Ever since I started my photography business I’ve tried my best to send out my favorite tips for my clients with families before our session. I totally understand why parents get so nervous before their session- kids can be so unpredictable! So, here is my top tips on how to keep your kids happy during family photos!
- Realize that your kiddo(s) will most likely not sit or stand for long amounts of time. Kids LOVE to move (which as a parent I’m sure you know this already, haha) and just expect to allow times for them to move and play during the session. This is one reason I LOVE full 60 minute sessions…it allows more time for the kids to explore, walk, and move without feeling that pressure from parents to smile and get it over within during a mini session (which is only 20 minutes). The longer session also allows for more organic moments to occur and to be documented. Regardless of if you have a 20 minute or 60 minute session, expect that your child will want to MOVE and let them when you can! As your photographer, I will do my best to give you as many “poses” or opportunities to move because it will just make those kids so happy!
- For the most part, follow the lead of your child. I begin almost every family session by doing the standard family portrait pose with everyone looking at the camera and smiling. Then, I often follow the lead of the kids in the family. While I believe that those posed, everyone looking at the camera photos are important, I also think that capturing your connection and love doesn’t require everyone to stand still and look at the camera. If your kiddo wants to snuggle, let’s capture that! If your kiddo wants to touch and smell the flowers, join in! If your kid needs a break, go ahead and distract them with kisses or tickles. Nothing good ever comes of parents forcing their kids to look and smile at the camera. Trust me, it’s better to have more candid shots than forced tear-filled photos!
- Bring Grandma/Grandpa or someone that your kids love and adore to the session.I really love this tip, mostly because I love grandparent/grandchild relationship. I’m not sure how other photographers feel about this but I personally feel like it’s a GENIUS move. Often times Grandma or Grandpa are so excited to be able to see your kids all dressed up and love feeling included in the event! It doesn’t hurt that they also elicit some of the best smiles and laughs from little ones. It also can come in handy to have an extra pair of hands to help juggle kids and bags and whatever else you have to bring along with you!
- Have a reward that you can give during the shoot or afterwards. You know your kids, so you can pick whatever you think will motivate them to smile and be happy during our shoot! I also love when parents bring little rewards to give incrementally during the shoot. If you are to do this, I would suggest a toy of some sort or a snack that won’t get all over! I have found that giving a little reward every 15 minutes or so can work really well with little ones, especially the ages of 2-3.
- Kids shoes should be comfortable and ones that they like. We will more than likely be doing a fair amount of walking during our session and one thing I have found is that kids do not tolerate uncomfortable shoes very well. This doesn’t mean you have to let them wear their worn out light-up Paw Patrol sneakers but be warned that if they do not like the shoes they are wearing, things may not go over so well.
- Let your photographer know if your child likes his/her space. I will not be offended WHATSOEVER if you have a little one who doesn’t like a stranger in their space, especially when they are upset. You, as the parent, know your child best so PLEASE feel comfortable to letting me know how to best interact with your child!
- Be smart with your location choice. Ask your photographer ahead of time about parking- is there ample parking or can the lot fill up quickly? (especially important to ask if you’re shooting on a weekend evening!) How much walking is required? What is the walking like? Are there restrooms on site? How long is the drive?
- Do something fun on the drive over. If you have a long drive ahead of you, I would strongly encourage you to do something fun during the drive over. You want your kids to be as happy as possible when you pull up. Maybe that means some screen time, maybe playing “I Spy” or maybe listening to their favorite songs. Starting with a happy child will get us off on the right foot!
- Bring a toy that will make your kids laugh. This is one of my favorite tips for babies. We all know which toys make our kids laugh so go ahead and bring them! I always have some tricks up my sleeves but it doesn’t hurt to bring a toy that you know your kids will laugh at!
- Bring some baby wipes with you. Kids have a talent for getting dirty, even when it seems absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to us adults! Having some baby wipes will come in handy for dirty hands and faces.
- Feed your kids BEFORE the session!! Yes I am aware this makes 11 tips but how could I not include this?! Nobody likes to be hangry, especially littles. The biggest tip I can give to clients is to make sure their kiddos have something to eat before the session! It will make a HUGE difference.
I think the biggest piece of advice I could give parents pre-session is to RELAX and breathe! We are going to have a great time. Let me work my magic and we will have an amazing time!
xoxo
Nicole