Anuschka’s
blog
Photographer in Adelaide, South Australia
10 TIPS TO HELP PREPARE YOUNG KIDS FOR A PHOTO SHOOT
Feeling uncertain about how your child(ren) will behave during the upcoming family photo session is completely normal. To help ease any worries and to make it a good experience, I’ve compiled a set of helpful tips for you. My hope is that these suggestions will boost your confidence as you prepare for the session.
LETS TIME IT WELL
When planning our photo session, it’s super important to arrange it around your children’s sleep and feeding schedules. This will make a world of difference! If we try to squeeze in a session right before a nap or meal, we might end up with some unhappy little ones, and that’s not what we want.
Well-rested and well-fed kids are generally more cooperative, which means we’ll capture those beautiful smiles and genuine moments. So let’s take the time to plan the session at a time when they’re normally at their best.
NO PRESSURE
It’s important to create a relaxed atmosphere for all children, especially those who are shy or anxious. Avoid placing too many expectations on them to “behave” or “follow instructions” before the shoot, as this can make the experience feel daunting rather than enjoyable before the session has even started. Instead, present the session as a fun family outing that everyone can look forward to.
TELL YOUR KIDS ABOUT ME
Tell your kids about me —my name is Anuschka, and I’m excited to meet them! You can show them my picture so they can see what I look like. Let them know that I’m really friendly and love making new friends. Also tell them that I can’t wait to share my fun toy box with them. Tell them that my favourite animals are cats, bunnies and black panthers and I really enjoy imitating animal noises.. 😉
ARRIVE ON TIME OR A BIT EARLIER
TELL THEM WHY YOU INTEND TO DO A FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
Take a moment to talk about how incredible it is to see them grow bigger and bigger every year and you can’t help but think about how wonderful it will be to have photos to look back on when they’re no longer this small.
That’s why you are excited to create a really special family memory book! Imagine flipping through the pages/photos together. It’ll be a beautiful way to celebrate our family and keep those memories alive.
By the way, here’s something really cool: Studies have shown that having family photographs displayed around the home can actually boost a child’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. How amazing is that? It’s like a little reminder of love and connection every time you see those photos.
COMFORT ITEMS
How about letting your kids pick a couple of their favorite things to bring from home? Whether it’s a cuddly stuffed animal, a beloved blanket, or a fun toy, having something familiar can really help them feel at ease.
These little treasures can be a great source of comfort, especially if they’re feeling a bit upset at any point during the shoot.
CLOTHING
If you’re planning to buy new clothing for your kids for the photo shoot, it’s really important to ensure they feel comfortable in what they’re wearing. Sometimes, shy kids can get a bit agitated if they see their new outfits for the first time in a completely new environment. To avoid any discomfort, it’s good to let them see and try on before the big day.
REWARDS
You know your children best and what works for them. Maybe offering your children a little reward for being cooperative may be a good way to go? It can be something fun that they look forward to, like a special treat or a fun activity afterwards.
COMBINED SESSIONS
To make the experience smoother, consider having younger siblings attend only for their part of the session and arrange for them to leave afterward. This way, you can focus on the rest of the session (maternity or newborn) without distractions.
If you do bring younger siblings, please ensure there is someone available to supervise them during the time in my studio.
I can provide a list of nearby parks or playgrounds for supervisor to take them to for some fun while we focus on the rest of the session.
MOST IMPORTANT
It’s completely normal to want your child to behave well, especially during a photoshoot. However, if they appear irritable or fussy, responding with frustration due to your own stress about achieving perfection can exacerbate the situation. Children, including toddlers and babies, are highly attuned to their parents’ emotions; if you’re tense, they are likely to feel it too. Embrace the unpredictability of their behavior—there’s often beauty in the chaos, and we can work with whatever mood they bring to the session.
Conclusion:
Stay Positive! Your attitude can influence how your children feel. Keep the mood light and fun, and they’ll likely follow your lead.
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