HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO COOPERATE DURING FAMILY PHOTOS | San Diego Family Photographer

MAKING FAMILY PHOTOS FUN

I HEAR YOU SCOFFING AT ME, PROBABLY ASKING “IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?”

YES! IT IS!!

I’VE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHING FAMILIES IN SOUTHERN CALFORNIA FOR OVER A DECADE. IT IS A JOYOUS JOB CAPTURING MEMORIES OF FAMILIES HAVING FUN TOGETHER.

AT THE END OF ALMOST EVERY SESSION SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY TELLS ME “WOW! THAT WAS FUN!” OR “THAT WAS SO EASY!” I LOVE HEARING THOSE WORDS BECAUSE MY GOAL IS FOR MY FAMILIES TO HAVE FUN, AND FOR THE EXPERIENCE TO BE EASY!

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO PRIOR TO YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION TO MAKE IT A MORE ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE.

If you are someone who tries to have family photos taken semi-regularly this blog post is for you! I’m sure you can relate to the stress and struggle of getting everyone prepped and ready for your photography session. Between picking outfits, scheduling the session, and getting your husband onboard with taking family photos [Click here for help with that]- you’re probably stressed out before you even arrive at your session. 

I totally get it. I have been there myself. Photography is important to me- not just as a photographer, but as a mother. I want to document our family and have photos of my husband and I with our kids as they are grow up. But I was making myself and everyone else miserable because I was stressed about the whole process. Top it off with not knowing if my kids would cooperate during the shoot and it’s no wonder my husband looked so grumpy every year when I mentioned it was time for our annual family photos.

But friends, I’ve figured out how to change all that and I’m here to help you do the same! I’ve put together a list of tips to help you stress less and make family photos FUN. 

1. Let go of perfection.

   When I was young our family photos were taken in a studio. Everyone looking at the camera, smiling. The photos are nice- in a traditional way. But times have changed and in an era where everyone has a camera on them at all times, the standard of a nice family photo has expanded. Please know, that during your session not every photo needs to be everyone looking at the camera, smiling perfectly. If you are having photos taken to document this stage of your life, then having a collection of photos where you’re all smiling at the camera is not truly telling your story. Get the traditional shot, but then enjoy each other. Hug, play, tickle your kids. Show your photographer who your family is. Are you silly and playful with your kids at home? Be that way at your shoot!

2. Be relaxed.

Dogs can smell fear, and kids can smell stress. And when Mom and Dad are stressed don’t our kids act the exact opposite of how we want them to?! If you are relaxed you’re more likely to have fun with your kids and in turn they will have fun with you. Enjoying your time with each other in front of the camera is the goal!

3. A.B.S = Always Be Smiling!

No matter what is going on- just. keep. smiling. If you are anywhere in the shot- smile. Not necessarily AT the camera- you can be looking at your child, husband, wife, whoever- but smile because, well…it just looks better than having a photo where your kid looks adorable and you have RBF. 

4. Rewards and bribes

Who doesn’t like to earn incentives for good work? I do! My kids are more motivated to do something if they know there’s a small reward coming to them. I know it’s not applicable in all areas of life, but why not make family photos more fun with a trip to a donut or ice cream shop afterward? Or reward the whole family with dinner at a restaurant after your session!

5. Keep your eye on the prize.

Remember why you are taking family photos in the first place. Life is short and precious. These people are the most important beings in the world to you. Keep that in the front of your mind and let the little things go

Bottom Line: Everything doesn’t have to go perfectly and your kids don’t have to behave perfectly to get beautiful family photos. Sometimes there is more beauty in imperfection.

I hope this post helps everyone in your family enjoy your next session. 🙂