I really enjoyed reading this blog post by Amy S. It’s always useful to see how family photo sessions flow from the point of view of the family. So, I thought it might be a good idea to write a post on how I explain to my clients how to prepare your kids for photos, especially during this season of Christmas family photos, Halloween and other family sessions.
1. Choose your photographer. This may seem like an obvious point. But I know a lot of people who choose a photographer based solely on price. Doing this, you will never be satisfied: always check out the style and quality of their photos and what they have to offer. You will be most satisfied with a photographer whose style you admire. While, clearly, I would prefer that you to chose me as your photographer, neither of us will be satisfied if you don’t like my style.
2. Clothing: Clothing is the biggest thing you can control. You can prepare outfits beforehand. Consult with your photographer. I am a big fan of color and texture, but some photographers prefer simple black shirts and jeans (most agree that horizontal stripes and white outside of weddings isn’t the most flattering). If you are taking photos in a studio, decide what to wear to coordinate with the background. If you are outside, consider the setting. If you have small children (as most readers of this blog do), consider bringing clothing changes for them, just in case. The more prepared you are, the less worried you will be. Your family will be that much more relaxed and willing.
3. Hair and makeup: Unless you are doing glamour or fashion shots, stick with something simple. Don’t change your hairstyle right before the shoot, and if you get a haircut, get it several days before the shoot.
4. Prepare the kids. Let them know what the plan is, where they are going, what the photographer is going to do, etc. Do not tell them to say “cheese” or you may be stuck with too many “cheesy face” shots. Pack their favorite toys or bubbles, just in case the photographer doesn’t have any (I bring bubbles and toys to most photo shoots with small children). Bring their favorite snack and make sure they aren’t hungry before the shoot. You can bribe (ice cream is particularly popular), but never threaten: you can catch more flies with honey than with sugar. If you really can’t relax before the shoot, see if you can reschedule. A tense family will see tension reflected back in their photograph.
5. Relax at the shoot. Kids are kids, and they won’t act any differently. Photographers specializing in children and babies know this. If you are doing a children’s shoot only, without the whole family, then let the photographer play with your children and don’t get frustrated by their behavior. Don’t be bothered by temper tantrums, whining, or spit up. Temper tantrums can make cute photos (sometimes), whining can often be taken care of with a lollipop, and spit up can be cleaned. Finally, allow the photographer to engage with your family and run after your kids, that’s the path to the perfect photograph.
These suggestions are, of course, great for family and children photographs. The game is, of course, a little different with small babies and newborns. But that’s a whole other post!
Aurora is a newborn, child, and family photographer in Charlotte, NC. Her favorite shots are full of color, texture, and life. She works primarily with natural and continuous lighting, though she’ll use strobes when she has the equipment or a studio to play. Please visit her at her blog or on Facebook.
Aurora will be giving one Christmas-themed half session away to a lucky CMF reader. This session is good for a family session or a child session on location (no studio). Newborn sessions are not eligible for this giveaway. You will receive one 8×10 and three full resolution images. Custom Christmas cards are available, but not part of the giveaway.
To enter the giveaway, fill out the entry form by Monday, October 17th. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Tuesday, October 18th.
- Fill out the form below (your info will be kept confidential), but I need your contact info if you win.
- Become a public Google follower of the blog (click the “follow” with the Google friend connect button on the right-hand side of the screen).
- Become a friend of Charlotte Mom Favorites on Facebook.
- Please vote for us on Top Mommy Blogs (not a requirement, but we sure would appreciate it!)
- And last but not least, become a fan of the Aurora D. Photography Facebook Page. This will be verified prior to announcing the winner.
Good luck!
P.S. The picture above is one that Aurora took of Will when he was about three weeks old. It was an amazing experience working with her, and well, not to be biased, but I think she takes amazing photographs.
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