Simple tips to make your family photo session something worth remembering

 

Let’s be honest: family photos with kids don’t always go exactly as planned. Sometimes kids aren’t exactly thrilled about the idea. And every once in a while, a dad needs a little coaxing.

And that’s normal. But here’s what I don’t want your family to remember:

“Remember that night we all had to take pictures and everyone was miserable?”

I want you to remember:

“Remember that? That was SO fun.”
“Look at us having the best time together.”
“Remember when we all danced?”
“Remember when we played tag and laughed so hard?”

Your session with me should feel like a family date. A family date that happens to leave you with really beautiful photographs.

Here are a few tips that can make a big difference before and during your session.

1. Pick a location that feels like YOUR family

 

The best location is the one where your family can actually be yourselves. I can help you choose.

Have kids who thrive on rewards like ice cream? Let’s go somewhere downtown where we can grab ice cream after the session… or even work it into the session.

Have kids who love to run, climb and get dirty? A creek can be AMAZING. Some of my favorite family sessions involve kids splashing, exploring and having a little adventure.

Have a toddler with a ridiculous amount of energy? A park where they can run and play can be perfect.

Does your child feel most comfortable at home? Let’s photograph you at home.

Have a baseball-loving kid? Let’s head to the ball field.

Have a budding artist? Let’s paint together and get messy.

Maybe your family loves exploring. We can hike, wander through old ruins, explore a new place or find somewhere that gives your kids something interesting to do. Like going to the Fair (just a bucket list item of mine)!

One time, we went to a brewery and it was a great time for all- Especially dad!

You don’t have to pick a location just because it looks pretty in photographs. Pick somewhere your family will enjoy being.

 

2. Prep your kids…but don’t tell them to “behave”

 

This might be the most important tip of all. Before your session, talk about it! But be careful about the words you use.

 

Try not to say:

“You better behave.” “I want nice smiles.” “You need to listen.” “Don’t be difficult.”

Instead, make it sound like what it actually is:

A fun family date.

Say something like:

“We’re going to meet Jasalyn, that super cool lady with the camera. She’s known you since you were a baby! She’s going to make us play together and get silly and take some fun pictures of us. Maybe we can even show her your ninja/ballet moves. It’s going to be so much fun, and I’m really excited to have this time with you.”

Talk about what you’re going to DO, rather than what they’re expected to perform. Because I don’t need your child to perform for me. I want to see your child.

 

 

 

3. Calm yourself

 

I know this one is easier said than done. But kids feed off of us.

If you’re stressed because your toddler isn’t cooperating, your child can feel it. If you’re worried that your husband isn’t smiling enough, everyone can feel it. If you’re watching the clock and thinking, We’re already 10 minutes into this and nothing is going right, your family is going to feel that pressure, too.

So take a deep breath.

I’ve got it.

As a top Atlanta Family Photograher, I’ve photographed more than 1,000 sessions at this point. Over the years, I have seen shy kids, wild kids, toddlers who resist participating, kids who cry, and hesitant dads.

Guess what? We still got great images! You don’t have to make your children behave perfectly.

Let loose. Dance with your kids. Play tag. Cuddle them. Be romantic with your spouse. Love on everybody.

Your best smile probably isn’t the one you give when someone says, “Say cheese.” It’s the one you give when you’re looking at your people. That’s what I’m there to capture. Soak it in.

Be with them.

4. Bring comfort items — but use them sparingly

 

If your child has a favorite lovey, blanket or stuffed animal, bring it! Just keep it tucked away in your bag unless we need it.

And yes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your child’s favorite stuffie making an appearance in a photo or two. That’s real life.

The same goes for snacks. A little emergency snack can be a lifesaver. But please don’t bring out the entire snack bag. We don’t need to lose an entire family session to a child milking their time with a whole bag of Goldfish crackers.

If we need one, I might give your child one marshmallow or one fruit snack at a time.

I recommend avoiding anything messy like chocolate, crackers or anything that is going to end up all over their face and clothes.

Think of these things as our backup plan, not the main event.

5. Leave the screens in the car

 

This one is pretty simple: Please don’t bring the iPad or phone into the session as a bargaining tool. Taking a screen away in the middle of a session can create a battle that nobody needs.

Just leave it in the car. That’s it. (I will make you take phones out of your pocket anyway)

I say this as a mom of three. One of my children has autism, so I understand that parenting doesn’t always look like the Pinterest version of parenting.

And sometimes the best thing we can do is remove the thing we already know is going to become a battle.

Beautiful family photos don’t require perfectly behaved kids.

You don’t need everyone smiling at the camera.

You don’t need your toddler to cooperate for an entire hour. I can do a full session in 30 mins if everyone if having fun. Of course I’ll stay as long as I need to.

You don’t even need to know what to do in front of the camera.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you, give your kids things to do, let them move when they need to move and watch for the moments that happen naturally.

Because someday, I don’t think you’re going to look at these photographs and think about whether your toddler behaved perfectly. You’re going to see how little they were. They are going to remember their dad’s laugh and momma smiling at them.

You’re going to remember what it felt like to be all together.

And hopefully, you’ll look at the photographs and say:

“Remember that? That was fun.”

That’s the goal.

Whether you’re looking for a Marietta family photographer, Roswell family photographer, Milton family photographer, or Alpharetta family photographer, I want your session to feel less like something you had to get through and more like time you actually got to enjoy with your family.

Ready to plan your family date? If you made it through this blog- you want this.

Want more tips for toddlers and to see more from one session- check this SESSION out here.

OR

Go ahead! Book your family session with Audrey Alexander Photography