How to Prepare Your Kids for a Family Photography Session

A family photo-shoot is a beautiful way to canvas the moment, perhaps real smiles, the developing characters of those you love, and the love that your family lives with. However, when you are taking children to the session, there is some likelihood of feeling a bit anxious. Will they get along with it? Will they display smiles at demand? Will they go into a meltdown at the first shot?

The thing is, that you need to be patient, flexible and a little bit prepared when you take photos of kids. Being a Marco Island photographer, I have seen different families of different sizes and characters, and I can surely say the following: with the proper attitude and a couple of simple steps, you can make your children feel at home, enjoy the process, and even be eager about it.

Here are the ways to make your children ready so that your next family photoshoot on a sandy beach near Sanibel Island or on a beach park in Marco Island will go as seamlessly as possible.

Set Expectations with Positivity

Young children learn your mood and energy especially the smaller kids. They will feel when you are stressed, or rushed, or worried and react correspondingly to that. During days before the session, explain to your kids about the session using a cheerful, enthusiastic voice.

Explain to them that you will be doing a family fun day where the family enjoys some time together, be it at a beach or a park and that there would be a Marco Island photographer to capture all of them enjoying the time together. Tell them that it is not a test or a performance, it is just a matter of documenting what they are, the way they are.

Do not exert pressure on them to be good or smiling the way they are expected to. Rather, pose it as an adventure. Being not judged and made to stand in a certain way are only two of the main reasons why kids will normally lighten up, even during the process of shooting.

Plan Outfits in AdvanceComfort Is Key

When you are taking photos with the family, it is very important how you will wear, but at the same time, your children need to be comfortable. They are irritable when they are in scratchy fabrics, collar that is tight or they dress in clothes that they are not accustomed to. Select clothes that also are in the style of the family and give your children freedom of motion and ability to feel free.

Pull the colours and the patterns together but avoid being too matchy-matchy. The color palette that I usually advise people when taking photographs on a Marco Island job is earthy colors or light pastels, since this would go with the natural beaches that we can take photos in.

Schedule Around Their Routine

To have a photo session, your kids should be in their best mood. In the majority of children, it implies skimming nap time or meals. The best time to have flattering light in photography is early mornings or golden hour (hour before the sunset), however, it is more important to have your child in a good mood than a great lighting.

In case you cannot tell when your children will perform at their best, discuss with your Sanibel Island photographer the options that are available. A skilled practitioner will schedule it in a time that is balancing in terms of lighting and cooperation in your family.

Pack Smart

All this can be differentiated by the small, well-filled bag. Bring some necessities: water, light snacks (avoid anything that can be messy), wipes, a favourite toy or stuffie, and even a small reward.

In order to distract or motivate, they can use snacks or toys during downtime. A favourite plushie/familiar object can make your child feel safer in a new environment, especially in case he or she is quite young or timid. In some cases even a favorite stuffed toy appears in a cute cameo in the snapshots.

Let Them Be Themselves

All children are unique- a few may be extroverts and full of joking, and some are introverts and reserved. Do not attempt to alter your child personality towards the session. Rather, leave your Marco Island photographer to work with what your child is.

Kids are the easiest to be photographed when they are cool, unstressed, and being able to be themselves. It could be running though the waves, laughing at some dumb joke or cuddling quietly in a parental arm. Family portraits are so special because of such real moments.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to get your children nervous before a Marco Island family photographer. A small amount of planning, a dash of patience and a dose of positive thinking will get you through it with ease and leave some beautiful, natural, emotive pictures that you will never forget.