5 TIPS TO GET YOUR KIDS TO COOPERATE DURING FAMILY PHOTOS
1.Talk about the photo session weeks before:
Prepare your kiddos by telling them about the photo session weeks in advance! Tell them everything that will happen, what to expect and set your expectations for them. Let them know that there will be someone taking their photographs and it will be a fun experience. The more you talk to them about it the less scary it will be to them and they will know what will happen before they get to the session!
2. Make this apart of your day
If you make the photography session apart of your day and not make it too big of a deal it can take the pressure off of the kids! If you have a morning session make plans after the session like going to a family breakfast, go to a park or have a fun target run! If you have an evening session maybe you could do dinner and a movie after! Make it something to look forward to after the session so they will be on their best behavior during your session.
3. Make the experience fun
We will work as a team to make this experience super fun for the kids and adults too! Before the session you can hype up all fun we will be having! During our session we will play some fun games and get to do some silly things (depending on ages of kids)! I’m really big on incorporating lots of moment and switching up posing so you’re never in one place for too long!
4.Don’t force clothing
Try on all clothes at least a week before your session. Make sure the kids pants fit and clothes aren’t itchy! If your child hates dresses don’t force them to wear one. Go shopping together to find something they would love to wear! You don’t want your child hating the experience because you wanted them to wear something they hated or felt uncomfortable in.
5. Bribing isn’t always bad
I am definitely a fan of bribing when it comes to family photo sessions! You can promise them something fun like ice cream after the session, a small toy from Target or you can bring their favorite snacks or toys to the session to help (especially the little ones). I usually let them take small breaks in-between a bunch of poses to let them get a small treat when I see them getting antsy! This usually saves the day!
When it comes down to the session day just remember they are children and regardless how they act we will get some great images and this will be a core memory for them! Set the tone for future sessions and try to keep it a fun family experience!
