How to Help Your Kids Love Their Photo Session
As a photographer, I enjoy working with kids and helping them feel confident during a session. As a mom, I think one of the most stressful parts of planning family photos is navigating my own kids. I don’t want forced smiles and reluctant participation. I don’t want to pause every few minutes to redirect behaviors or bribe my kids into compliance. I think many other moms probably feel this way, too.
Luckily, I’ve given this issue a lot of thought. Better yet, I think I’ve even found some solutions.
1) Set Expectations Ahead of Time
Don’t assume that your kids, even your teens, know what to expect during a session. Every photographer works differently, so even if you’ve had photos done before, it’s a good idea to give them some basic information ahead of time.
Maybe peruse my website together, check out my work that features kids close to their age, and delve into the About page to get a better idea of my process.
When it comes to behavioral expectations, repetition helps. Have a pep talk in the car before the session, but ideally, this isn’t the first pow wow you’ve had about taking photos.
2) Include Them in the Plan
Have a brainstorming sesh about what your family might wear, or props you could include- especially if you want to showcase your child’s personality for their solo moments. Play around with location ideas, and ways you can get creative with your photos.
If your kid craves a little more independence, give them a job to do (i.e., have their job be to make someone specific in the family laugh during the session). If you have an older child, they can search Pinterest for creative inspiration.
Kids who feel more included have more “buy-in” and are more likely to feel attached to the process.
3) Set the Right Tone
I’ve said it a million times, but it’s true- parents set the tone and kids match the energy. Your kids will notice if you’re frustrated, anxious, or overstimulated during the session. On the flip side of that coin, if you’re playful and engaged, your kids will want to play along with you. This might not be as straightforward with teens, but they will still notice if you’re not having a good time.
The most overlooked aspect of setting the right tone is getting on the same page as your spouse. It will throw off the mood if you’re trying to be relaxed but your spouse is feeling tense. It’s not a bad idea to have a conversation with your spouse about expectations beforehand.
Rushing around and running late will sour any mood. If you have a morning session, get things ready the night before. Lay out clothes and shoes, set aside props, and have a plan in place for breakfast.
4) Meet Everyone’s Needs Before the Session
No one wants to do anything remotely performative if they’re hungry, tired, thirsty, or generally uncomfortable.
Tackling these things before the session will ensure that things are running smoothly during the session. Eat a good breakfast or bring snacks for the car. Schedule your session when your family is at their best during the day, and encourage a good night’s rest beforehand. Bring water! A quick sip of water can help reset overstimulated kids.
A quick note on comfort- the way you dress matters. The way you dress for your session should be weather-appropriate and comfortable. Ideally, moving around in your clothes should be easy and your outfit should mimic your daily style.
5) Build Them Up
Ultimately, you want your kids to walk away from a session feeling confident. If your kid feels criticized, it’s a surefire way for them to shut down during the session. Sometimes parents can get away with gentle corrections, and sometimes even the most carefully selected words don’t go over well.
Of course you want your kids to look their best, but it’s easier if you trust the process. I will encourage flattering poses, take time to fix hair and clothes as needed, and change direction if something just isn’t working. I want you to have good photos and I will use everything in my wheelhouse to make that happen.
The thing your kids most need from you is your encouragement. Talk them up. Compliment them before and during the session. If your kid shies away from direct compliments, let them overhear you saying positive things about them to me or your spouse. When you get your photos back, openly talk about the pictures you love of them and why that photo stands out to you.
People who feel good in photos all have one thing in common: they receive positive feedback for the way they look in photos. You can give that to your kid and they will be more likely to enjoy the process going forward.
