Studio Session Preparation Guide:
I. Studio SESSIONS ARE FUN
Our studio sessions are laid back and a lot of fun. And we're gonna take our time. Children are great at looking cute in photos, but they need a little time to get comfortable, so they can relax and have a good time.
II. What not to do
There are a lot of things that you as a parent can do to help make these sessions as smooth as possible, so that I can capture some great pictures. But there are also a few pitfalls that you might not think much about, that can actually make my job a lot harder. So first, I'm gonna lay out some ground rules:
• "No" is a no-go. Instead, let's stick to the "yes, and" approach. Rather than jumping to say no when your kid does something they shouldn't, try instead to inspire them or even distract them to do something else. Constantly opposing and saying no can be a total mood killer and can lead to a bad spiral for your child.
• I know it sounds like a good idea to bring a snack or treat as a bribe, but they often cause more problems than they solve. Sticky hands, distracted kids, and the never-ending requests for more treats aren’t exactly helpful for creating the relaxed vibe we need.
• Avoid raising your voice or scolding your kids. It will only make them look grumpy in all the following pictures. Avoid asking them to sit down and behave just for a liiittle while longer in exchange for ice cream etc. etc.
III. What can you do?
So what can you do?? Trust me, there are lots of things you as a parent can do to help make the session go smoothly. I've listed a few of them here:
• Let them explore the studio. They’re probably wondering what all these lights are and who this stranger with a camera is! Don’t rush to put them in front of the camera. Let them get used to the environment at their own pace. Once they’re comfortable, the photos will almost create themselves!
• Embrace their energy. If your little one has a lot of energy, don’t try to force them to sit still! I’d rather have them bouncing around or making silly faces than forcing a stiff pose. We can chase bubbles, play little games, or make silly sounds to get the best reaction.
• Let’s skip the “say cheese!” and go for real laughs instead. We can do that by being playful, making funny noises, singing songs, or even pretending we’re animals. Children’s laughter is contagious, and once they start having fun, it’ll show in the photos.
• If your little one starts to get fussy or loses interest, it’s okay to take a quick break. We can grab a toy, have a cuddle, or even just sit down for a moment. Sometimes a 5-minute pause can reset their mood and make all the difference.
• Don't hesitate to have a little fun yourselves. Bring out your inner child and enjoy this time together. Laugh, play, sing a song or even dance a little. If the adults are cheerful and have a good time, it will rub off on the kids.
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. They will be in a better mood and are more likely to cooperate (and even have fun!). I'm usually very flexible, so if the naps on the day don't go according to schedule, don't hesitate to get in contact so we can figure something out.
• 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.
