5 Best Tips
Family picture season is upon us and I am here to help you have your most successful session you have ever had! Do you ever wonder how people get such good pictures at their session? Thinking they must have the most well behaved kids ever? Trust me there is no such thing. I am going to give you my 5 best tips to have your most fun family session ever.
1-Give yourself plenty of time
2- No hangry people
3- Positive bribes
4- Stop trying so hard
5- Invest in the best
Let's get to it!
1- Give yourself plenty of time
Trust me, with 3 little kids of my own I know the stress of getting everyone ready for pictures and there on time. I have learned to choose a day when I can have an excess amount of time to get everything done. Kids pick up on stress very easily and it will change their outlook on the session. Write down and make list of everything you need so you are not scrambling at the last minute. If you are worried about your kids getting their clothes dirty on the way to the location bring their pictures clothes in the car, get to your session early and change them there!
2- No hangry people
Nothing will ruin your session faster than hungry kids and husbands. Make time to get them fed before. Even if it is early and you are planning on dinner after. DO. NOT. COME. HUNGRY. Kids will not cooperate if their tummies are not full. I promise! If you are running short on time, have them wear different clothes in the car and eat on the way. Whatever you have to do, don't skip this step.
3- Postitive bribes
Have you ever been trying to get your kids to do something and you say "If you don't do _________ I am taking ________ away?" We have all been there. We also know it never works. At your next family session try this method instead. On the day of the session I prep my kids. I tell them who is taking the pictures and how special the pictures are. I tell them they each start with .25 cents. The better listeners they are the more money they get for a special treat after. During the session if they smile good, or do what the photographer asks remember to praise them and say you are doing amazing at earning their treat/toy etc. Positive reinforcement goes such a long way! Children love being praised and told they are doing a good job.
4- Stop trying so hard
Your kids are not robots, nor should they be! They might not always look at the camera, a hair or two or ten might be out of place, and your husband might show up in the wrong shoes, but none of that even matters! I am not there to capture a perfect family. I am there to capture the love and happiness you share! Have fun and remember we are documenting where you are in life right at that moment! Happiness is better than perfection.
5- Invest in the best
Spend what you can to get the best photographer for YOU. I realize I am not for everyone and that is okay. You are investing your money in documenting your family so make sure you are going to get pictures you love. You want someone fun, happy, and personable. Do research on social media (stories are a good way to see what they are like) and make sure your personalities vibe. Ask them to send you a gallery or two to see if their style matches what you want. The most important this is to make sure you love the photos they have taken for other people.
These tips will help you have your most fun and successful session yet! Remember to have fun and just love on your people and you will love the images you get back. Happy picture season!
