How to Prepare Young Kids for a Family Photo Shoot
How to Prepare Young Kids for a Family Photo Shoot
No matter how well your kids normally listen to instructions and corporate on family outings, every parent has at least some anxiety before a family photo session about how their kids will handle it. Will they listen to the photographer’s instructions and smile nicely when they need to, or will they be grumpy and have a hard time sitting still?
I can tell you from experience (both as a photographer and as a parent) that there are never any guarantees. It helps if you take some prep steps, though, so try out these tips.
Deliver the News with Positivity
It’s always best to let kids know in advance that the photo session is coming rather than springing it on them when the day arrives, but the way you tell them is important too. Frame the photo session in a positive way.
If you tell your kids, “This is what we’re going to be doing and it’s going to be so much fun in the park!” they’ll be more positive about the session than if you tell them, “I know you’re going to be bored but this is what we’re doing and you just need to behave and get through it.” Pro tip: it gets easier if you go back to the same photographer every time because your kids will get to know and trust the photographer and even look forward to seeing them!
Make Sure Everyone is Comfortable
I know you want your kids to look picture-perfect, but when you’re planning their family photography wardrobe, you need to consider comfort as well as appearance. If your kids are uncomfortable in clothes that itch or don’t fit right, they might be cranky or tug at their clothes throughout the session.
Make the Day a Happy One
It’s always challenging to get a family with young kids to get anywhere on time, but try to be positive and low-stress on the day of your photo session. It’s all about putting your kids in a good mood so the session starts on the right foot. Make sure you allow extra time to get ready so you aren’t pressuring the kids to get out the door.
The same goes for the session itself. Relax and have fun! You’ve hired a professional, so sit back and enjoy the time with your kids rather than focusing too much on your kids’ behavior.
Plan Something for the Kids to Look Forward To
Most kids are pleasant and cooperative during a family photo session if they’re in a good mood and a fun environment, but let’s be honest, sometimes a bribe works wonders. No judgment here! You don’t need to think of it as a bribe as much as it is just giving your kids something to look forward to after the session. That could be a stop at the ice cream shop or bakery, playing their favorite game, watching a movie together, or whatever puts a smile on your little ones’ faces.
Prepping for Your Next Family Photo Session
Are you due for beautiful new family portraits? I’m here to help! Contact my Seattle-area family photography studio and let’s chat.
