5 tips for making a photo shoot with kids easier

If you’re preparing for a photo session with your kids, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive – what if they don’t behave? What if we don’t get any good photos? 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 grumpy, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behaviour 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 because she won’t sit still. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff. We get our parents to let the kids know they are coming to play with Katrina, rather than telling them they have to behave and be good for the photos or else – we want this experience to be fun for the whole family.

2 Make it fun.
Let the kids have a couple of “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. On our photoshoots we pull a lot of funny faces because you can guarantee the smiles straight afterwards will be their beautiful natural ones. If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still – don’t make them. We like to turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm. Letting kids be kids ensures you get natural-looking photos that you’ll love.

3 Be prepared. 
If you’re going to be out for a while, ensure that your children are well-rested and have had a nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too, and your kids are little ones (or you’re bringing the family pet), then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch them. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too. We carry all of these things with us for every photoshoot.

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. We often get the best photos of kids when mum and dad pretend to be busy with something else, and we can work one on one with the kids for some “secret” photos.

5  Have a chat.
Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favourite 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. Let your photographer know in advance what they’re into at the moment, so they can strike up a natural conversation with the kids – and of course, learn who all the characters in their favourite TV show are in advance, so the kids think they are extra cool.