Top 7 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier
If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children are unpredictable at best, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.
- Don’t make a huge deal out of it. If you’re stressed out, 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 into because she won’t sit still. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins.
- 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 let your photographer lead the session and your photos will look fantastic.
- 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.
- I’m not above bribery. You know your child best. If you know your child will respond to photos if there is an incentive after, I’m all for it.
- Try not to discipline. Try not to discipline your child(ren) during the session. Well, unless the photographer asks you to. Your photographer works really hard to gain your child’s trust in such a short period. She/he may have to start all over again if you yell at your child during the session. Also red, puffy tear filled eyes are not what you want for your photos. Let the photographer lead. Don’t worry about your child slouching. If the photographer notices something she/he will lead your child into the right pose. The goal is happy, relaxed not too posed photos.
- Have Fun! Yes, I know I said this already. It’s so true though. Enjoy the experience even if it doesn’t go exactly like planned. You’ll be amazed at what can be captured.
