A Parent's Guide to Calming Kids During Photography Sessions
Capturing precious family moments through photography is my jam, but it can sometimes feel like herding cats when trying to get energetic kiddos to cooperate. From fidgeting toddlers to moody teens, managing the energy and emotions of children during a photography session can be a daunting task. However, with a few simple strategies and a dash of patience, you can help ensure a successful and stress-free experience for both you and your little ones.
Here’s a few tips on how to keep calm and help me capture those picture-perfect moments that I’ve learned over the past eight years of capturing families:
- Prepare and Communicate: Before our session, take the time to prepare your children (or any other family members who might need it) for what to expect. Explain the purpose of the session and emphasize the important of cooperation. Let them know that it’s ok to feel excited or nervous but reassure them that you’re there to support them every step of the way and that I am not a scary lady.
- Timing is Everything: I will always have times that I recommend when we book a session, but I understand that the best times for me, might not be the best times for your family. If I throw out a time and it conflicts with naps and meals, it’s a no-go. We want to do your session when your kids can be well-rested and fed. Hungry or tired children are more likely to be irritable and uncooperative. I want our session to be fun and carefree and make picture day seem like a fun activity and not a chore.
- Dress Comfortably: Encourage your children to wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely. Avoid itchy fabrics or restrictive outfits that could make them feel uncomfortable or agitated during the session. When children feel comfortable in their clothes, they’re more likely to relax and enjoy the experience.
- 4. Bring Distractions: Pack a bag of toys, snacks, or other distractions to keep your children entertained during breaks in the photoshoot. Consider brining their favorite stuffed animal or small toy to help them feel more at east in front of the camera. Snacks can also be a lifesaver for keeping hunger at bay and maintaining energy levels.
- 5. Be patient and Positive: Children can sense when adults are stressed or anxious, so it’s important to remain calm and positive through the session. Keep a smile on your face and offer words of encouragement to your children, praising them for their cooperation and good behavior. Remember that patience is key, and try not to get frustrated if things don’t go according to plan.
- Embrace Spontaneity: Some of my best photos are captured when children are allowed to be themselves and express their unique personalities. Embrace the spontaneity of the moment and let your children be silly, playful, and naturing in front of the camera. Let them run, jump, and laugh freely. Because that’s why I’m there! To capture you and your family as you are.
- Take Breaks as Needed: If your children start to feel overwhelmed or restless, don’t be afraid to ask me for a break throughout our session. Step away from the camera and allow them to relax and recharge before resuming our session. Use this time to regroup, hydrate, and refocus their energy for the next set of photos.
- Involve Them in the Process: Make your children feel like active participants in the photoshoot by involving them in the decision-making process. I will always take their suggestions for posing (within reason), listen to their ideas about locations, and even incorporate props (I cannot tell you how many sticks and blades of grass I have let kids hold if it makes them smile). By doing this we allow them to feel empowered and invested in the outcome. When I take a moment and allow a child to pick a pose, they are more likely to cooperate and engage the rest of the session.
- Bribery: This is a big one, and is used quite often with my families. Tell the kids that if they’re good, they will get some sort of reward. A few ideas are candy, ice cream, a trip to the dollar store, a movie night, etc. Let me know about it before hand because I will remind everyone during our session what is happening after if they’re good and smile!
So those are my top nine tips. Maybe someday I’ll have ten. Who knows. A bonus but not really a tip – if it would help your kids for me to record a video introducing myself and showing them my camera and sending it so your kids can see me, let me know! I am an adult with extremely high anxiety and I am always more comfortable if I have an idea of a new person’s face and/or voice when meeting them for the first time.
As always, thank you for reading, and whether or not you decide to book with me – I hope I gave you some useful tips 🙂
xx,
Ashley