Imagine you’ve finally booked that family session with a photographer you LOVE. Yay!! You’re so excited to get new photos taken! It’s been a while and you can’t believe how much the kids have grown since the last time you did this.
And then, if you’re like me, you start to wonder. Will the kids behave, or will they run in circles the entire time? Will they smile for the photographer or just make silly faces for every photo? As a family photographer with over 6 years’ experience and a mom of three little kids myself, I know this feeling! It can feel like a daunting thing to update those family photos on the wall when you have small kids. Here’s a few simple tips to help prepare your kids for your upcoming session!
Tip #1: Talk it up!
Give your kids notice that your session is coming up. Talk to them about how excited you are and how much fun you’ll have. If you have little girls, telling them how much fun it will be to get all dressed up can be exciting for them! Let them know the name of your photographer so they don’t seem like as much of a stranger on the day of the session. If your kids hear and see you getting excited, it will rub off on them!
Tip #2: Provide an incentive
Another way you can build up excitement for your session is by making an event of it! You can call it a family fun night, starting with photos together and ending with ice cream and the park, or maybe pizza and a game night at home! This also can give your kids something to anticipate during your session!
Tip #3: Dress at the last minute
This may seem like a no brainer, but I mean at the very possible last minute. If you have a baby, this may mean arriving to your location five minutes early and changing them when they get out of the car. If you really don’t want messy clothes you may want to consider packing a back up for the youngest kids! Things happen, and I’ve seen babies spit up all over their outfit and toddlers fall in puddles.
Tip #4: Bring a bribe
I know bribes don’t necessarily sound great, but hear me out. This works especially well for toddlers and babies! If you have a little one who is very distracted, bring a favorite toy or other small item for your photographer to hold. This catches their attention and usually causes a smile! Some things you could try: a favorite stuffed animal or doll, a toy that makes noise, a pacifier, special blanket, a small treat like Gerber puffs or a chocolate chip!
For treats, take special care to note the after effect! Things like suckers you’ll want to save for the very end, unless you want them swinging it around during your session. Likewise, toddlers that drool often can become quite messy from a chocolate chip or m&m! Smarties or a fruit snack are usually mess free, quick rewards!
Tip #5: Relax and have fun!
If you remember any of these tips, I hope it’s this one! Remember that these photos aren’t about picture perfect smiles, they’re about capturing memories of the stage you are in. Sometimes that includes candid moments and crazy faces! In the end, those are often the shots that you treasure the most!
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