3 Things you need to know about family pictures
Observing family pictures over the last few years, I have picked up a some little pearls of wisdom I'd like to share with you. Family pictures can be daunting, especially if you have little ones, but believe it or not they don't have to be. Dare I say they can even be fun? I think so!
#1. Avoid using rewards or bribes
This tip usually surprises people! Here is the deal. A reward can turn into a threat in about 2 seconds flat. "If you are good we'll take you out to ice cream when we're done getting our pictures!" Naturally kids like the idea of ice cream and wonder just how good they'll have to be to get said ice cream. Behavior of improves but just a little. "Don't you want ice cream???" Power struggle ensues. "YOU AREN'T going to get ANY ice cream unless you sit and smile at the camera!!!" See where I'm going with this? Go ahead and talk about your photo session like it IS the fun thing. Need some other ideas in your Mommy arsenal on how to make this go down smoothly? Keep reading.
#2. Kids open up according to their own schedule
Whether your kids are shy or outgoing, they will take some time to really open up in front of the camera. No amount of giving instructions from a parent or a photographer will force it, and too much instruction will undoubtedly hinder it. I usually tell parents to only give instruction to prevent bodily harm and let your photographer do the rest. As the first few minutes pass and I take the time to get to know the kids, tell them to make funny faces, have them tell me about their favorite dessert, or whatever it is, something happens and the real expressions and real smiles emerge.
#3. Kids usually take your lead
This can be easier said than done, but when you are relaxed about the experience of getting pictures done, it is much more likely that your kids will be too. Be playful. Be fun. Feel the love you have for your kids and connect with them! If you can do that, then the real magic happens.
From a family Mini Session at Railroad Bridge Park. This mom said I must be a magician because I delivered her a gallery full of smiling happy pictures even though her kids were having a hard day. In reality, I smile only has to last a few seconds for me to capture it! The more relaxed you are, even if your kids are having a bad day, the better your images will be.