You've bit the bullet and booked a session with your kiddos, now what?
I've compiled a list of important steps to keep kiddos at peace during portrait sessions. So, take a deep breath and make a mental note of the following list. It will help make your photo session a breeze!
1) FEED THEM
When people are hungry, they tend to become angrier. The term "hangry" refers to the combination of these two emotions. Children, especially young ones, are ten times more susceptible to feeling hangry than adults. It's essential not to bring hungry children to a session, a full belly is one less reason to be upset during a session.
MOMMY & ME | BARGERSVILLE, INDIANA
2) BRING SNACKS
Children get hungry often, I'm sure you know! My daughter would eat us out of house and home every single day, if I would let her! With that being said, we will be up moving, running, and burning energy. So, if a kiddo needs a 5-minute break to have a snack, quench their thirst, and improve their mood, then so be it! I might be ready for a snack too. What better way to bond with a kiddo than over food?
IN STUDIO | MOMMY & ME
3) HAVE A CHAT
During your session, get your kiddos talking about anything and everything! I want to talk about their favorite cartoon characters, sing their favorite songs, and have tickle fights. Being able to relate to a kiddo is the fastest way to make them more comfortable.
6 MONTH MILESTONE | IN STUDIO
4) INCENTIVES
Listen, I'm never against a little bribery! Fill me in on the incentive you're using to get kiddos to behave. My favorite ideas include a sucker or ice cream date afterwards. We'll get to talk about our favorite flavors during the session too!
CREEK STOMP | CHEYENNE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
5) WAIT TO DRESS
Accidents happen, they're kids. So, in order to protect their outfits, dress them upon arrival to the location. This will help prevent accidental spills from being on their outfit, as well has limit wrinkles.
LIFESTYLE NEWBORN | IN STUDIO
6) SLEEP
Young children need their naps. Let them get a good night's sleep and decent nap before the session. Things happen, I get it. If for some reason your kiddo doesn't get a good night's sleep or doesn't nap long enough, we will reschedule. Cranky, sleep deprived toddlers are no fun in front of a camera.
FALL MINI | BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK | INDIANA
7) HAVE FUN
Take a deep breath, relax, and have fun with your kiddos. Yes, we will do the perfectly posed shots with everyone looking at the camera. But, we are also going to play tag, ring-around-the-rosy, and yell 'ewww' at mom and dad smooching. If your kiddo has a favorite game, I want to know! We are going to get the whole family involved.
DOWN THE SLIDE | GREENWOOD, INDIANA
