Family Session Preparation Guide:
I. Photo sessions are fun
Children are great at looking cute in photos. They just need to find it enjoyable. So if the adults are cheerful and have a good time, it will rub off on the kids.
II. What not to do
Avoid raising your voice or scolding your kids. It will only make them look grumpy in all the following pictures. Instead of asking them to sit down and behave just for a little while longer in exchange for ice cream and so on, try to lighten the mood.
III. How do I lighten the mood?
• Sing a song! or make up your own song. You can sing about what you're doing right now, or about what you see for example
• Bring out your inner child. Be a little silly and make jokes (even potty humor, nothing is too over the top at this point!)
• Kiss attack / tickle attack!
• Dance or move around a bit – it's a photo, not a painting
• Play a game / make up a game out of the situation
• Try to stay calm and patient throughout the session. Remember that children pick up on your energy, so a relaxed atmosphere can help the kids feel at ease.
• It's perfectly fine to let the kids run around a little if they can't stand still at that moment. A photoshoot doesn't have to take less than 5 minutes ;)
• Enjoy this time together. Laugh, play, and make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
IV. Plan ahead
Lastly, there are a few things you can do to come well prepared:
• When booking your session, choose a time when the kids are usually well-rested and fed. Avoid nap or meal times to minimize potential crankiness.
• Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid scratchy fabrics or outfits that might cause discomfort.
• Bring along some toys, bubbles, or other props that can engage the kids and make the session feel like playtime.
If you take some of this advice, you'll help create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. And then I'll make sure to capture some authentic and heartwarming photos for you.
