When you are trying to set your kids up for success in a photo session, remember to SMILE:
Smile
Movement
Immediate rewards
Let it go
Enjoy
Smile
Yes, the acronym is smile AND the first word is smile. That’s how important it is. If your kiddo starts picking flowers or jumping on the bed or taking off his shoes, chill, because your face, not that behavior, will determine how the photo turns out. If you are smiling, the photo just looks like a parent enjoying a cute kid being a kid. If you are frowning, fussing, or yelling, the photo is sad and unusable. Whatever your children do during your session (within reason, of course), just smile and act like you think it’s adorable. More of your photos will turn out well, AND, BONUS, your kiddos will probably smile more, too. Smiles are contagious!
Movement
This goes right along with the first tip - instead of spending your session standing still and saying “smile! Smile! SMILE!” I recommend doing things you and your kids enjoy. Kids are wiggly and playful, so play with them - tickle them, twirl them, throw them in the air. Make the session a time to play together, and you will get photos that show the authentic joy of your family and your children’s real smiles. This also means that your kids won’t hate photo sessions, which will also work in your favor.
Immediate rewards
The younger your child, the more important this one is. It can be motivating for the whole family to know that after the photo session, you’ll go get ice cream or have a movie night with popcorn. BUT, for a young child, “later tonight” or even “in 30 minutes” may as well be forever. They need an immediate, tangible motivation to stay engaged and feel rewarded. I highly recommend bringing a bag of small sweets like mini marshmallows, gummies, Smarties, or anything else that won’t stain their hands or outfit (like M&Ms).
Let it go
Don’t sweat it if your kids are perfectly behaved little angels during our session. Kids are silly - it’s one of the best things about them. So, let’s allow them to be their goofy, childlike, authentic little selves in front of the camera.
I am not lying to you when I tell you that at the end of every photo session, a frazzled mom or dad looks at me and says “well, I hope you got at least one good one.” And I just smile because even if their kids were wild, I did get some good ones. Lots, actually. Kids are kids, even during photo sessions, even if they know it’s important to you. Set your expectations ahead of time, and trust that I will capture great photos of your family. Your child probably will not sit/stand still and smile the whole time, even if it’s a 15-minute mini session, AND THAT’S OK. Have fun with your kiddos, and trust me to capture beautiful, authentic moments that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Enjoy
Take a deep breath, set your expectations, and just try to have a good time with your beautiful family. Remember, the goal is to capture this season of your life, even if it’s messy and chaotic and loud. The more you can relax and just be present, the better your photographs will turn out. I’m on the other side of the camera, and I got you. I’ll make sure we capture a sweet, smiling family portrait, and a bunch of other sweet moments as well.
Your life is worth celebrating and this season of your life is worth capturing. Right now.
Now is beautiful.
