Having the perfect family photography session with kids can be challenging, but with a few tips, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Here are some suggestions for having a successful family photography session with kids:
Choose a photographer who specializes in family photography and has experience working with kids.
Plan ahead: Schedule the photography session at a time when your children are well-rested and in good spirits. Morning is definitely better for little ones. They may be ok at 4.30 pm for their usual routine, however, a photo experience can be confronting for little ones. They recover quickly from overwhelm in the morning after cuddles and time, in the afternoon sometimes they struggle due to tiredness. Try not to have late nights before a photo session. It makes a big difference.
Pick a location that is both visually appealing and kid-friendly. Consider a place that is meaningful to your family or a park with lots of room to run and play. A place where you can move from scene to scene to have a variety of photos. And, if the little ones are unsettled in one scene you can move to another.
Make it fun: Encourage children to bring along a favorite toy or prop that they love, or incorporate games into the photography session to keep them engaged. Bubbles are always a good idea. Talk about picking flowers, watching the birds, listening to all the different sounds. It is the beautiful expressions they make as they are thinking and listening that make the most beautiful portraits.
Be patient: Children may not always cooperate, so allow plenty of time for breaks, snacks, and cuddles. No lolly pops or big chocolate bars etc that they can't finish quickly. Ever tried to take a lolly pop off your child :) Try not to bring dummies. If it's in the car there's less temptation to want it.
Get everyone involved: Encourage children to participate in the photography session by letting them pick poses or choose their own outfits. This always makes me laugh, some kids get really into choosing poses. Talking to your kids about how important the photos are going to be for your family and how you will have them to keep forever makes a big difference.
Prepare for the weather: If the photography session is outdoors, make sure everyone has the appropriate clothing and gear. Spare clothes an towel is always a good idea.
Getting natural shots: Candid moments and expressions, often make for the most memorable photos. Don't be afraid to laugh, tickle, or cuddle. Be natural and it will show through in the photos. Not every photo has to be perfect.
Relax and enjoy your session. It really is an experience. Kids that have been here a few times jump out of the car and say "I remember this place". And, sometimes they were really tiny, it must've been a fond experience as they kept that memory.
Hope these tips have helped give you some ideas, you can have a successful and enjoyable family photography session with kids that will result in beautiful, timeless photos to cherish for years to come.
Kind Regards
Katie xxx
