Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get." This statement is especially true for photo sessions with little ones. It magnifies even more when you add more kids. Kids are a bit unpredictable. They will smile for you at home, but put a camera in their face and no smile. They jump, fidget, move, and most of all make goofy faces. Here you are at a photographer's studio and you are paying money to just have the pictures taken, and your child is not cooperating. What are you going to do? You are left feeling anxious and frustrated because they are not doing what you are expecting. Here are a few things to keep in mind at your next photo session so you don't feel frustrated.
Do's
1.) Do make sure your child is in comfortable clothes. If a child hates what they are wearing, they will make it known.
2.) Do make sure your session is at a time that is good for your child. Tell the photographer when your child naps, goes to bed, eats snacks, etc. Scheduling around all of these things can be tough, but you will end up with a happier child. Happier children increase the chance of smiling pictures.
3.) Do have your child fed before they come to the shoot. I realize that time can be short trying to get children ready and picture ready, but a hungry child can be an obstinate child. Children who are well rested and fed are more likely to do what they are asked to do.
4.) Do tell you photographer about games, songs, toys, food that your child likes. This gives the photographer something to talk about with your child. Talking about a favorite toy, or game, or show, makes a child engage with the photographer and you will get much more natural expressions.
5.) Do reschedule your shoot if your child is not feeling well. I know that I am cranky when I just feel a little bit off. Imagine being set in front of a bunch of lights in a strange place and told to smile! It just isn't going to end well at all.
6.) Do talk to your photographer about what you are going to have your children wear. This way they can have backdrops set up and ready to go when you arrive. They can also have available possible props for your child to explore that go with their attire or interests.
7.) Communicate with your photographer. Do you have a vision for the shoot? Do you have specific poses you would like to see? Tell your photographer. Maybe you don't want sit in front of the camera and smile pictures. Again, your photographer can set up a shoot that is outside of the studio. They can take your child's picture in your home where they are most comfortable surrounded by their things. Communication with your photographer is key to getting the pictures that you want.
8.) Do be there to comfort your child and keep them where they need to be. Photography studios are filled with equipment. It can be scary for a child, and they may feel unsure. Also, some children are adventurous and need to be kept in their spot so they do not break expensive equipment or even worse get injured.
9.) Do laugh and relax and be silly. Your child is going to take its cues from you. If you are nervous about the shoot, they will know it and feed off of your emotions. If you are relaxed and having fun, they are more likely to do so. Also with little kids, you have to be silly to get those priceless smiles. So loosen up and be a kid yourself!
10.) Do put yourself in the picture, even if it is only a hand! Pictures with you in them are more precious. So do come prepared to be photographed. Be dressed so that you coordinate with your child, but you don't need to be matchy matchy. Have your hair done, and if you are mom your make-up. In most photo sessions, I use parents a lot. Seeing their tiny hand in yours is a precious memory that you don't want to lose when they are no loner tiny and you have to look up at them! :)
Now for the Don't List
1.) Don't be upset if your child does not smile. Remember they are in a new environment and children need their basic needs met in order to be happy. One of those needs is the feeling of security. Until they feel secure with where they are at they may not be too happy to have their picture taken. Remember pictures of unhappy children can be some of the best. Also, looking at the camera and smiling is not always the best formula for pictures that capture your heart. Trust your photographer to capture images that you will cherish and show the world who your child is.
2.) Don't be afraid to discipline your child if they are not listening (ie they are pulling on lights and biting cords, and trying to knock down equipment). Your photographer will appreciate you taking care of this role. It protects their new relationship with your child and also their equipment. Children who are misbehaving will only escalate if they are not reminded of the rules and this is a safety concern. Please be vigilant about keeping your child's behavior in check so they don't get hurt! :)
3.) Don't over discipline your child. While I just said don't be afraid to do this, you do have to temper this. Safety means stepping in and correcting your child. Nobody wants anybody getting hurt. By all means step in. However, if your child isn't holding their leg or arm they way the photographer asked, let it go. It is not easy for a child to pose or be posed. It's not natural for them. If they are sitting in their spot and are trying to do what asked but are just doing it wrong, then don't do anything more than encourage them. If they feel that you are upset with them they will become upset as well. Gentle encouragement goes a long way with kids. Praise their attempts. Also, you don't know what is being seen in the view finder. Sometimes the placement of legs and arms is just to get the child to stay in their spot and the photographer is only taking a picture of their face. Relax and just encourage your child with lots of praise for trying their best!
4.) Don't expect more out of them than they are capable of. Babies may be able to sit up on their own for a short period of time. However, don't expect them to be able to do this great feat and smile! Its just not likely to happen unless they have fully mastered the skill. Expecting more out of them than what they are really capable of will only lead you to feel frustrated at them. Allow the photographer to work with your child to get those images that you will cherish.
5.)Don't forget to relax and have fun.
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