Taking pictures can be a stressful experience, and it is easy to get lost in all the Pinterest photos of seemingly perfect looking families. But sometimes hiccups are unavoidable, little ones may be fussy and sometimes older kids can think of 10 other things they would rather be doing! Here are 5 family photo tips to help lower your chances of added stress when taking family photos.
1. Always Choose Well Fitted Clothes
Have your kids try on the clothes you are wanting them to wear a few days to a week before your photo session to insure they fit properly. The last thing we want is to have them constantly tugging at a too small shirt or walking and standing funny because their pants or shoes are too tight or too big. Kids grow so fast and what fit them a few months ago may not fit them today. I know it can be a pain to get new clothes, but it’s worth it to keep them looking and feeling comfortable!
2. Be Well Rested and Well Fed!
We’ve all been there… it’s been a few hours since the last meal and the moodiness and irritability is starting to set in. When it comes to a hangry child, you never know how it can play out. You may just get some complaining an a few grumpy faces, or you may get a full on meltdown. Snickers commercials said it best, “you’re not you when you’re hungry.” So get ahead of any possible hunger related moodiness by eating a meal before you leave for the shoot or bringing some snacks to eat in the car on the way there.
3. Avoid negative reinforcement.
I totally get it, in everyday life we have to sometimes threaten taking away a toy or not getting that ice cream, or even.. a time out. However, it won’t work out well during a photo session. What you will get is a forced, strained, and unhappy smile that will not look natural or joyful. They are smart! They know you can’t take away what they want if they are technically cooperating. However ,they will let you know they aren’t happy about doing it! My goal is for them to ACTUALLY be having fun, laughing and connecting with their family during our session. That way you will get the most beautiful photos.
4. Be Positive!
Your kids can always feel when you are stressed and that can lead to some tense, awkward photos. I know we all want those perfect Pinterest worthy photos, but allow your photographer to capture more moments and less perfectly posed shots. Because they will happen no matter what. Toddlers and kiddos are unpredictable and fun and energetic and silly and goofy and want to play more than anything else! When you release a little bit of control, that genuine connection between you and your family starts to come out and what you get is so much better!
5. Have FUN!
During your shoot be willing to keep moving! Kids do NOT like to be in static positions too long, so we want to encourage you to swing, chase, and tickle them as much as possible to keep your kiddo engaged and loving all the one on one attention. Just keep smiling while you do it because you never know when we will capture that perfect smile from them!
6. Talk to Your Photographer
If your kids do not like photos or need a little extra love during sessions, don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your photographer about any concerns you have. As photographers, we work with people from all walks of life. We will do our best to work with you and your child’s needs without judgement.
Enjoy these family photo tips and would like for me to be your family photographer? Contact me here!
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