So, you've found an awesome photographer, chose the perfect day, and scheduled your family photoshoot. Now what?
I know all to well how stressful it is to prepare your child for a photoshoot and how you want everything to be perfect. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare your child for the big day.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING!
1. MAKE SURE CLOTHING/OUTFITS ARE READY AND COMFY
There is nothing like a kid who hates what they have on. From ripping the bows out of their hair to snatching the bowtie off their shirt. Make sure your little ones are as comfy as can be in their photo ready outfits and make sure they have the ability to move around easy. Hint-easy movement makes for perfect candid shots! Also, allow plenty of time to get ready before your photo session. There is nothing more stressful to a mom or dad than trying to rush and get the baby ready with little to no time.
As far as matching outfits. Matching colors is perfect. You don't have to match the outfits exactly but the same color palette is great. And make sure to dress for the weather!
2. MAKE SURE THEY'VE EATEN AND HAD A NAP
I know, I know; this may be a hard thing to do sometimes. But making sure your child isn't hungry can save us from having a very hangry and uncooperative child later in the photoshoot. Make sure to bring snacks as well. Small, easy to eat, and non messy snacks are perfect for when their little tummies get to growling during the photo session.
3. TALK TO THEM PRIOR TO THE PHOTO SESSION DAY
It's okay to let them know they'll be doing a fun family photo session. Practicing is also a good thing, but not too much of it. We don't want a burn out before the session. Making it fun and exciting for them so they will look forward to it and be ready to give those beautiful smiles when the camera is on and ready.
4. LET THEM BE..THEM
Make sure to let them be and act natural. I know some moms and dads go nuts when the little ones are running around and being active. Let me let you in on a little secret; us photographer's love this! It doesn't bother us at all! This is where we are able to capture their natural state and capture their little personalities and it makes for some pretty awesome candid shots. So let them wear themselves out! Then we will get the nice family photo with everyone smiling at the camera. With that being said, probably one of the worse things to tell a child is to say cheese. Yeah, I'm serious! That is when you'll get that fake "oh my mom is making me smile and take this picture" smile. Let's not do that. I know it can be hard to not say "oh don't smile like that" or "don't grit your teeth like that" but try not too. We'll get those amazing smiles captured, trust me!
5. BE POSITIVE AND INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER
One of the best things you can do for your photo shoot and your little one is to stay positive and make the photoshoot fun. Make sure to interact with each other and you can even do some of the fun things you like to do; like read their favorite book or play with their favorite action figure. These instances make for some beautiful and true family photos. Also, remember, I repeat, remember, not everyone has to be looking and smiling at the camera. Us photographers love to capture families in their most natural state while they are interacting with each other. Doing this can almost guarantee the best candid photo ever!
Well, there you have it! 5 quick tips to get you and your little ones prepared for your family photoshoot. Keep these tips in mind and you are sure to have a smooth photo session with your little one. If not, I forgot to mention one other tidbit....bribery! Yes, I said it! Bribes or rewards; whichever way you want to swing it! Promising a treat if they get through their photo session is scientifically proven to work....well, not really scientifically proven, but you know what I mean! Even us photographers, if you allow us, will offer a treat to our tiny clients. I personally love to ask mom and dad what their little ones like and try to find them an awesome toy that reflects that so they can have it at the end of their session for a photoshoot well done! Just one extra tip for you, you know, just in case. Happy shooting!