Prepping Kids For Family Sessions!

Hey there parents!

Are you stressing out about family portraits with your littles? Trust me, I get it! I used to feel the same way when it came to taking pictures with my kids but now, our family sessions are stress free and so much fun. Here are a few tips to try when it comes to prepping your kids for your family sessions.

Tip #1: Talk About It!

One of the best ways to prep your kids for your family session is to talk about it. If your kids are anything like mine, unexpected and unfamiliar surprises do not go well. My kids instantly feel uncomfortable, cling to myself or my husband and are just not into it. To get them well familiar about your family photos, start talking to them about your session two weeks prior to the scheduled date. Get excited when you talk to them about taking pictures. Explain to them all the reasons as to why this will be a fun adventure for you all. Communicate with them about what we’ll be doing during our session and let them know that they will be meeting a new friend who LOVES to play fun games and take pictures. If it makes them feel better, allow them to bring a toy, a blanket or anything that may bring them comfort during this time. My son loves to bring his toy tractors along, lol. If your littles are up for it you all can even practice your camera smiles as well! This one is always a hit or miss for my family so if it doesn’t work for you than it’s no biggie. Smiles or not, I will still capture those sweet candid moments of you and your kiddos during your family session.

Remember, we want this session to be FUN and STRESS FREE as much as possible! So, the more excitement that is presented to them, the better! Check out my portfolio to see all the fun I’ve captured in my previous family sessions.

Tip #2: Allow Your kids To Help Out With Outfits!

This can be a fun one! As a family, first decide on a color palette that best fits the style of your session, then, get to chosen those outfits. Overtime, I have learned that if you allow your child the freedom to pick out their outfit, the more excited they become and they actually look forward to wearing it. This may go smoother with older children but for me with two toddlers who are becoming more independent, my process is a little different. So, what I usually do is pick three pairs of bottoms and tops that are within the color palette for my son and daughter to choose from. I’ll lay their clothing out on the floor and I’ll have them pick their top and bottom that they want to wear for pictures. If your child is one of those that just goes with whatever outfit you choose for them to wear, AWESOME, less stress for all you mama and dada’s out there, lol. Start picking out your outfits about a week before your scheduled session. Stressing out about outfits the day before the session is something you will want to avoid. TRUST ME!!!!! Make sure your outfits fit properly and are comfortable. Keep in mind that we will play games and will be moving around. For all my mama’s and daughter’s if you are planning to wear dresses, long dresses are recommended.

If you’re struggling with what to wear for your family session, check out my blog post that gives tips on how to pick the perfect outfit. Click here to check it out.

Tip #3: Parents, Allow For Enough Time

I cannot stress this enough!! Idk about all you parents out there but allowing for enough time for my family and I is HUGE. When were running short on time and scrambling to get out of the house, it is chaos!!! Mine and my husbands stress levels start to creep up, our kids start to feed off of our stress, toys, cups, etc. get left behind and the cries and grumpiness is then unleashed, lol. So.. to avoid this I highly recommend giving you and your family enough time to get ready. Have outfits ready to go the night before. Gather toys, diaper bags, cups, snacks, etc. the night before as well and load them up the day of your session. I would also recommend to take a ride out to your session location a few days before your scheduled session date just to give you an idea of where you will need to go and how long it will take you and your family to get there. I know life gets crazy so if you don’t have time to do this, just google map it on your phone and allow for extra travel time just incase.

Like I mentioned earlier, we want this session to be as FUN and STRESS FREE as possible so parents, be excited and happy to capture this season of life that you and your family are in. When the kiddos see you happy and stress free, they more than likely will show up to the session with that same excitement.

Tip #4: Trust Me As Your Photographer

It is my ultimate goal to make you and your family comfortable during our session time. If you are worried about your littles not smiling, sitting up straight or standing still, please don’t be. Allow your kids to be curious and to have fun. If we need to take breaks then lets take breaks. It is ok!! If there is any advice that I could give, it would be to be in the moment with your children. Play with them, tell jokes, share some laughs, or maybe just hug it out and soak in all the cuddles. I want you and your family to be yourselves because in the end those will be your most cherished moments that you will always get to look back on.

Also, don’t stress about your littles not opening up to me right away. It takes time at first but I can guarantee you by the end of our session your child will walk away with a new best friend.

Tip # 5: We Can’t Forget That Reward, LOL!!

This one is a MUST!!! I know your child has that one thing that they love. Whether it is ice cream, a toy they’ve been eyeballing at the store, or a candy… whatever it is, this is the time to use that as bribery, lol. Encouraging them with a reward afterwards always seems to help with getting your kids to cooperate a little more. For my two littles, its a ride on our side by side or doughnuts from Dunkin’.

I hope you found these tips helpful. Above all, your family session with your children should be one to remember. If your kids want to run around the entire time and be goofy, allow them to be. At the end of the day, it is my job is to capture you and your family just the way you are.