How to Prep Kids for Your Session
I have sadly heard too many times that someone is not ready to book a session because they are not sure how their kids will act. But I have to say… you have to have some idea ;)
I want your kids to be authentically themselves! Whether that is shy and hiding in your crouch or running around and hunting for bugs. So how to prepare your kids for a photo session…
FIRST. You cannot stress.
SECOND. Just like your partner, you have to tell them how important it is to you to have these photos as a family together. That you’ll be able to put pictures on wall and give pictures to Grandma to hang in her home too.
THIRD. Tell them you are meeting me at a field to explore and play games. We are going to have so much fun that she is bringing her camera so she can take pictures of the flowers, bugs, and us! Sounds like a good plan right! Are you excited?!
FOURTH. Change your mindset. Your kids can feel your energy. If you and your partner enter into the session, that you are ready to put out fires, we are toast. Just breathe. Switch the mind over to quality family time. You set aside some time as a family to spend quality time together; no phone, no tablets, no distractions. Just you and your family having a night of games, chase, and hugs.
FIFTH. And maybe the most important. With all your might, hold off with the scolding and bad energy before and during your session! Once you get to your session, it is my job to redirect and be that person. Your job is to have the best night as a family together!
PS… Aren’t these photos amazing! As a Forest Lake photographer, I love meeting families in my community! I will see them out at Target, at a community event, Trick o Treating! I have been capturing the B family since their youngest was only 1 :) It is beyond meaningful when I get to see your kids (and you) change year after year. The B kids are spread out in ages, but they are close! They aren’t nervous to sit by each other or wrap an arm around one another; that tells you a lot about how loved they are <3 Plus they got a new puppy and she obviously had to be part of the family photos this year!
If you are looking for a Forest Lake family photographer, I would love to be there for you! I offer golden hour and studio sessions all year round. I take care of everything from planning, wardrobe curating, and printing.