How to Prepare Kids for Photoshoots

Potentially, the only thing harder than settling on which photographer to use to capture your family, would be your family not cooperating on picture day. When spending good money on photos, the goal is to get the most out of them. In this blog we will discuss several pointers on how to best prepare kids for photoshoots.

Educational Tips | How to Prepare Kids for Photoshoots

SNACKS

• Avoid anything chocolate as it stains the teeth

The term “han-gry” has taken on a whole new meaning since having kids of my own. Even as adults we recognize how a little snack can be a total mood changer. Having something easy and on-hand to give your children to eat right before a photoshoot can give them the nutritional boost they need to keep them from getting cranky.  

FAVORITE TOY/STUFFY

• This can be used to grab their attention

Especially with little children, they don’t always know where to look for pictures. Another problem is holding their attention while giving them other tasks to think about such as smiling or posing a specific way. This is where using their favorite toy or stuffed animal can come in handy. It is particularly helpful if you can pass it off to me before the session begins to use as a surprise appearance. Once they see it, if they become incessant about holding it, I can easily incorporate it into the photoshoot.  

WATER

• Bring a bottle with a small spout for less chance of spillage

When doing outdoor photos, you never quite know what the weather will do. Oftentimes, when a child becomes thirsty it is all they can focus on. So, in order to avoid an incessant quest to quench their thirst, head it off by having water on hand.

EXPLAIN WHAT TO EXPECT

• For older kids, explain the importance of the session 

Have you heard the expression, knowing is half the battle? There is a lot of benefit to giving your children a heads up (to the best of your knowledge) about what will take place. Even toddlers benefit from clear, upfront expectations. It can help reduce stress and ensure things go smoothly during your limited time behind the camera.

REST BEFORE THE SESSION

• Don’t plan the session to be during normal napping hours

Be mindful about what you do leading up to the shoot. It is best to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and arrive a little early to your session. Children feed off of our emotions, so the less stress and more rested you are, the better off they’ll be.

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

• Offering yourself grace is a beautiful act of self-compassion

Giving yourself grace means you are willing to accept the imperfections life throws your way—which are bound to happen. If you have done everything possible and the kid(s) are still in a “mood”, don’t worry. As a photographer, I have a lot of experience and can still get great photos. It’s better to not stress about this as it creates more tension in the child and makes things more difficult.

In conclusion, great pictures capture meaningful moments in your children’s lives. Having a smooth and enjoyable experience during the photoshoot will ensure those moments are good memories.

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