Learn how to have a successful photo session with young children

Looking at family photos do you think “my kids would never sit still for that!”? Surprisingly, they will and it isn’t as hard as you might think. 

Also, see How To Photograph Your Own Children

THE BASICS

• Well-rested children are calmer and less fussy

• Children with a full belly are also a bit happier

• Schedule the session for a time that is appropriate for your child(ren)

• Bring a few favorite toys and special snacks for your photographer to use.

• Instead of consequences or bribes for a successful session, talk about the fun experience you're going to have.

• Look at photos together and talk about how you're going to make more special memories together.

• Let your photographer set the tone and run the show

That last one can be a bit tricky!

It is true that no one knows better than parents how to manage their children. But when a photo session becomes chaotic, there are usually two or more adults giving directions to the children at the same time in progressively louder and more animated voices. This creates chaos. The children often become stressed and confused. It’s best not to scold or continually correct. Outdoor sessions often work better because the children have some freedom to run around and get out some energy.  

If it's a studio milestone session, the best thing to do is wait around the corner, out of sight. Or have just one parent in the room. If the photos involve siblings, have that be only a brief part of the session. 

Some things we do to encourage a great session:

• Include a favorite stuffy or cute (photographable) toy

• Change it up, add a chair or prop they can sit on or play with

• Let them be wild and do some crazy photos

• Play peek-a-boo

• Let them run around and get out some energy

• Hide a toy and have them search

• Play a game

• Have a parent toss them in the air

• Create a boundary within which they can play for natural images

• And I have a few more tricks that can be employed!

The best images are the small moments and your photographer is trained to capture those moments. Most of the images that I delete are because the parents’ expressions are correcting or talking to the children in the photo. My advice is always that if the parents stay poised, I will direct the children - and often my direction is quite different. There is an art to photography and it is rare for me to tell a child to smile because I want to capture their natural expressions. 

There are of course times that I’ve had children remain quite wild throughout a session. The parents are certain we didn’t get any photos. But, as I mentioned, it’s the small moments and they are there and they are captured!

Find a photographer that you connect with and trust, and let that person create beautiful images for your family. Parents can relax and enjoy and cherish the resulting images for years to come.