5 Ways To Get The Best Out Of Your Family Session

5 Ways To Get The Best Out Of  Your Family Session

This is the season to have your family photos done and ready for Holiday cards, but you may be feeling a bit apprehensive.  Children aren’t always easy to deal with and you are investing your money in your family session, getting all the outfits ready and you don’t want photos to turn out bad. I get it and that’s why here are few ways to prepare and be on top of things just in time for your 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.
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.
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 are having your own photos taken too for LinkedIn or similar, then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. 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.
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.
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.

Remember that your photographer has experience with kids and they will know how to handle the situation. If kids are not having it, you might just have to take a little break and focus on getting kids to a happy place.

Try to enjoy this experience and just have fun with your family and photographer will take care of the rest.

Do you have any tips?

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