Thinking of your upcoming photo session including your children may give you a bit of anxiety, worrying about so many what-ifs and expectations. Your experience may feel like organized chaos; peaked curiosity, short attention spans, increased shyness, bursts of energy. I just want to remind you – it’s okay. With a bit of planning and patience, you can end up with photos that will melt your heart.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your child’s photo session:
1. Consider timing
Photo days are not the days to be skipping naps, so consider scheduling your session to take place a bit after nap time, rather than during their regular napping hour or just before. This will ensure your child is fresh and recharged.
2. Snacks
Consider bringing water in a cup with a lid. Juice and other drinks can stain or show easily if spilled. Hangriness is a real thing, so snacks are suggested as well, just be sure to avoid messy or sticky. Go ahead and toss a few snack items in your bag for yourself, too. We can absolutely take a break for a snack. Filled stomachs make happy people!
3. Get dressed after you arrive
Rather than getting dressed at home leaves the possibility of wrinkles, spilling things while in the car, etc. Instead, consider leaving the house a bit earlier and get dressed when you arrive. This will eliminate any worries about clothes being ruined during the drive over.
4. Arrive early
Give yourself a bit of extra time to prepare for any unexpected circumstances, such as traffic. This will reduce anxiety levels upon your arrival. Once parked, don’t enter the studio right away. Instead, consider taking a quick walk with your child to let out a bit of energy and satisfy their curiosity and need to explore their surroundings. A slow paced introduction to new environments can be incredibly beneficial.
5. Let kids be kids
Children have short attention spans, bursts of energy, and endless curiosity – and remember, that’s okay! Having a case of the wiggles doesn’t mean they are misbehaving and it absolutely doesn’t mean that you’ll miss your chance for breathtaking photos. In fact, some of your favorite images may end up being ones in which they are not looking directly at the camera. Remember, photographs are a reflection of personality. It’s okay if they go a little off course and wander, I’ll still document those magic moments you’re hoping for!
