If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don’t make a huge deal out of it. If you’re stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter’s hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won’t sit still. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins. If you have young children, bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal to help get their attention towards the camera. Think of things they love to do or what makes them laugh so you can use these tricks when needed to gain positive expressions.

3. Be prepared. If you’re going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested, fed and have had their nap. A sleepy/hungry child never cooperatives for a photo session (neither does a spouse lol). Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. Usually kids 3 and older understand bribery, so have a seat and smile for an M&M/gummy snack can come in handy.

If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids while the photographer focuses on different family breakdowns (Mom/Dad together, kids alone, Mom with girls, Dad with boys, etc). If you happen to be shooting in an outdoor location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues to blot sweat or wipe noses, hairbrush for windy days, etc.

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic. Kids have their own agenda so going along with what they are willing to do can be less stressful and have a more positive outcome then forcing them to do what you want instead.

5. Have a chat/reward in mind. Talk to them about the session in a positive way in the days leading up to it. Maybe have a special reward in mind to give them if they do well and cooperate. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions. Bring a small wrapped gift to the session to motivate them to cooperate. See the gift and knowing they can open it instantly after they cooperate can be more rewarding than promising to go pick out a gift or get ice cream later on in the day.

Jenni Nikki Photography has 20+ years experience working with infants and children so she moves quickly and efficiently to maximize the attention of your little ones to ensure a positive outcome.

Ready to book your session? Click this link below to reach out to Jenni Nikki Photography