6 tips for making sessions with kids easier
If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit anxious. Children are sometimes unpredictable. And who knows what kind of mood they’ll be in the day of your session! It's easy to become overwhelmed, which is why these five simple tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.
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.
2. Make it fun. Let loose and have fun! Make some silly faces or dance with your kids! Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. Maybe even bring some of their favorite things, like a toy or a blanket. 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. Try to schedule your shoot around your child's normal schedule. Scheduling your session when you’re child usually takes a nap may not be the best idea. Additionally , 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. Get talking. 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. Prepare some questions or topics beforehand that you know will spark a conversation with your child.
5. 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.
6. Photo sessions do not have to be perfect. You may want to strive for the perfect photo of your family where everyone is put together and smiling at the camera, but sometimes you have to embrace the messy moments in life. If your kids are running away, and you need to chase them around to get them to sit still, don't think “this is going terribly wrong.” Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the moment. Your photographer will usually see those times in a different way than you do, and you’ll be surprised at what they capture.
