You’ve booked the family session, bought everyone new outfits, bribed the kids to act right, and now you’ve got your fingers crossed that everyone will cooperate during pictures. Does this sound like you?
You’re in good company, but getting family pictures taken doesn’t have to be a stressful event. In fact, the outcome of your session boils down to two things: 1) Preparedness and 2) Expectations.
When you book a session with me, I make sure that you are prepared in all the right ways: an ideal location, coordinating outfits, and tips for young or shy children. But expectations play a huge role too! If you are expecting your kids to sit quietly with their hands folded in their lap and smiling at my camera for an hour, you will be very disappointed. Kids are active by nature, so let’s have FUN, shall we?!
I can’t guarantee that your kids will smile, but here are 5 ways to set them up for success:
1. Drop my name
Have your kids met me before? If not, it is understandable that they would be shy. To prepare for this, mention my name several times in the weeks leading up to your family photos. Tell them how exciting it’s going to be to have Miss Kourtni take their pictures! Then when we finally meet on session day, they’ll know who I am and {hopefully} feel less shy.
2. Try for a later nap
If you have babies or toddlers, their bedtime may fall during your scheduled session time. If that’s the case, opt for a later nap that day. I promise it will be worth it! Rested kids are happy kids. And by the end of the session, they’ll be tuckered out from exploring and playing that bedtime should be a breeze.
3. Grab a snack
If your family photos fall sometime around dinnertime, you may need to give the kids a little snack to tie them over. Try to avoid anything that makes a mess, leaves crumbs, or stains fingers/faces. A little snack such as fruit, chex mix, or a granola bar can make all the difference.
4. Dress comfortably
No one likes to be freezing or sweating outside for an hour! As tempting as it is to plan your family’s outfits weeks before family pictures, keep in mind that the weather can change abruptly. An easy way to prepare for this is to set aside some layers. Think cardigans, vests, scarves, or even cute hats. On the flip side, you can prepare for an unseasonably warm day but having coordinating tees or skirts on the ready. Solids are great because they are easy to throw together! I am always happy to help style your family is this step feels overwhelming. Take me up on it! Kids who are comfortable and move freely are more likely to give me those winning smiles we all love
5. HAVE FUN!
Parents, this one is for you.
I’m just going to say it — your attitude during the session plays a HUGE part in how it all plays out. Nothing derails a session faster than a stressed-out parent yelling at their kid(s). The kids feed off of your energy, so keep it light and enjoy exploring, playing in the leaves, and picking wildflowers at sunset together.
Let me ask you this: how do you want to remember your kids right now? Do you want to look back at your family pictures and reflect on how nicely they sat and twiddled their thumbs for pictures because you threatened them? Or do you want to remember the sound of your kids’ laughter, the light in their eyes as they played with you, or the way they snuggled up against you?
I can PROMISE you that when you get your pictures back, you will LOVE the natural connection and genuine love in your photos far more than a stiff inauthentic one.
I hope these tips are helpful as you prepare for your family pictures. And here’s one more bonus tip from a pro: bribing your kids with ice cream after the session totally works!
{Heavenly Daze Photography | Indianapolis Family Photographer}
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