4 Expert Tips To Prepare Your Children (and yourself!) For Your Next Family Photoshoot
I’ve been a photographer for 13 years, but a mother longer who has had to prep her own children for several shoots over the years. One would think that being a photographer’s children, my girls would naturally show up to our sessions ready to put their best selves, smiles and personality forward. Wrong.
There was something about being in front of a camera lens that ignited the rebel within, and so began the provoking one another in obnoxious poking and tickling; they would start making weird faces that would soon have me disregulated, making threats under my breath and apologies to the photographer.
As I grew as a mother and observed other families as a photographer, I gathered that most of the time it really wasn’t the kids - it was the parents.
It was me. I was focused on picture-perfection over actual connection, and it was evident in our images.
This is an important revelation to have as a photographer too! I don’t want my clients to feel frozen in a prison of perfectionism and leave our time together feeling exhausted or worn down.
All that to say, It’s important to prep your children for them session in a way that will excite them! There is a section in my Client Guide of helpful tips for parents to prepare their children (and themselves) for their next shoot, and I’m sharing some of those here with you today!
Try not to schedule anything else the day of your shoot.
They feed off your energy! They feel what we feel…so if you are stressed, rushed or worried, they will be too. Moms, try to make all of your beauty appointments 1-3 prior to your session date and have outfits picked at least by 1 month out so you’re not stressing. If possible, try not to make any other commitments the day-of your sesssion so that there isn’t burn out or kids missing naps!
Don’t make deals with your children before your session.
This is an unpopular opinion, but hear me out: In bribing your children, you are communicating that this is not going to be a fun or enjoyable experience. You’re telling them to perform. My suggestion is to come at it from a different angle. Try saying something like: “I have planned some special family time. My friend will be there taking photos. Her name is Jillian and she’s a mom too! I can’t wait to just cuddle you or play fun games.”
It’s no secret that children are smart and can smell manipulation from a mile away. And no one truly wants to be manipulated, no matter how good the ice cream or the candy tastes. If a treat should be involved, perhaps after you tell them the exciting plans you have for a photo session you could add: “And we have a fun surprise for you after we’re done!”
Connection, connection, connection.
My advice would for that treat to never be hung over the child’s head to get them to perform. “If you don’t smile, you won’t get xyz”.
Plan on being present.
There is a beautiful God-given security in presence - being fully focused on your family. When children feel seen and that there’s room to just BE, that’s when the magic really happens. If they need a hug, hug them. If they want to play, play!
This way, as your photographer, I get to see their true personalities shine through and you get to remember it in a photograph…forever. You also have such permission to relax and enjoy your children! This allows your family’s natural nuances to flow and I can document all those beautiful moments between you and your babies, keeping my interactions light and friendly.
My goal is to photograph more than everyone cheesing at the camera for a classic family portrait. You’ve hired me to tell a story through these images - your story. Refrain from asking your child to smile as this usually results in fake grins.
And lastly…
Let your photographer lead.
Oooh! I feel like this is a tough one for parents because of so many different factors: They could be feeling embarrassed by a child’s behavior (trying to get them to behave), worried about them doing something they’re not supposed in my studio, concerned about how I perceive their family dynamic, etc.
If you just work on doing #3, I will take the lead with your children! It’s important not to repeat my instructions. Instructions from multiple authorities can be confusing and frustrating for a child, even when the instructions are the same. The last thing we want is for your child(ren) to shut down. If the children do not do as I ask, please wait for me to ask you for your assistance. However I will go with the flow and if you feel like you absolutely need to intervene, please do so.
My desire is for you to enjoy your family and your experience unto receiving the most beautiful images you can cherish for generations!
xo,
Jillian
