Here’s the thing, it’s not easy getting kids to cooperate. Much less get them to smile and stand still long enough to not have a huge meltdown. This goes even for kids who are in the pre-teens and teen years. They just happen to be more vocal about the fact that they’d rather be boogie boarding.
In my 10 plus years photographing families, I’ve pretty much seen it all and let me tell you if your photographer isn’t helping the situation, then they are part of the problem! I personally like to tell my clients that I’ve got their backs when it comes to children because honestly, it can be unpredictable how they will react to someone new.
Don’t fret, I do have your back and I’m outlining how you can give your children an awesome portrait experience that requires really little to no effort. Win-win in my book!
CHOOSE A TIME THAT WORKS FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Here’s the thing, not all children are great morning kids. Some go through witching hour right as the sun dips (hello, my son does almost every day and he’s 3 already).
The best way to get your kids to enjoy the whole portrait situation is to schedule it when they are often the best in terms of energy, attitude, and vibe. We want them to enjoy every bit of the fun and not be forced or feel like they’re not doing something right.
Luckily, I’ve been doing this a long time and have photographed families at all times of the day and all times are great times for portraits. We can usually find cover on a hot day, use the calm of the early morning, or create some cool photos with the dipping sun.
The point is, we’re on their schedules (aren’t we always as mamas? ha!) and the same goes for portraits. If you think that they are okay during sunset, then let’s do it.
You know them the best and you’ll know when they will be great to enjoy and have fun. Which brings me to my next point…
LET THEM HAVE FUN
Yes, this means getting sandy, rolling in the grass, and exploring. Allowing kids to be, well, kids, will make the whole experience more fun for them and for you too!
Don’t worry, I’ll get all of the shots that are a must in between finding the perfect walking stick. I’ll get them to pose with you much easier if we let them dig in the sand a bit before.
Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, even if they were at the same beach earlier in the day.
Giving them a chance to just be in the space and have fun will naturally help them to just follow instructions when I ask them to stand next to mommy or daddy.
LEAVE EXPECTATIONS AT THE DOOR
This is a hard one for parents, and I get it! You’re paying for photographs that are going to stay in your family for a long time. They’ll be hung up in your home and shown off when someone asks you about your children.
Trust me, I know that it can be hard to leave expectations at home. However, let’s be real, children are children and the best way to get them to take those yearly portraits is to give them a fun experience the first time around!
A three-year-old who can remember having fun getting pictures taken is going to want to go the next time. Once they get to pre-teen, that’s a whole different story lol.
The smiles, the fun, the experience is really all up to me. So parents, just show up ready to play and have fun with your kids. I’ll do the rest to get them to smile and get those photos you’ve always wanted.
The smaller the children, the more we’ll play and make sure they have a good time. The older they are, the less we’ll force them to smile and try and get more genuine expressions out of them.
BRING SNACKS, DRINKS, EXTRA CLOTHES
Children get dirty. I’ll be surprised if they last more than 10 minutes without wanting to splash in the water. So, as you would normally do, bring snacks, juice or water, and extra clothes.
The great thing is that while they’re having fun, I’ll be there capturing every moment, every smile, every authentic laugh. Which is why we’re taking portraits: to capture your family just as they are!
Being prepared with snacks, drinks, and extra clothes will help big time in keeping the session light, fun, and real.
Also, snacks can double as bribes!
IN THE END, IT’S ABOUT CAPTURING REALNESS
It’s always a good time when kids can just be kids during a portrait session. I hope these tips help you to keep in mind that getting photos of who these little people are right now, at this time and age of their lives, is more important than the standard look at the camera and smile.
And I’m all about capturing the realness of families. The, let’s-walk-along-the-shore-and-tell-fart-jokes. Or let’s splash and wet daddy because that’s always fun!
All about the tossing in the air, tickling, and giggles. All of it, sign me up for the fun.
If you want to know more tips, reach me at hello@jackielamas.com or via Instagram and I’ll help you as best I can to prepare you for your best portrait experience ever!
