4 Tips to Prepare Kids in a Family Photography Session
Remember some of the old portraits of when you were kid? Many are traumatized by these. haha Sometimes it’s not so much the funny styles, but something doesn’t seem right. The poses are stiff, the smiles seem fake.
We take still take these every day with our phones, but sometimes you’ll see a snapshot taken when the family had a good time, and though it’s not “professional”, your family looks amazing, because the smiles look genuine.
Remember as a kid when the photographer would force you into a pose that feels unnatural? Move your head two inches! Smile! And all you wanted to do was get this over with and play.
So remember this for your kids. When you want the pictures and you bring the kids or spouse, remember it’s their day too.
They need to be having fun. The worst situation is when the kids don’t want to be there and the parents scold them to behave or smile.
I get it. Kids are troublesome. You have to be firm. If the kids are ornery, it can be a bad situation. But the last thing you want on your wall is pictures with stressful smiles and poses.
So here are some tips to get the best, genuine photos from your kids.
Do everything you can to make sure they have fun. Buy them ice cream. Be as funny as you can, and do your best to pay attention to them that day. If you can find a way to relax them especially that day, it will pay off in the photos. This is their day too.
Let them have some ideas for shots. In one session I let the kids jump and be superheros for the shot. They loved it. You can focus on the traditional shots, but just give them a couple minutes for some fun shots.
3. Tell jokes and let them be silly. To a point, where it can be controlled. I saw one photographer that asked who farted the loudest. They said Dad, and they including the dad were giving the best smiles ever. Whatever works.
4. If they like to show affection make sure this is captured. If they don’t, that’s okay. Don’t force it.
Caught a great moment in between shots. These end up being the best ones!
One of my favorite pictures was when I wanted my wife to take a photo of me, and then Helena came in a ruined it. haha She made it so much better, wouldn’t you say?
At our New Years Eve party, Helena was being ornery when we were trying to take iphone pictures. So I found a way to make her smile.
Look at Helena’s face! lol
I know just the thing. lol. They say choose your battles with kids. We left this battle for another time.
This phone shot is far from professional. But the smile was genuine.
So basically, my point is, relax during the family photoshoot. Have fun!
For more family portraits, just check out the gallery. If you need a family photographer in the Portland area or Gresham or Fairview just let me know!
