On the other side of the camera I know many parents stress when it comes to getting their kid's pictures done. They worry they aren't going to smile, they worry they aren't going to sit, they worry they aren't going to co-operate and I can't say it enough that it's better if you just don't stress, but it's easier said then done right? If you go to the right children's photographer they should be a natural with kids and be experienced with them, not only with photography but with life in general. This one key thing will not only make the parents at ease but the children will be much more comfortable as well which will result in better behaviour and therefore better pictures. With that said I do have a few tips for parents on preparing your children for a photo session that may help even more. Some even apply to the bigger kids.
1. Let the kids know where you are going before you head out and let them know what is going to happen when they get there. I know it's easy to forget this first step since naturally we do not explain to our kids where we are going every time we step out the door. Most times when we leave with them though we don't have a lot of expectations from them so it's really not important. With photos however, parents do expect the kids to do things at the photo session and b/c that expectation is there, a warning on what is going to happen is very helpful, especially for toddlers and little ones. During my many years of experience with kids I have found that kids like warnings, not surprises. They like to know what to expect. Getting them mentally prepared will help the transition when they arrive to go smoothly and the session as well.
2. Parents need to be intimately involved with the photo session. For the little ones, be prepared to make silly faces, funny noises, crazy dances, quick tickles or whatever it takes to make your little ones smile and laugh for those "fireplace mantle shots". As well be prepared to be the nose wiper, the hair fixer and wardrobe adjuster. Kids feel a lot more comfortable with their parents helping them then the photographer they just met. For the older ones, perhaps thinking of things in advance to talk about that would make them naturally smile would be a good idea as well. I.E. bringing up their goal they got in soccer, talking about thier favourite things or teasing them about their "girlfriend". The photographer should be able to bring some of these things up their own, but the more help from mom and dad the better. Just be ready to have fun in the moment. The more fun it is, the more natural smiles we'll get!
3. For younger ones especially, bringing tidy snacks to help them get through the session is a good idea but make sure it's not something that will make them messy. Crackers, Gold Fish, Cheerios, fruit snacks in a package are a good idea and it makes those little tummies happy again. Expecting the kids to sit for an hour is not realistic and I always allow enough time in a session for the kids to have a little break or two to eliminate meltdowns. It's amazing the results this can have.
4. Timing is everything and you know best when your children are at their finest. For some it's first thing in the morning, for others it's right after a nap, so be sure to book it for their good time. When they are there, don't be surprised if your kids have had enough after 20 minutes. Each kid varies with their limits but they all have them, and when they are done they don't hide it. Make sure you mention to the photographer the important shots you want to make sure you get and do them first. You want to make sure you got the "it" shot before a meltdown occurs.
5. Choose an outdoor location if the weather permits. I find the outdoor sessions to be so much more productive with kids because it gives the kids that run around time and they aren't expected to just stay in a small area. Your photographer should have a list of places that they can recommend and perhaps know where to meet to avoid the temptations that might be at the location for little ones. For example, if you are meeting at a park that has a playground, perhaps there is a spot where you can meet with the photographer first and then make your way during the session towards the playground, leaving it to be last and therefore less tempting for the kids. I try and always do this with my sessions and I find parents like to use the playground as a reward for being good throughout the session.
6. Just be relaxed and have fun. The more you are relaxed, the happier and more relaxed your children will be and the happy moments will be captured forever.
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