If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit uneasy. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session. These tips for photo session with kids will help you keep calm and your photographer capture some awesome images.
Tips For Making Photo Sessions With Kids Easier
1. Don't make a huge deal out of it.
If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff. They will appreciate it and in the end, you'll be glad you let it go for the greater good of the family picture
2. Make it fun.
Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. We even like to let them play a little and get comfortable with a photographer that they may not know being around. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins. If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.
3. Be prepared.
If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Schedule your session around their nap time. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.
4. Be patient.
Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic. We usually ask parents to let us be in charge. If a kid isn't doing what is needed, having a stranger correct them, as opposed to the parent, usually goes over better.
5. Have a chat.
Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.
If you're ready to book your own family session with AFH Media, you can do so below! We'd love to talk with you about making your family portrait dreams a reality!
These are solid tips! in the past I stressed so much about it being "perfect" (whatever that means) and it surely was not a fun experience for my family. It has been a much better experience for all, now that I have learned to roll with it. And the photos are soooo much better. I'll be saving these tips for next time.
Tip #1 is key! Do not stress and make a big deal out of it! Show up and enjoy the time with your family and let the photographer worry about the rest!
These are all great tips! Proper preparation goes a long way!
Family photos can definitely be a challenge with little ones (and even big ones) but I love your tips on helping them prepare!