Top 5 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier :: Lincoln Nebraska Family Photographer

If you’re prepping for a photo session with your kiddos, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive or worried they’ll be in a sassy mood that day. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don’t make a huge deal out of it. If you’re stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter’s hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won’t sit still. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the session step back, typically the photographer has dealt with sour patch kiddos and it actually works to just step away and let them have fun together. From personal experience, I will say most of the kiddos I have at sessions love to talk to me one on one without mom listening, so we’ll go off and play and I can get them to interact and get engaged with me to capture those true smiles and giggles.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins.  If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm. Or, give it the old “throw grass at me” and usually they willingly oblige.

3. Be prepared.  If you’re going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too. I personally have emergency kits of things but it never fails I forget to grab extra water bottles, make sure you’ve got enough for your littles!

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic. Remember, you’re paying for a service with someone you trust to capture images you’ve seen in their work. They know what they’re doing, trust the process! 😉

5.  Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions. I try my best to catch up on Disney channel but sometimes I stink at knowing cool things, mention a topic and I’ll take it away with your littles! A go to is always asking what they’ll be for Halloween or what the Easter bunny brought them!