I want to make sure you know that you shouldn’t stress about how your kids will act during your session. The main thing YOU need to do is let go of your expectations. Go into your session knowing that it might be hard to get your kids to sit still – or to get them to look right into the camera, and that’s ok. It really is!
I will do my best to achieve those “looking-at-the-camera shots”, but, truly, I love getting shots of your kids playing, having fun and interacting with each other and with you. So – let your kids explore and play…and be sure to join in on the fun! I think those are the real-interaction shots you’ll treasure the most anyway!
So – my biggest piece of advice is to RELAX. If you’re relaxed and ready to have fun, your kids will relax and have fun too!
MORE TIPS
1. Dress your kids in cute, but comfortable clothes.
Look at the weather beforehand and see if you need to adjust what they’ll be wearing the day of your session. They will not be at their best if they’re too hot or too cold.
2. Allow your child to bring a favorite book, toy or blanket.
These items can act as a nice distraction if your child becomes nervous or upset, but we can also use them in your photos to help you remember items that were important to your child during this precious phase of his/her life.
3. Avoid giving snacks DURING the session
…especially little orange crackers (like Cheezits or Goldfish!). Truly, try to have a meal before your session if possible. And if you do bring snacks, try to save them for the end of the session. Crackers are quite visible to the camera while your child chews and they sometimes leave residue around the mouth which 1) isn’t cute in a photo and 2) is hard to try and edit out. I’ll bring Smarties to use as a reward (they’re less colorful and and less messy), but I will only offer them with your permission.
4. Consider the timing of your session
To achieve a beautiful ‘glow’ for your photos, your session will be scheduled during golden hour (within the last two hours before the sun sets). But, if your little ones are happier in the morning, maybe an early morning session would be better. If needed, we can meet within the first two hours after the sun rises for a morning session. Let me know if you think that might be better for you.
5. It’s ok to have your child take a little break from photos during the session, if needed.
If you think your child needs a little time, just say the word. I’m in not rush and will be happy to give you the time you and your child needs.
Just a little note about the large photo above…these are photos of my brother’s family. Though they had little ones who, at times, had their own ideas of what they wanted to do during their session, it was still totally possible to get great shots of their family just hanging out…we even got that ‘looking at the camera shot’!!
