Let’s Break This Down!

Preparing your kids for your photo session is a huge part of creating a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone. As a former teacher for kindergarten and preschool age children, preparation for lessons was a key factor in knowing if we were going to have a great day in the classroom. You can imagine the loss of focus and confusion that could occur if I wasn’t ready to capture a classroom of 5yr. old’s attention!

When you prepare for your photo session, cueing your children in ahead of time is crucial. This isn’t something that should be handled while everyone’s getting dressed for the session. These are simple steps to do and plan for prior to your photo session day.

Here are 5 tips to help you prepare your children for your family photo session:

1. Let your children wear their picture outfits beforehand. Once you have your family’s outfits decided, have your children try on their outfits before the session. I realize this can be incredibly difficult with opinionated toddlers, but the goal is to make sure your child is comfortable in their clothing. This allows you time to cut out itchy tags, find socks with soften seams, and all the things.
2. They DO NOT have to say cheese and look at the camera.  Tell your children a few days before your session that Ms. Allison will be taking your family’s pictures, you can even show them a picture of me. Share with them that Ms. Allison wants to see them play, give hugs, hold hands, and see how bright their eyes are. They will not be saying cheese!
3. Fill those bellies! Please, even for a sunrise session, allow time in your schedule for your children to have a snack and drink before your session. Everyone is always more agreeable if their needs are met before the session begins.
4. Prepare a back-up outfit. Nothing will make a mom those her lid more than a child spilling, getting dirt on, diaper blow-out, huge sneeze, eating a marker in the car seat, or nosebleed right as you are getting out of the car for your session. I have had all of the above happen for sessions. It’s ok, all you need is a back-up. Prepare a bag with an extra shirt, extra shoes, and extra bottoms. It might not be your first choice for pictures, but it is better than the alternative. Box stores such as Target & OldNavy have great basics to keep on hand for back-up. It happens more than you think!
5. Share with me their favorites. There is a space on the client questionnaire for you to share any special needs or wants. This is a great place to let me know what your child is ‘in to’ right now. It can be there obsession with trash trucks, their favorite cartoon characters, or most loved song. The more I know, the more I can plan and engage with your child making your session more enjoyable and personable.