Preparing Children for Your Family Photoshoot.
Family photos are a beautiful way to capture the special moments and connection within your family. Preparing your little ones for a photoshoot can sometimes feel daunting, as a mother myself, I face these challenges with my own kiddies! I aim to create a spacious, relaxed experience where your children can feel comfortable and be themselves. Here are some tips to help prepare your little ones for a successful photoshoot.
Communicate
You know your little ones best! It’s up to you how much or how little information you would like to set your child up with about the upcoming photoshoot. If you choose to, you might explain what will happen and why it’s important to you. You can emphasise that it will be a fun experience where they can play and be themselves.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Select outfits that your child feels comfortable in. Their favourite clothes can help them feel at ease. Feel free to bring options! If you need a little more support around outfits you can read more here.
Bring Familiar Items
Having a favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal can provide comfort and a sense of security. We can also incorporate them into our photoshoot and use them as props to create meaningful and personalised photos.
Consider Timing
Consider nap times when booking so we can schedule at a time that best supports your child. You are more than welcome to bottle or breastfeed during the sessions - please let me know if you would like these moments included in your photos, I’m more than happy to capture it all!
Keep it Fun and Playful
I strive to avoid too much structure during the photoshoot. Instead, I encourage play and natural interactions. Let your child run, jump, and explore. These candid moments often result in the most genuine and joyful photos. My goal is for it to feel like I’m not even there, capturing the magic of your family naturally.
Allow Time to Warm Up
For children who like a bit of time to warm up to new people and experiences, give them all the space they need to feel comfortable. There’s no rush! A spacious, relaxed approach allows your child to gradually become familiar with me and the camera, helping them feel more at ease. My daughter takes multiple interactions with someone before she feels comfortable and I know how important it is for her to ease into new experiences, so I will always do my best to accommodate different personality types (which is why I send a questionnaire beforehand to learn all about your fam!).
Incorporate Favourite Activities
Think about what your child loves to do and incorporate those activities into the photoshoot. Whether it’s reading a favourite book, playing with bubbles, or having a snack, these moments will not only keep your child engaged but also reflect their personality and interests.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Children (especially the little bubbas!) are unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned. That’s okay! Embrace the unexpected moments—they often make for the most memorable and authentic photos. If you or your little one needs a break, we’ll take one!
Trust the Process
Finally, trust the process and your photographer. I understand the importance of creating a comfortable environment. My goal is to capture the unique beauty and connection within your family, allowing your child’s true personality to shine through.
Preparing children for a photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. With a relaxed approach and plenty of time and space, we can create a joyful and memorable experience for your family. Remember, the best photos are the ones that capture your child’s authentic self, full of wonder and joy.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your little ones feel comfortable and excited about the photoshoot, resulting in beautiful, heartfelt images that you’ll treasure for years to come!