Seriously, what could more intimidating than getting your portraits take, as a family?! Probably traveling with a baby comes close.
I hear you, it can be really hard on parents who try to get their family portraits taken and suddenly you're dealing with a melt down because your toddler doesn't want to wear that dress and hates those shoes, on the day of your session. Trust me, I've been there. And it can be so stressful that you want to call your photographer and reschedule, which let me tell you, is completely in your right!
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel! These quick and easy steps will all lead to a melt-down free session and lead to a happy post session!
DON'T SAY NO.
This is really the only real rule that I have when I photograph families. Especially out on the beach. It's really easy to try and be on your best behavior as a family, but we all know that on the day of the session, your kid is gonna want to push their limits, set the new rules, and act a little goofy.
I say, let them. Let them get it all out of their system, let me take over and have fun. The more they see this as a fun activity, the more willing they'll be to cooperate. And this means, not saying "no" to running, climbing safely onto a tree, or even throwing sand and getting all wet. Keeping things light and fun are going to change the whole experience for you!
BRING EXTRA CLOTHES
Being that we have just let these kids wild, you'll need to be prepared in bringing more outfits. Always choose clothes that the kids feel most comfortable in. And if that day they are particular about a shirt, bring it, we'll use it and then I'll convince them to change later during the session. Usually this works because I'm a stranger and they don't know that I'm a complete push over. Plus, we're having fun and so they'll go along with it even more if we turn it into a game.
BRING SNACKS / TOYS
Kids are hungry all.the.time! I'm sure that you are constantly bringing snacks and juices everywhere you go; sessions are no different. Make sure you bring those favorite snacks and we'll give them to the kids through out the session so that they can keep their energy up and keep giving us those cute smiles!
Bringing toys is another great way to give your kids a break during the part of the session where we focus on mommy and daddy. It's a great way to keep them entertained and sometimes, we can get cute photos like this one below; this photo captures who she truly is at 3 years.
SMILING POSING MAY NOT HAPPEN
Just know that at your session, depending on your children's age, they may not be willing to be still enough for photos. Take a 2 year old, they constantly run from the camera and don't like to sit still. As where you have teens who don't like to smile at all but will stand there limp and bored. So that's where we try to play, run, jump, through the baby in the air, maybe jump onto your teens back, or tell a funny joke - anything to get the energy flowing.
I'll capture those interactions and sometimes, they make the best memories because they are natural, authentic, and real.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO RESCHEDULE
Portrait sessions, thankfully, are always able to be rescheduled if your kid is having a really bad day or isn't up for anything. Call me and we'll reschedule for a later date. It's happened where we're in the middle of the session and we'll reschedule for a different day, and it's totally ok! Sometimes this happens and it's quite alright. I'd rather not force the session because we'll definitely see it in the photos.
Having fun is always the best part of your portrait experience! Don't forget to bring on the bad dad jokes, run, jump, and be willing to play. I guarantee everyone will have a wonderful time and we'll get the shots that you'll be able to treasure.
