How to get your Kids Excited for your Family Photos: Preparing for Your Family Photo Session
I’ve heard every excuse in the book when it comes to why families don’t update their photos regularly. People will sometimes put off doing family photos because they get too stressed thinking about it, they don’t know what to wear, where to do it, or they’re unsure of how their kids will behave. As your photographer, I’m here to help you every step of the way to ensure you have a fun and stress-free family photo session.
Preparing Your Perfect Outfits
If you’re unsure of what to wear to your family photo session, I am always happy to help! Comfy casual is the way to go. I personally recommend wearing neutral and/or gem tones. Not everyone has to match exactly (i.e. no jeans and white shirts for everyone), but we love it when outfits complement each other! I find it is often easiest to choose one person’s outfit and use it as the key for the rest – mom’s outfit or the youngest baby’s outfit is a good starting point because they’re usually the hardest.
It’s always helpful to make sure you love everyone’s outfit in every position – sitting down, standing, running around, etc.
While some outfits may look absolutely adorable on your kids, they may not be practical for family photos – for example, if their overalls ride up into their face while they are sitting down, or their pants are just a little too long so they stumble and trip while running and playing may not be the best options. Also, make sure that your child’s shoe still fits before the session – if they’re too small and hurt their feet they may end up in a bad mood, which as we all know cranky kids aren’t the easiest and can affect the experience for everyone.
Always expect the unexpected! Pack an extra shirt or change of clothes in case we have a drooly baby, spill during snack break, someone falls and gets dirt all over their outfit, or any other accident we may encounter. Again, I’m always happy to help so if you’re stuck between a few outfit options, feel free to email me photos of your options laid out and I can always give you my input!
Explain to Your Kids What to Expect
It may seem simple, but keeping your child in the loop is really beneficial when the time comes for your photo session! You can start the conversation by talking about what we’ll be doing, in whatever age-appropriate way you feel works. I recommend explaining that they’re going to take some photos with mom and/or dad, some with their siblings, some with the family pets, and of course, they’ll get to grab the spotlight themselves for a little as well. The session doesn’t have to seem like a daunting, forced event, it’s a fun activity! They’ll be able to run around and play throughout the session, they can think of their own posing ideas, and of course, be able to take breaks. Before arriving at your session, it can be helpful to explain that their friend Alexa will be hanging out with them and that she will be the one taking photos of the family. If they are good listeners, we always have time to play a game at the end, like hide and seek or tag, and take any requests they might have.
If I’ve photographed the kids when they were younger (yes, even if they were newborns), take some time to show them photos from their last session and help them make the connection that we’ve met before.
It may be helpful to prep them for our photo location – by describing where we will be going, maybe there’s a playground they can play at the end of your photo session, and even what animals they may see! If it’s a new place they’ve never been to before, it’s always good to hype up the location and get them excited about exploring a new place, or if they have visited the session location before, just remind them about the spot and how much fun they had the last time they were there.
Prepare for Snack Breaks
Always make sure you bring some of your family’s favorite snacks and water! We’ll always take a break whenever they need it. Snacks can be a great way to reset a cranky mood. It is helpful to think of non-messy snacks to avoid any accidents or stains. Simple switches like water instead of juice, or vanilla Oreos, rather than chocolate can make all the difference! And of course, bring snacks for the parents as well! No need to limit the snack breaks to just the kiddos, I’m sure you’ll feel the need to refuel as well so bring non-messy snacks for the whole family. An impromptu family picnic doesn’t make for a bad photo!
I’m Not Saying to Bribe Your Kids But…
While of course, we want your kids excited for the session itself, it’s always a good idea to get your children excited for after the session as well! It’s no secret that giving them an incentive to behave and cooperate can make your family photo session go smoothly. A wonderfully patient client of mine once gave me a really great method to use, that we call the ice cream topping method.
Rather than completely get rid of an incentive after one misbehavior, we give them more chances to participate.
For example, you can tell the kids that after the session they will get ice cream and three topping choices. However, every time they don’t listen, they lose a topping option. That way, they still get something in the end but how good it can be is ultimately up to them.
I have also found that giving kids creative freedom has worked as a great incentive! While you prep them for the session, ask them what THEY would like to do with the photos afterward. If they pose for sibling photos or photos with the dog, then they can start to think about where they would like the photo to be hung/displayed in their room. Sometimes just giving them something to look forward to choosing can mean the difference between happy participation and a stink face.
Keep Your Photographer in the Loop!
While I always do my best to accommodate everyone’s needs during my sessions, there are of course ways you can help me make your session the best experience possible for you and the children! Whether it be just basic knowledge I should have of your kids, something simple as their favorite words (I once photographed a toddler who would only smile when I said the word bubbles!), topics that make them light up, and even things they don’t like – small adjustments can make the session feel so much easier! The experience of your session has always been just as important to me as the end result, so if there is anything you, the parents need please let me know before or at the beginning of your session. My goal is for everyone to have a great time while creating a beautiful family archive. And remember, it’s always going better than it feels. 😉
If you’re ready to start planning your Philadelphia family session, but unsure whether you should include your pet in the photos – read my 6 Reasons to Include Your Pet in Family Photos blog!
