One of the reasons my clients are initially attracted to my work is that the images look happy! I want my images to be a visual representation of how you and your family feel when you are with one another. I wanted to share 3 tips to help you get those happy images for your next family session!
1. Prepare the kids in advance so they know what to expect!
It’s not everyday you get dressed up, go to a park you’ve never been to, and have your family portraits taken. So I find its very helpful to give the kids a little rundown so they can feel prepared. This can sound like “Today we are going to meet Rebecca she is going to bring her camera to take our pictures together! I’m so excited!” Avoid using the word “park” if your child will expect a playground.
Depending on the location and age of your child you can talk about things to look for like green grass, pretty trees and or maybe even flowers. The goal is to get them comfortable with this little family adventure before it begins and maybe even excited for it!
2. Offer a reward, but not upfront.
Depending on the age and your child’s personality, they might need a little encouragement. Families will often go for ice cream after or bring along a special treat for the session like a fruit snack. I highly recommend bringing some sort of easy non messy snack for toddlers and babies like Cheerios incase they get hungry or HANGRY, like my children do. I am always happy to pause for a little snack break.
I don’t usually recommend mentioning this snack or special incentive to the child until we are well into the photoshoot. We don’t want the food or special reward to be distracting and we want the photoshoot to be the fun new activity of the day!
3. The most important thing of all – PLAY!
During our session we will do a combination of poses and prompts. My goal is always to get a classic photo of everyone looking and my prompts usually consist of snuggles or playing with your little one. I want your pictures to feel happy and capture how you interact and love on one another! If you are playful with them let’s toss them up, swing them, or give some tickles. If tender quiet moments are more your thing let’s get some snuggles, kisses, hugs or maybe search for some flowers together. I find a combination of those things best represent most family dynamics but please let me (or your photographer) know if there are any special ways you and your child play or connect that you’d like photographed!
I hope you found these tips helpful! If we haven’t had the chance to work together please fill out the contact form here! I’d love to chat ! I serve clients all over Southern NJ in the Princeton, Skillman, Allentown, Cherry Hill, Delran, Haddonfeild, Toms River, and Moorestown area!
