5 Tips For Preparing Kids for a Family Photoshoot
HOW TO PREPARE KIDS FOR A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
So, what should you do to get your kids ready for your family Photo session?
After years of practice photographing families across DFW, I’ve really seen it all: everything from big belly cries, hanger symptoms, to outright refusal. From my experience as a family photographer, I’ve curated my top 5 tips for preparing your kids for your next family photo session.
GIVE THE KIDS A HEADS UP
An important first step to take is to make sure your kids are not only aware that there will be a session, but that they understand where they are going, who will be there, and what they will need to do. Of course, giving your kids a heads up about the photoshoot will not prevent them from having a “moment,” but it will minimize confusion and help keep focus directed toward the photoshoot. Parents have even gone a step further and visited the family photo session location in the days before our family session in order to warm the kids up to the area and location.
2. KEEP EVERYONE FED & WELL-RESTED
Bringing extra snacks— and LOTS of water) — is a must for preparing kids for a family photoshoot. Family portrait sessions often take place early in the morning or in the hours before sunset (depending on the time of year this could land right around dinner time), so it’s always a good idea to have your kids’ favorite snacks nearby. Even if your family just ate before the shoot, snacks are a good tool to get your kids’ attention while we’re shooting.
3. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Here in Dallas, and throughout DFW, the weather can be extreme. Even a picturesque afternoon can bring with it sweltering heat, brash winds, or wintry ice. While you may be willing to compromise comfort, your kids likely won’t, and my goal is to keep everyone happy and safe. For this reason, check the weather ahead of time, and make sure the clothing you choose for your kids is suitable for the situation outside. For more tips on what to wear to your family photoshoot, check out my blog post: What to Wear for Family Pictures.
4. BRING ALL THE BRIBES
Wondering what to bring to a family photoshoot? Whether it’s your child’s favorite toy, candy, or song, bringing rewards with you to your photo session is sure to give your kid some extra motivation if they happen to hit a hiccup at a point during the photoshoot. I always have a few popular kid songs preloaded on my phone, but I recommend curating a short playlist of your kids’ favorite songs in addition to bringing a few of his or her favorite snacks as a reward.
5. ABOVE ALL: STAY POSITIVE!
It’s a cliche, but in this case it’s absolutely true. The more fun you have during the family photo session, despite any hiccups, tantrums, or distractions, the better the final gallery will turn out. As I’ve said before, nothing makes for a more beautiful family portrait than a happy kid, while a tired or hungry kid has the power to distract from an entire session. My hope is that everyone is happy, comfortable, and ready to create some beautiful family photos.
But, as anyone who’s spent time with kids knows, moods can change between each shutter release. After shooting countless family sessions, and meeting/photographing so many amazing kiddos, here’s what I’ve learned. My goal as a family photographer isn’t to distract, manipulate, or retexture reality. In fact, the harder I try to employ a particular personality, the more difficult it is to capture anything that feels remotely authentic.
My job is to set the tone, not to orchestrate reality. Sure, I’ll absolutely capture the “money shots” where all family members sit, smiling and laughing at the camera. But I won’t force any kid to pretend to feel something that isn’t true in the moment. We do what we can. We make sure they’re rested. We bring the toys, snacks, etc.; however, I choose to photograph families because each brings with it it’s own unique character. The last thing I want to do is change that. All of this to say: having fun really is top priority during a family photoshoot. The galleries with the biggest smiles, genuine expressions, and natural moments come from the shoots with the families that bring the positive attitude first and foremost.
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