Anticipating a photo session can be stressful for parents with young children. You just never know if they are going to cooperate and if you are hoping for one thing it is almost a for sure thing that they will do the opposite. Here are 5 steps to preparing kids for the camera.
1. Set Expectations
Talk about the session with your kids and tell them what they can expect and what is expected of them several times prior to your session in a positive and fun manner. If they have never done a photo session before or if they were not old enough to remember the last photo session they may find the experience a little scary. Try to involve them as much as possible. Give them options for outfit choices to help get them engaged. Ask your photographer to meet with your kids prior to the session, if possible, so your photographer is not a stranger and so your kids can feel comfortable and at ease the day of the session.
2. Incorporate Activities
Talk to your photographer about the differences between a lifestyle session and a traditional portrait session. A lifestyle session is usually centered around an activity and can take place in the comfort of your own home. Sometimes this is a good option to keep smaller children occupied and involved throughout the session while making and capturing some really great memories. One such idea for a lifestyle session would be making cookies with Mommy. A traditional portrait session is usually is more posed. However, even if you opt for the more traditional portrait session work with your photographer to plan mini activities that can break the session up and make it more fun for young kids. Such activities can include playing games, ring-around-the-rosy, reading a book, and having a tea party, and these activities make cute pictures as well.
3. Feed Them and Bring Snacks
Prior to your session make sure your kids are well fed. If my daughter is hungry, its all over. There is no way I am getting her to do anything and I run the risk of a meltdown (this can also be the case for tired). I also recommend bringing small snacks…if all else fails you can use them for bribery. For a family session, your photographer may want to take a couple of variations in poses which may involve different members of the family. One such pose may be one or too of just you and your spouse. During these pose changes, if your child is not directly involved, this is a great time to get out a couple of neat snacks. Also, as a side note, don’t forget water.
4. Make Sure They Are Well-Rested
Most photographers will want to shoot during the Golden Hour, which is in the late afternoon, as the natural light at this time casts an even golden glow and is ideal for photos. However, work with your photographer to find a time that will not only offer nice lighting but will not interfere with nap times. It is important that your child is well rested and skipping a nap or postponing a nap may not be a good idea if you are hoping for a happy well-behaved child. It is better to just find a time that will work for your child and still offer manageable light.
5. Stay Calm and Remain Positive
During the session, if your child starts acting up, stay calm and stay positive. If you start getting frustrated and jump into disciplinary mode it tends to make things worse. Essentially, the environment gets tense and now you are also stressed so even if your child does calm down it makes it a lot more difficult to get natural happy looking photos. Instead, ask to take a break, get the snacks out, and be positive. It is not uncommon for kids to decide they are done before the session is finished so do not feel embarrassed. Most photographers who work with kids will have experience with working with them even when they are not on their best behavior and may even have some tricks up their sleeves. In some cases, if the session is more about the kids and less about the parents, it may be a good idea to stand back and let the photographer work with the kids one-on-one. Keep in mind, your child behaves differently for you than with other people.
Last, but not least have fun!
If have any tips and tricks to successfully get kids to behave at a photo session please share in the comments section below.
