Tips to Making Photography Sessions Easier with Little Ones

Don’t make a huge deal out of it. 

If you’re stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace. Let your energetic daughter’s hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won’t sit still. It’s all ok! Maybe that stray hair or cowlick is something that you love about your child and deserves to be documented. I love real moments, real life, embrace the imperfections, focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Letting kids just be themselves and with small prompts, natural interactions and image captures just happen…..

Make it fun. 

I always spend time talking with your kids and getting to know them and let them get comfortable with me. My style of shooting lends itself to more a candid and natural style; letting your kids have fun and let off a little steam is part of my process, sometimes this is when I get the most honest images. If you let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” when they get to pick their own pose or props and lead the session, we will be more likely to get them to pose for the serious images with the smiles and looking at the camera. This way everyone wins. If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm or giving the kids a few little tickles.

Be prepared. 

You are going to be out for several hours! Please ensure that your children are well rested and have had their naps. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken, you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you are shooting in a remote location, you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too. Also for colder months; make sure kids are in jackets. Have blankets to stay warm, then remove those just before the shoot.

Be patient. 

Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Trust me, or your photographer to give direction to the session. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing (and these are some of my favorite images). Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic. 

Have a chat. 

Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer. It will also give your photographer a chance to capture candid and cute expressions. This is a staple in my sessions! I am always chatting with the kids and talking about what their favorite things are. I also have the sense of humor of a 10 year old; so farting and fart noises tend to get genuine giggles and smiles.