Preparing your Kids for a Photoshoot:
Here are some tips and tricks to help you mentally prepare yourself, and your kids for a photoshoot.
As a Parent of two myself, I know how daunting it can feel when considering booking a photoshoot which includes your CHILDREN! They are strong willed little champions and dont always smile or pose for you when you ask them to, so why would they participate in a photoshoot?
Well the answer to this, is not simple, all kids are different, BUT i will say from experience, with my style of Photography, they will do much better then you expect, because 1# i am a fun, goofy and friendly stranger who will do anything it takes to make them feel at ease, and 2# they will participate, because YOU are participating. A huge portion of a photoshoot with me, is me, capturing you as a family, playing and exploring naturally, as you do.
I totally understand when parents are concerned about their sessions though! because you are investing in the shoot, you want the best value for your buck and you want those smiles, you worry they will act out through the session and so you feel hesitant.
I get it, My daughter (4 years old) hardly ever smiled in photos growing up, she is a force to be reckoned with and strong willed as heck, she hates having her picture taken too, and my son, sure hes smiley, but hes 20 months old. He doesnt sit still for more then a second.
I have some tips to offer to help, however all i can say is, embrace your kids as they are and try not to worry, after all, they feel your worries and the more relaxed and fun you are having, the more fun and relaxed they will be.
Here, then are some tips to assist you to get your children ready (and yourself as well) for a successful family portrait photography session. And, capture your beautiful family in its happiest state.
Tip #1: Consider the session time
If you are including young kids in the family photography session, the span of the photoshoot can be vital. You know your kids best. Do they take a little bit of time to warm up to strangers? then i would recommend the full hour session to give us time to warm into it? or do your kids lose interest fast, perhaps a 30 minute session is best to hit the happiest moments and then finish off.
Also, some kids are better in the mornings and some feel better in the afternoons, only you know what will be best for them. Sunrise and Sunset is always best for photos, however sometimes, Sunrise is too early for them and sunset is too late, so we need to work out what is most important to you, lighting or your kids moods.
Generally also, with 1 hour sessions we would have extra time to explore, play, change outfits if we want and in an hour we are likely to get more background options, and different lighting scenarios. Whereas the 30 minute session is shorter, faster and less time to explore or play so we would just meet somewhere to gather a variety of shots then it will be done, before any meltdowns can potentially occur.
In both time frames we can get a lot of beautiful photos. Sometimes even, 2 hours is a good option if say, we want to walk a long distance to get to a special location, sometimes that special location and the adventure giving time to get to know one another better can also make all the difference aswell!
Tip #2: Get your kids on board in advance
Before 1 or 2 weeks of your specialized family photoshoot, start talking with them about the shoot. Explain to them that they will be meeting with me, and how its just a fun excuse to play and cuddle together. However, it is also good to ask them to smile for the camera, and talk with them regarding how significant it is that they maintain good behaviour. And, if you have arranged a family outing after the photoshoot, talk about that as well how it can be like a reward for doing so well (sometimes this works for me ;) ). If that outing is in their favourite venue though, it’ll boost their mood.
Tip #3: Happy adults equal cheerful children
This one is important, Our kids are like little sponges. If you are frustrated and stressed whilst getting prepared for the shoot, then most likely your children will be the same. On the day of the photoshoot, choose to be upbeat and happy around your children (even if you are doing it unwillingly). Irritable adults during the photo session make it less probable that you will have photos of smiling, happy kids. They see you having fun, they see the photographer is upbeat and fun, then surely, they are going to have fun! win win!
Its also a great idea to tell me, your photographer a little about you as a family and about your kids interests, so that i may use that information to keep them engaged, interested and happy.
In conclusion
At the end of the day however, there is no way to know for certain if your kiddos are going to behave, smile or have fun on the day. But with all of these notes in mind, a positive attitude and a little preparation, it should go well :)
Be sure to tell your photographer what shots are most important to you, and if there are any special and meaningful things you and your kids do together you should do those things at your session. Also, we will try things, and they may not work, then we can try different things and come back around to it. I will always do my best to read the situation and your kids to get the most out of the session for you all :)
