How to Get Your Kids Excited for Family Photos
For parents, a family photo session is such a treasured gift! It allows you and your favorite people to take time out of your busy lives to have quality time together, and in the process, it gives you beautiful photos that you can display, reminisce with, and enjoy. Sometimes kids aren’t quite as enthusiastic about it as you are, but luckily, there are ways to turn a frown upside-down. As a Seattle area family photographer, I’m happy to share these tips for getting your kids genuinely excited for your next family photography session.
Explain What to Expect
Kids get nervous when there are new experiences and they don’t know what to expect (don’t we all?). So explain the photo session in advance to your kids so they know what to expect. In the process, paint the picture of a fun family outing! Let me know you’re going to the park (or wherever your photo shoot will be) and they’re going to play with the family and have fun, and that your friend will be there to take pictures of you together while you all play and smile for the camera.
If possible, Introduce Them to Your Photographer
As a photographer, I’ve found that one of the best ways for me to make every family photoshoot the best experience it can be is to get to know my clients, and that includes their families! It might not be possible depending on your circumstances but if it is, it’s fantastic for your child to meet your photographer before the session. That way, they’ll be more comfortable and even excited to see their new friend again.
Even if this isn’t possible, tell your photographer about your child in advance - talk about your child’s interests and what puts a smile on their face. This way, your photographer can help them feel at ease and put them in a good mood by striking up a chat about their favorite topics, sports, or TV shows.
Make a Day of It
Your family photo shoot doesn’t have to be the only thing your child gets excited about. Why not turn your photo shoot day into a whole family fun day? Depending on the timing of your photo shoot, you might make your child’s favorite lunch, then have your photo session in the afternoon, then go to an arcade or putt-putt golf or another fun activity before heading home for dinner and ice cream. When you surround the photo session with things your child loves, they’ll already be in the mood to have a great day. Just make sure you plan appropriately so they’re not already tired when it’s time for the photo shoot.
Making Your Family Photo Shoot Fun
As a family photographer, I know that it’s not only my job to take beautiful portraits of you but to make your photo shoot a fantastic experience too. These tips will help you get your child in the perfect mood to show off their amazing smiles for the camera, and I’ll take care of the rest! To start planning your next family photos, contact Jaimié Birtel Photography.