Ah, the long-awaited family photoshoot with the little ones.
Be it your first shoot with your kids or your tenth one, one thing will always stay true - you'll be nervous.
And that's completely okay! I get it, you booked this session months in advance, wanting the ideal images that would commemorate this stage of your lives, and you feel the pressure to have everything go perfectly.
But as we all know, kids are their own little people, with plans and ideas of their own, and keeping them locked in can be challenging to say the least.
So to ease your mind and ensure that you have a good time during the session, we've put together the best tips on reeling in your children:
1. Get your kids on board in advance
Being prepared is the best strategy. About a week or two before the scheduled shoot, sit your little ones down and have a talk with them. Tell them about the session, how important it is, and how much fun it's going to be! Really try to sell them on the idea :)
Talk about how much more fun it will be for everyone if they listen to the photographer (who's super fun and has kids of their own!). Consider planning a family outing afterward to some place they might enjoy, be it the movies, or their favourite food place.
2. Get them involved
As we mentioned before, your kids are their own little people. And treating them as such is bound to make them more invested and interested in the session.
Involve them in the planning and decision-making process. Let them choose some of the clothes they will wear. Ask them if there is a certain pose they want to strike (trust us, these always make the best photos!) Let them choose and bring their favourite item or toy.
3. Get silly, have fun and take breaks!
There is really no point of professional photos if everyone pictured in them is looking miserable and tense (this has never actually happened on a shoot with us - well, not the entire shoot anyway!) so remember to have fun and enjoy this special time together.
Get silly! Jump around with your kids, joke, pick them up, and spin them! Don't forget to take quick breaks in between and just let them, and yourself, be!
4. When all else fails – use bribes
OK, so you've tried everything and they're still not so keen... give them something they ARE interested in. A reward or treat can be all some children need to get into the idea. The same cinema outing or tasty goodies can be had only if they behave. When will they know? When the shoot ends! A little anticipation never hurt anyone.
5. Have no fear, a professional is here
Remember, it's not your job to tell your kids when to smile, sit straight or stay put. It's ours! You're just taking part in a photoshoot, just as much as they are.
Our photographers are super experienced with children and we will guide you into the most natural, candid and beautiful moments (rather than poses!), while making sure that everyone is relaxed and having a good time.
It's not our first rodeo – all you have to do is show up and look good and please relax, we'll take care of the rest!
