My favorite type of session is a child photo session.  I have always loved working with kids… kids of all ages.  As a matter of fact I have worked with children for more than 20 years and so I can definitely say that my experience has helped me photograph children over the years.

Sometimes a child photo session is a breeze.  Those are the kids that love to meet new people, don’t get overwhelmed with where we are and who is there, and the ones that are ok being themselves in front of the camera.  Then you have kids that are nothing like that.  My own son is that way!  He takes a while to feel at ease in front of someone that he doesn’t know and he doesn’t like attention.  I have met plenty of kids that are just like my son over the years.

But lucky for you, my experience as an educator has saved me plenty of times when I meet kids like my son.  If you find yourself worried about booking a photography session because you are dreading your kids not cooperating you don’t have to worry anymore when you follow these simple tips.

Tip #1 MAKE SURE TO BOOK A CHILD PHOTO SESSION WHEN YOUR KIDS ARE RESTED AND NOT HUNGRY

I don’t know about you but when I’m hungry I get pretty cranky.  And if I don’t have enough rest all I want to do is be at home in my bed.  So the first thing to make sure that your kids cooperate at the session is to book it at a time of day when you know it doesn’t interfere with nap times.  Make sure that your kids have snacked or had a meal before the session even begins.  And when I say kids, I am including teenagers.  Teenagers also need to be rested and not hungry! When their needs are met, it will make the session flow smoothly from the beginning.

TIP #2 AVOID FEELING ANXIOUS BECAUSE YOUR KIDS CAN FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL

I have learned that my kid feels what I feel.  I may have learned this a little too late in life.  However, I am telling you that if you are nervous on the way to the session or when you arrive, your kids will feel it.  So make sure to remain calm and excited about what we are going to capture.  You have nothing to worry about when it comes to booking a session with me.  I will make sure to give you a fun and relaxing experience.

Tip #3 ALLOW THEM TO BE THEMSELVES

If you have followed my work you know that I prefer capturing authentic moments for you.  And so, instead of forcing your kids to pose or do something to “get the shot,”  I will in some way set up the shot and then I will allow them to just be who they are.  This is when I will capture their real smiles and personality.  Forcing kids to do something in that moment will only make things feel a little more hectic.  So we will just let your kids be themselves.

Tip #4 STEP AWAY FOR A BIT

Sometimes we make our own kids nervous.  We may think we are helping but in reality we may be causing more stress.  If I see that occurring at your session, I will ask you to just step away for a bit while I capture moments of your kids.  While you have your very short break, I will interact with your kids so that they can feel at ease in front of the camera.  This always works! Especially if your kids are teenagers!

Tip #5 CREATE A TRADITION AROUND THE SESSION

Make a photo session one that kids are eager to attend.  One of my forever clients has a tradition for her boys.  Every time they get their picture taken with “Ms. Jessica” they know that a trip to the ice cream shop is happening right after.  The boys look forward to the session and you don’t have to worry about rewarding them during the session.  This makes it a family occasion and you can bet that they will definitely cooperate.