One of the biggest parental nervousness is how their child/children will behave during a photoshoot.
However, that is a part of what makes working with little ones so rewarding; parents are often shocked and thrilled once they receive their galleries and see how amazing the photos came out.
I promise if you leave it up to me -the outcome of the photoshoot will be worth the worry!
Toddlers shine when you let them be themselves and let me (the photographer) be patient and warm with them, while making sure EVERYONE has fun and is stress-LESS.
MAKE IT FUN FOR THEM
Is is very unlikely we will get great images of a young child if they are being forced to do something they don’t want to do. Your job as a parent is to set up your little one for success, to keep it fun for them, while I’m there to capture the child’s personality and show them at their best!
It is up to you as a parent to either let the child run off and explore, bring their favorite toy and play with them, throw them up in the air, swing them high, run for a hug, or even play a mind game -telling them “I bet you can’t do it..” —all fo these will contain your child while keeping it fun and exciting for them.
These activities are great because most kids find them thrilling and it makes them laugh and have fun.
ENJOY THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE
It is not easy for a child to warm up to a stranger with a big camera in front of their face. It takes a while for them to warm up and listen and follow directions.
Parents know their kids best, and when prior to the session they can give me some details about their kids and clues of who they are.
Who is this little person?
What do they enjoy?
What I can talk to them about?
That makes the session so much more fun for kids when I bring up (with the parents clues) their favorite dinosaur or their love of trains.
During the session-depending on the child - we’ll do a mix of a traditional “posed” type photos and more fun, spontaneous images during the rest of the session.
What to Wear
I always send my clients pinterest page with ideas on what to wear for their photoshoot. Offer them tips on how to coordinate, and sometimes even help when moms send me outfits for me to choose what looks best on the camera.
Most important:
-Bring a backup outfit, in case of falls, spills etc.
-Make sure the kids are comfortable and like what their wearing so they don’t pull and try to take off their clothes.
-Logos or patterns don’t photograph well and clash with other outfits
BEST TIME FOR YOUR SHOOT
Schedule for a time when your kids are the happiest. In other words-not their nap time. Make sure they are fed and rested.
Bring snacks and water-something small and quick to eat and so it’s not visible in the photos and your child won’t cry if he/she is not holding it
LOCATION LOCATION
If we are not shooting in the comfort of your home, consider your favorite place in the park that the kids are familiar with. Make sure to come on time so the kids are not rushed and are happy and ready to have fun at our shoot.