're prepping for your next round of fall or Halloween sessions, consider giving your own prize box a seasonal spin. It's a fun, simple way to add a touch of magic—and maybe even earn a few extra smiles along the way.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the photos we take… it’s about the memories we help make.