how to prep
CHILDREN
You’ve booked your children's photo shoot, and you can’t wait to have some gorgeous new photographs. Photographs that capture your children’s personalities, where they’re smiling, and actually looking at the camera!
Then you start to wonder what happens if they aren’t their best selves on the day. What happens if the cheekiest parts of their personalities start to come out? What happens if they don’t cooperate with the photographer?
Rest assured that you’re not alone in having these concerns. In fact, as a mom and a family photographer I fully expect your children to ‘have a moment’ on a shoot, especially if they’re of infant school age or younger. Children of this age don’t usually grasp the value of having professional photographs taken, how precious these pictures will be to them in years to come, and so it can be difficult for them to understand why they have to have them taken.
However, I’m sure that you will want to ensure that your children are prepared to have the best shoot possible. Based on my experience of seeing other families prepare their children for a photo shoot, there are certain things that you can do to ensure your children are at their best. Below are some tips!
PREPARING BABIES AND TODDLERS FOR A PHOTO SHOOT
The most important thing for babies and toddlers is to make sure that they are well fed and well rested before the session. My sessions usually happen early in the morning or later in the evening, and it’s worth taking your baby or toddler’s usual routines into consideration. Scheduling the shoot during a regular nap time probably won’t give you the best results.
If for some reason the session has to overlap with a regular nap or meal time, try to bring it forward to just before your shoot so that your child is well rested and well fed beforehand.
If you’re worried about your child becoming hungry or thirsty during the shoot do bring drinks and snacks along to the shoot. If you can see that your child needs a break then just ask me if you can pause for a moment whilst they have their food or drink. Helpful Tip: When packing snacks, choose ‘clean’ snacks so that clothes, hands and mouths aren’t stained.
BRING A COMFORT ITEM
Bring a familiar or favorite toy. We may not need it. And I recommend secretly bringing it and leaving it in the car until needed so it isn’t in every picture. But sometimes that is just the comfort a child needs to warm up to having their picture taken. And as a bonus, years from now you will love seeing your child with that special item as you look back at your pictures.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD ‘HAS A MOMENT’ DURING THE SHOOT
As I mentioned at the start of this article, if your children are aged 7 or under, it’s probably quite likely that they’ll have a moment on the shoot. I’m expecting it to happen at some point, and I’m sure that most other experienced photographers are too. So if it does happen please don’t worry! I actually find that during mischievous moments I can capture lots of personality.
If it does happen and your child has a wobble, they may need a little support from you to stay focussed. It can be helpful for you to help me to keep your little one’s attention. This could be anything from singing a favourite song, or giving me one of their favorite teddies to hold.
What to do AFTER your session:
After your session, you can let your hair down, put your feet up, and relax a little bit. I will be spending the next few days working hard behind the scenes to finish your beautiful gallery.
Once your images are fully edited, you will receive an email with a link to your online gallery, and the PIN to download your images, and instructions to do so. You will receive a Print Release form to print from anywhere and everywhere.
Last step to complete your portrait experience: ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS! I am passionate about printed art because then you can see it and appreciate it in your home every single day. I can’t wait to help you create something beautiful, timeless, and meaningful, just for your unique family.
And that’s it!
Thank you for choosing me to be your trusted photographer. I can’t wait to love on your family and leave you with beautiful artwork you will love for decades to come.