As a photographer, I've had the lovely opportunity to capture countless family moments, and while every photo session is unique, one common theme often emerges: the stress that parents feel about getting the perfect family photos with their young children. From worrying about their little ones' behavior to feeling pressured to achieve picture-perfect poses, it's easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. Please know that this is completely normal. However, as a seasoned photographer, I want to share some insights and tips to help parents approach their family photo session with confidence and ease.
Embrace the Now: First and foremost, it's important for parents to embrace the chaos that comes with photographing small children. As a photographer, I've learned to expect the unexpected and embrace the spontaneity that children bring to a photo session. Instead of striving for perfection, let's focus on capturing the genuine moments of love, laughter, and connection that unfold naturally throughout the session. As a candid lifestyle photographer, I can promise you we'll capture several photos of your entire family in a standard fashion, but we'll capture a plethora of photos in the moment. What do I mean by this? Simply put, I'll capture you loving on your kids in your truest form. And you'll probably love these photos more than the standard photos!
Choose the Right Time and Location: Selecting the right time and location for your family photoshoot can make all the difference in creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Consider scheduling your session during a time when your children are typically well-rested and fed to minimize any strong emotions or tears. Additionally, we'll work together to choose a location that is familiar and comfortable for your family, whether it's your backyard, a local park, or even your own living room. Trust me, I've captured it all and I'm here to help make your experience the very best :)
Communicate Your Expectations: Communication is key when it comes to ensuring a successful family photo session. We'll discuss your vision, goals, and expectations beforehand. If you have any specific shots or poses you have in mind, as well as any concerns or challenges you anticipate with your children, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm the most easygoing person and we'll work together to make your session memorable and beautiful while keeping your children and their needs in mind.
Keep it Light and Playful: One of the best ways to keep stress at bay during a family photoshoot is to keep everything light, playful and fun! I will oftentimes encourage your children to be themselves, play, and have fun throughout the session. This will sometimes include make believe games, the introduction of toys, or simple kid-approved props to keep them engaged and entertained. I always tell parents that I let their children take the lead. This is because the most memorable photos often come from spontaneous moments of joy and laughter. As I said before, you'll likely love these candid photos more than the standard posed photos because you'll see the love you have for your children encapsulated in a photo. SO special.
Be Patient and Flexible: Patience is a virtue when it comes to photographing littles. Not every prompt or pose I give will be a hit and also know that this is SO okay. Some children need more time to warm up to the camera - this is more common than you may think. Additionally, if I haven't met your children previously, they may not feel comfortable around me, but all will work out. Together, we will embrace the imperfections and unpredictability of the moment, but also, let's recognize that these genuine moments are what make your family photos truly special. I take a LOT of photos per session, and I also deliver many of what I capture, so you'll have quite the gallery returned and I promise you'll love the moments we capture.
Photographing family photos with small children can be a joyful and rewarding experience when approached with the right mindset. By embracing the chaos, choosing the right time and location, communicating expectations, keeping it light and playful, and being patient and flexible, we'll have fun and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
