Are you planning a photo session for your family and worried about how your kids will behave?
In this post I’m going to share with you one simple tip to help get your kids to cooperate during a photo session!
A lot of parents (including myself) tend to use begging, bribery and maybe some gentle threats to ensure their kids will be on their best behavior for the photographer and to smile and “act normal” for the camera.
But guess what? I don’t want you to threaten them with taking their screen-time away and I don’t want you to bribe them with ice cream. You don’t even have to tell them they need to smile, behave or act normal!
Instead, this is what you should say to them…
“On [insert day here] we’re going to meet this super awesome lady named Mary Beth. (no lies here, I’m actually pretty awesome). She’s going to come hang out with us and we’re going to go for a walk/play/run around/explore/climb trees/throw rocks in the creek [pick the right one for you!] and she’s is going to bring her camera and take some pictures of us having fun!”
Yep. That’s it.
You don’t even have to tell them to “say cheese” (let’s avoid those forced smiles) and don’t tell them to be on their best behavior because they’ll be less likely to just relax and have fun with me. Just let them know we’re all going to have a fun time together and I’ll just happen to bring my camera along.
This strategy takes the stress of them and it takes the stress off of you.
Listen, I know you’re probably worried they’re still going to be a little crazy. It’s ok, trust me, I’ve been doing this for 12 years AND I have three boys of my own who’ve given me LOTS of practice and tons of ideas for handling all kinds of behavior.
Also, our kids almost always behave better for someone other than their Mom. Besides, I love me some chaotic fun and I love to photograph it.
By the way, this strategy also works on dads who are not 100% on board with this whole family photo session thing…and trust me, I’m married to one of those.
Want more tips and tricks?
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~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in lifestyle newborn photography in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.
Ok – that is brilliant! You always give the best advice!
These are such great tips! Definitely a huge stressor!
What a great tip! Such beautiful natural photos as a result!
You always have such great tips and tricks.