What if my kids don’t behave?
First of all, they are kids and at this point, have no concept of the importance of a photography session or the images that you will have forever. They are meant to move, be curious, and explore. I have two very active and wild boys and they will not sit, smile or look at the camera! And thats ok! If I were to ask them to “Sit on that log, look at me and smile”, the image would be great , but it wouldn’t be showing who they are in that moment. Instead they look up at a squirrel chittering in the tree and have a giant smile on their face because the ‘squirrel is yelling at them’! And even though their eyes are not looking directly at the lens, you can see the happiness and the wonder on their face for the world around them. I want to capture that freedom, so when they have kids, a job, and bills to pay of their own we can look back and remember that the freedom that they felt in childhood. And isn’t that the whole point? To capture something that is so uniquely your family. The unscripted, imperfect moments, the ones with movement, are the moments that are the most true to you.
I do have some tips and tricks though that will vary with their age.
#1 - Don’t overthink it!
And this goes for your spouse, or anyone else joining the session as well! They can feel your energy and they will either match it or react to it, that’s why they always get so crazy before you go or do anything important. Now, I will never tell you to bottle up your feelings, so try to feel positive about it and they will too.
#2 - Talk about it! Positively , excitedly, like it is something they will have fun doing. (because it is fun!)
Describe the location, talk about me, you know the super fun photographer that is going to play games with all of you! If you have active and wild kiddos, talk about the stumps they can jump off of or the frogs they can look for. If you have a fashion centered kiddo, talk to them about what they are going to wear and how they want to do their hair. Just hype them up for it!
#3 - When you arrive, let them be shy, let them take their time.
Strangers can be intimidating, especially when they are carrying a giant hunk of metal that they point at you! I get that and I will never rush you or your family. I will let them push buttons on my camera ( don’t worry, they won’t mess anything up) and see the reflector. We can take some time to just chat and warm up. We can talk about their favorite shows, or the things they like right now! And when the time is right we will transition into the photo adventure!
#4 - Give them a job
It always helps when kids have something to focus on. ‘Find five pinecones’ , ‘ tickle dad to make sure he smiles’, ‘make fart noises at your brother’, ‘whisper silly words in mom’s ear’.
#5 - Bring snacks and offer a post session reward!
This one is pretty self explanatory, but sometimes they just need a break and a little snack and it totally resets the whole situation! And offer a reward after the session, every kid loves going to the dollar store, or getting a sweet treat.
#6 - Outfits that they are comfortable in.
Movement is key in my photography and for kids. If they are uncomfortable moving in their clothes then that is going to show in their energy and they won’t enjoy the session. And if there is anyone wearing dresses, please make sure they have shorts on underneath so they can move freely without worry. This goes for you too, clothing that makes you comfortable and makes you feel like you is always best.
