Preparing your kids for the your photography session can be one of the best ways to help your session run smoothly. I have experience lots of different personalities. I have learned that sometimes the thing standing between a big smile and a major meltdown is how you prepare your kids. Let me help you with these 5 steps on how to prepare your kids and yes even you!
Talk About It
Lots of adults including myself start to forget what it was like when they were younger. It is so important to explain to your kids what they are going to be doing and why they are doing it. The easiest way to do this is just by talking about what a photographer is and what a camera does throughout the day. You can show them pictures and even videos of what it will be like when they get their photos taken. Click here for a helpful doc I created to help you explain photography to them! Small conversations will help them be on board and not scared of the unknown when it comes time for your session.
Set Expectations
Now that your kids know what is going to happen, you need to set clear expectations for how you want them to act during the session. I always suggest having a reward that you can give or do with your kids as a special treat for following directions. This can be as simple as playing in the playground for 15 minutes, ice cream date, or even bowling! During the session you can remind your kids of the treat waiting for them after the session.
Full Bellies
Full bellies = happy family! A lot of times sessions happen over the dinner or breakfast hour. It is so important to make your meal earlier rather than push it back to after the session. Full bellies will ensure no one gets hangry during the session. If you don’t have time to do dinner or breakfast before the session, I suggest giving yourself and your kids a nice filling snack so that no one goes hungry. Everyone will have more energy and feel more focused during the session instead of focusing on when you can go home and eat!
Stocked up Bag
Time to get ready for your session. The day before, set out your outfits, shoes, and accessories. Pack your bag for a successful session. Make sure to pack a small mess free snack/ treat for your kids. Tic Tacs, Cheerios, gummies, if it can fit in their hand and not cause a mess it’s great! Remember if you give a kid a snack they will want some water to go with it! Don’t forget to bring full water bottles for you and your kids. It can get warm being outside and we want to make sure we all stay hydrated! Ladies you can also pack flip flops to wear when walking from location to location if your shoes are really high and uncomfortable. Lastly I would bring your kids to the location in normal clothes and change them once you get there. You never know what can go down in the car on your way to the session. If you do this be sure to arrive plenty early so you can change your kids into their outfits before the session start time.
Lots of Grace
No session is perfect. As long as you give yourself and your kids lots of grace, you will have the best session ever! I always let the kids take the lead. If they don’t want to be held, let them be down, if they need a break let them have it. I will always stay flexible and never judge if your kids just aren’t having a good day. It happens and we can work together to still get beautiful pictures even when everything seems to be going wrong.
For more steps to prepare for your session check out more of my blog post here! I want you to have confidence when showing up to your session. Don’t forget you can always reach out to your photographer for help we love when clients ask!
