Every parents worse nightmare when it comes to photography, is getting their kiddos to smile and be happy during their photoshoot! And that is totally reasonable. Not only are you investing money into your session, you're investing your time and energy as well! Coordinating outfits, getting your hair done, make-up done, getting the kids dressed and out the door, all while trying to keep them AND yourself in a happy mood! Not to mention trying not to forget anything! It is a ton of work and preparation for parents ahead of the session, so worrying about how those kiddos will do during their session is completely normal. As an experienced family photographer, I have handled a lot of situations of attempted "derailment" that comes with young children, and found multiple tricks to keep your kiddos engaged, happy, and smiling for your family pictures. Here are my secrets to getting your kiddos to cooperate during your photoshoot!
[Quick Author Note: These secrets are strategies I use AT your photoshoot. I also send out helpful instructions for you to prepare for your session ahead of time when you book with me.]
Secret #1: BRIBES
Photoshoots are temporary! It is perfectly OK to bribe your kiddos during your session. You only need them to cooperate long enough to get those smiley pictures, and touching moments that you can reflect on forever. You will NOT create bad habits from bribing your kiddos during your shoot. Now, how you bribe your kiddos can vary a little bit depending on their age, and what they like! Take a 10 year old boy for example who absolutely LOVES ice cream. At this age, most times they can understand delayed gratification. Bribe him with the promise of taking him to his favorite ice cream shop after the session if he engages! "If you smile and look at the camera for the photographer, we will go to (fill in the blank) afterwards to get you some (fill in favorite treat)". Kids really feed off of YOUR energy, so keep it super positive! Now those little toddlers are a little trickier, but can still be coaxed! Most times, toddlers do NOT understand the concept of delayed gratification, they want instant gratification. The promise of getting them something after the session will NOT work, and if your toddler is not happy, chances are the delayed gratification will make them more upset, because they want it now! This can be pretty frustrating for parents who desperately want to get all smiles from their family pictures. How I fix this problem is to give them what they want! The best way to get a toddler INSTANTLY happy, is to give them exactly what they want, or what you know they would want. This means treats (fruit snacks, marshmallows, etc.), their favorite stuffed animal or toy, or maybe even their blankey! If you are doing an outdoor family session, maybe it means let them grab that stick they saw! Sometimes giving in to them will allow enough time to get them happy and smiley and lets me grab some great family shots! Remember, your session will only last so long, and then you can go back to implementing your parenting techniques your kiddos are already use to anyway :). So, think of some bribes for your kiddos and lets use them together to snap those sweet family pictures!
Secret #2: EMBRACE THE SILLINESS
Kids just want to have fun! Us parents sometimes forget that as humans, we all want to have fun. That means different things to different people, and to different age groups! The majority of kiddos that I work with are not interested in getting their pictures taken, but they are definitely interested if getting their picture taken if it means having lots of fun, or playing a silly game! Think about going to a family function that you know you don't enjoy going to, but then you found out your Grandma booked your favorite band to play at the get together! You would definitely embrace it then! (That's a super silly example, but it paints a good picture and I get a good laugh out of the thought of my Grandma booking Luke Combs to play at our family reunion ;)). I like to help the kids get warmed up by playing some silly games, like peek-a-boo, making squealy noises, making silly faces, and sometimes jumping around like a goofball. A strange lady with a big camera giving orders to you and your family can be a little intimidating, but this is a fun way to break the ice with the little ones to get them comfortable! Being comfortable means more smiles, which means more perfect pictures for you and your family!
Secret #3: MISCELLANEOUS
I have a couple more techniques that I use to get your kiddos to engage in their photoshoot. I didn't feel that they deserved their own categories, so I am putting them here! This might play a little bit into the "Embrace the Silliness" section, but what better way to break the ice and have some fun then blowing some bubbles into the mix! I use this fun and simple technique to get your kiddos smiling off the bat. I'd say, 99% of the kiddos I've worked with love to chase and pop bubbles (some adults too, hehe). You might not be looking for pictures of your kids popping bubbles, but this is such a fun way to get them involved and naturally start bringing those smiles out! Then we can get the shots you came for :). Another way I get your kiddos to warm up is to play their favorite songs! This technique I mainly use at my studio, mainly because I have a speaker there! There is an abundance of kid music your children love and are familiar with (especially from their favorite movies), so if your little ones respond positively to their favorite songs, this is a great (and photo friendly) strategy to get those smiles flowing in!
Secret #4: TICKLE FIGHTS (one of my favorites!)
You can't be mad at some silly tickles! This is one of my favorite methods to get your kiddos smiling and actively participate in the fun. Not to mention, they make some of the cutest pictures for your family! It is such a genuine moment, your family getting to let loose and be yourselves. Dad tickles son, who tickles Mom, who retaliates by getting her daughter with some tickles! These tickle fights are highly encouraged, and bring out the best in your family. (Disclaimer: don't tickle your photographer) - that was another silly side note, but I felt was necessary hehe :).
So there it is! My secrets to getting your kiddos to actively participate in your family photography session. Your money is hard earned, and my job is to deliver an unforgettable experience for you and your family so you can cherish your investment for the rest of your lives. I use my secrets to make the most out of your valuable time and planning! So if you were hesitant before, be rest assured that I will find a way to get your little ones to embrace your session! I hope you found these secrets helpful, or comforting. If you have anymore questions, or would like to inquire in my services, click the "Learn More" button to get ahold of me today!
Chelsie Belcourt
Elsiebel Photography
Professional Newborn Photographer
612.978.4900
1509 Southcross Dr W
Suite 100
Burnsville, MN 55306
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