Say Cheese! How To Prepare Your Toddler and Kids for a Photoshoot
So, you’ve booked a photoshoot for your family or kiddo. Bravo! Maybe it’s a Newborn session and you are bringing your whole family including toddlers. Or maybe it’s a cake smash, family pictures, mini session for Christmas or just a few nice photos to capture that sweet smile that your little one uses to melt your heart. But… now you're wondering… how do I prepare my child for a session… how will I get them to sit still even for a split second? What if they are so introverted that they might be scared in a new environment.
Fear not fellow parent. Let’s talk about how to build up that trust for your photographer before you even enter the studio. This will help make the session so much more enjoyable.
Talk about your Photographer to your child.
Before your photoshoot start mentioning your photographer by name. Keep it light hearted and maybe include things like “remember when we went to visit Miss Leanne at her studio? Remember the way we giggled when she made funny faces for your picture?” Or “We are going for a family adventure to Miss Leannes studio! Mommy knows Miss Leanne and she will be taking our picture. I think it will be a fun time.” This will help a toddler aleviate some of their anxiety and suspicion they may have for a new environment and a new person (aka… me the photographer). Generally if a child comes into the studio I try to give some space and time for them to get comfortable. Holding tight to mommy and daddy is normal and totally OK! I am not their safe person you are… so there is never any need to force or push a child to get to know their photographer. I like starting photos with a parent in the picture… that way children feel safe and comfortable. As the session goes on… those inhibitions usually melt away pretty quickly as children notice that mom and dad aren’t going anywhere and I am only there to take pictures and capture some smiles.
Practice Play-Acting a Photoshoot
Do a pretend photoshoot at home… nothing fancy. Just you with your phone and your best “photographer” voice. Let them be silly, make faces and see that being in front of a camera doesn’t mean being unhappy and stiffly posing. It can be fun and playful. If ther’re old enough maybe equip them with a joke or riddle that they can tell the photographer. My kids LOVE telling knock knock jokes and it makes them feel like a rockstar when they share their jokes with others.
Bring Familiar Comforts
I have snacks in studio but if there are certain mess free snacks that your kiddo loves… feel free to bring them. Or even if they have a stuffed animal or doll they love… all good! Bring them along. We might even take a few pics with them just to get the ball rolling. There is no better reset then a cuddle form a toy they love or a short snack time.
Roll With the Punches
Kids be kids. Sometimes I just want to let parents know that I have seen almost everything in my two decades of taking pictures for families. ALSO, I have four kids of my own… so there is very little that will completely frazzle or shock me. Come with a confidence in my skill and ability to navigate your children’s different personalities. I have some tricks that help sessions go more smoothly and enjoyably as well. There is beauty in the quirky and chaotic moments as well as the tentative quiet moments. A studio is a fascinating place and should be a space that holds memories of connections.
If you have been considering a session get in touch through my website or email leannedoellphotography@gmail.com
Looking forward to hearing from you!
