How to prepare your kids for family photos!
How we prepare your kids for family photos is also a lot about how we prepare ourselves. Yes, I said it. It is about us, the parents.
Parents who want their family photo experience to go smoothly and their gallery to be beautiful, and their kids to "behave" in a way that accomplishes that goal. Hopefully this blog will help give you a few ideas of how parents can prepare for your kids and yourself for family photos!
Meeting Alec
First things first, let me just get this out of the way. Your kids will have thoughts about taking photographs. And meltdowns, crying, screaming, and big energies are all common, if not what I expect. We can't avoid these things, they are part of our life as parents, and I want to help you prepare your kids in a way that boost their confidence and understanding of our time together... as well as set expectations for parents who are worried about how their kids will act during your appointment.
A great place to start, and an easy one to accomplish, I recommend that you show your kids a picture of my face before our session. This is a simple way to introduce me and for my face to start to be familiar to them (you could use my website or Instagram). Give them information about what we are doing and why. Kids needs information to process the situation just like we do.
Less simple, but the best advice I can give parents coming into a family photo session (funny enough)... is for the parents to let go. Let go of your expectations about HOW your kids are going to act or behave. Lean into the moment, be silly with them, play and forget about the time.
It is so hard to give this advice, but kids tend to listen to me more readily than their parents in short bursts. So, let me direct the kids, they tend to respond well to "not their parents". And, If I suggest something to your child, I have ZERO expectations that they do as I suggest. I will happily move on to another topic or way to connect with them. They do not have to do ANYTHING or act in any way. In fact, if they tell me "no"... that tells me more about their comfort levels and boundaries moving forward. The more comfortable they are in my presence, the more genuine your gallery will be, and the more their personalities will shine.
We tend to try to keep changing activities when kids are involved, and most family sessions are geared toward an activity (or several) that everyone can participate and interact with each other doing.
I have two kids of my own and have been photographing families for 8 + years...I have seen it all and then some. So, I expect kids to need time to adjust to me being there, they may act out, want to hide or get really silly, hyper and loud. All are normal and expected. I work hard when I arrive to prioritize your kids and pets, and let them know I am a visitor and someone they can feel safe around... when they are ready.
The energy I try to bring to a session reflects what is needed at the time. The kids really are the most important element to any family photo session. We cater to their needs and try to follow their lead. That normally looks like a lot of cuddling, feeding/eating/nursing, listening to stories, hanging onto comfort stuffies or playing games.
Some tips to consider when preparing your kids (and yourself) for your family photo session;
Have your family photos at your home. Your home is their safe place, the space they are most comfortable in, and normally they open up quicker in spaces they are familiar with. Your home changes as your family changes and it is the perfect backdrop for your family to shine (in my opinion - also this blog says so... "5 Reasons to Have your family session in your home").
Dress your kids appropriately for the weather. Don't show up with your kids in a tee shirt on a freezing cold day. Dress for the weather and the season. I will stop the session if your children are too cold/wet/hot.
Let your kids choose their own clothing or shoes to keep some semblance of control. You can bring a change of clothing for after, or pack pajamas to be comfortable in the car before/after your session. Let them choose 1 item, the color, or maybe even an item for your outfit. Their comfort during our time together will reflect in your images, and that includes not feeling like themselves.
Don't arrive hungry for your session, if we are at home allow for snacks or drinks as needed. If we are out on an adventure bring snacks or a treat for afterward. None of us are above a little bribing ... ice cream when you are done? Going out to a fun family dinner? Popsicles? Load the experience on the front or back end of our appointment if you are able.
Leave a little earlier than you think you should; racing to any appointment can cause stress and make you uncomfortable at the start of your session. Buffer that appointment time.
AND, if possible ... Be rested for your session. Plan some slow time before or after your appointment. Sometimes, the newness and adventure of family photographs can create the same stress about expectations and discomfort in your kids that we experience.
Lastly...breathe. Trust your photographer, They have skills to pivot and flow with your kids, no matter their age.
My hope as your photographer is that I will lead you through an experience for you and your children that will be memorable and produce images that you will cherish for a lifetime. That you will leave happy and satisfied, and with excitement and ease the next time!
"Alec is truly amazing. She quickly stole my children's hearts with her warm and kind spirit and put our family totally at ease. It was a blessing to be able to see our family through her eyes. We have the images she took lovingly displayed around our home and they warm my heart every time I see them. It was an absolute treat to have been able to work with and get to know Alec." ~ Christa
