Preparing parents and kids for family photos
Do you ever get nervous prior to the upcoming family pictures with the kiddos? The meltdowns, not listening, not smiling for the camera, or the huffing and puffing? Unhappy kids also make unhappy parents during family sessions. It shows in pictures! I'm writing this to help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety wrapped around family sessions.
Tip 1. If the kiddos are old enough, a couple days prior to the session, practice a smile in the mirror, talk about the session, practice poses, and be silly.
Tip 2. Try to make sure everyone is fed and hydrated. I sometimes make the kids run and play in front of the camera, there will be lots of activity during most sessions. Before the session grab your favorite snack and drink (including the parents) and enjoy! I know I get hangry! During the session, bringing bribes like mini marshmallows or gummies to sneak to the kids and that are easy to eat. I won't tell!
Tip 3. I tell the parents to stay flexible and keep things fun. Try not to discipline the kids during the session, unless necessary. Then the tears start to roll, and we don't want that!!
Tip 4. I LOVE the candid moments, so the poses that are unscripted and not looking at the camera. The genuine connections and laughter of families and siblings are some of my favorite moments during any of my sessions. During the beginning of the session we typically do some traditional poses with the entire family, then Mom and kids, Dad and kids, after these we start with some fun candid moments where the kids are playing and interacting with each other.
The Real Laughter
Embracing the true emotions, and not the forced or fake smiles. These emotions don't always have to be joyous, often times these images can be powerful or sad.
I’ll prompt you in the beginning, direct you and never ask you to do something that feels wrong or weird or leave you hanging. By the end of the session you'll be totally into it, I promise. Besides, the objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures, it’s to preserve how a moment feels, be fun, be silly, and enjoy each second!
You can tell the difference between the candid picture and a traditional portrait. Embrace these moments, let them play as if the camera isn't there. I will show them the pictures during the session to help them understand what they are creating.
Not every picture has to be perfect, things don't always go according to plan. Just going with the flow of the session can create images I didn't expect to happen. We want family session to be a positive experience and less of the huffing and puffing.
