6 secrets for a stress-free photoshoot with kids
You might have booked your session already or you might still be hesitant because you have some very excited little ones at home and you worry how they will behave ?
Don’t worry I’ve got you mama !!
I have put here a few tips and explanations on the best way, in my experience, to have the best photoshoot with your kids.
Here are my top 6 tips :
1/ Book your session at the right time for them
You don’t want the photoshoot to happen right in the middle of their nap or before their lunch. So let’s agree together a time that will work for everyone, so they are well rested and fed.
If they are tired or hungry, they will not cooperate for sure !
I usually offer sessions in the morning around 10:00 or in the afternoon around 15:00. I can be flexible on the time of the day, so we can discuss it before you book your session with me.
Make sure you feed them before the session please .
2/ Plan everything ahead
Be clear already on what everyone will wear for the photoshoot. Have the clothes cleaned, ironed and ready to go.
Know where you are going, so you don’t have to google it or scroll through your emails the morning of the shoot! But don’t worry mama, I will also send you a whatsapp or text message the night before with all that too!
3/ Choose some comfortable clothes for your kids
Comfort is crucial, but you might also want them to wear something nice and special for the occasion.
I recommend to get them dressed as soon as you arrive at my in-home studio, so they get used to their clothes and are happy to explore or play in it.
Avoid any outfit that would be too restrictive, too tight or that could be itchy. Maybe give it a try at home beforehand, to see how they move or run in it !
4/ Bring snacks and distractions
Have more snacks than you think you will need, just in case they get really hungry ! Avoid any chocolate or anything that could get messy and leave a stain on their outfit.
If they have a favourite toy or teddy bear, please bring it.
If you want to bring your tablet so they can watch their favourite show after the photoshoot, it’s okay too, but please don’t get it out at the beginning of the session, otherwise it could be hard to take it away from them after and it’s just game- over to have them featured in any photos !
I also have a little surprise for them at the end of the session!
5/ Be patient and relaxed
If you become anxious, worried or angry during the session, it will definitely not help anyone. So let’s just embrace their spontaneity and have fun all together!
Let’s go with the flow, allow your kids to be themselves. We want to capture genuine and authentic moments, which will best show the personnality of your little ones.
Your job is to stay RELAXED !
So please don’t be behind your kids every 2 seconds trying to control them and making sure they don’t touch anything. If you are not relaxed, it will be visible on the photos, and we don’t want that.
6/ How we can get them involved during the shoot
First, please don’t force them to join in the photo if they refuse at first. That’s the worst we can do, as the more we ask, the less they will want to join!
Then, don’t ask them to smile or say cheese. It will just look unnatural and will not be authentic.
I get them involved by giving them little tasks or being my little helper. For instance, if it’s a newborn session, I could ask them to hold baby’s hand or kiss their forehead. They like to feel important and needed. We can ask them to smell baby’s feet to see if they smell like candyfloss or like cheese !
Any little prompt like this to get them involved and make them feel important :)
That’s it for the main tips, I hope you find this helpful and feel more at ease before your session. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me, I will always be happy to help.
Contact me with the button below to book your session.
