I recently photographed this beautiful family and had the pleasure of observing the little things they did well to ensure a successful session with their one and three-year-old boys. They came ready to have fun, to play and with an open mind and heart.
To preface this, it's important to say that we will stop or pivot if a child is ever genuinely unhappy or hurt or anything that shouldn't be ignored. These tips are assuming a baby or toddler or even older child experiences normal feelings near the end of our session - to be frank - they're over it.
MOM AND DAD SET THE TONE
If you are calm, they will be calm. If you have fun, they will have fun. If you don't stress, they won't stress. They will follow your lead so have fun and go with the flow. Magic will happen, I promise!
This mom and dad were easy going, adaptable and fun the entire session. Their kids were the exact same way and I feel confident that is because mom and dad set the right tone.
DON'T FORGET, THE CAMERA IS ALWAYS CLICKING
It's easy to let stress show on your face. It's even easier to forget I'm still taking pictures. Sometimes I will give you prompts and it will be clear when I'm taking photos. Other times, I will keep clicking because a beautiful moment evolves organically. Even if that's a crying child seeking comfort from mama. Don't underestimate the value of photographing that moment. How special will a photo of you comforting your little one - their sweet little arms wrapped around you and their head on your shoulder - where they feel safest. You can adapt in a moment like this - I may have asked you to smile at the camera, but when something like this happens, it's ok to go off script - comfort your baby sweetly - remembering that I'm still shooting. Close your eyes, kiss your baby on the forehead, bounce them for a laugh, sway them to provide them comfort, dance with them in your arms. All of that is beautiful and photo-worthy. What we don't want is the minute that little one smiles again, you are rubbing your nose or rolling your eyes or making a less than flattering face. Stay beautiful, mama. We don't want our dads to stress either. Dads might be the single most important person during a family session. They know how to make kids laugh and bring mom in close for a kiss. Stay fun, dad - we need you!
This family did that exceptionally well. The top photo was taken during the most beautiful light of the evening. Their youngest who did so well the entire session was finally starting to get fussy and tired. Mama recognized that he was ok - it was normal behavior, no injuries or urgent matters - so she rocked him, bounced him, kissed him and we captured so many perfect moments because of that. She remained photogenic and beautiful and no photos went to waste!
DON'T WASTE THE DREAMIEST LIGHT
It just so happens that the most beautiful light of the evening happens to be the last half of your one hour sunset session. This is also when little ones sometimes get fussy or tired. If you can hang with me and help your kids ride it out, we can create some beautiful images during the prettiest, golden hour light.
I was so happy this family hung in there. We were able to get so many pretty images - ones where the littlest gave us an occasional smile and ones where he sweetly gave in to mama's comforting. His distress was minimal, I think because mom remained calm. She's clearly done this before and I know first time moms might be more nervous about how their kids will act. Please don't be. I never walk into a session thinking I can only do my job if your child behaves perfectly. Let them cry, let them scowl, smile, laugh and anything in between. You think they're beautiful no matter what they do, right? You'll feel the same way when you get photos of them like this. 20 years from now, you will love the photos capturing all their emotions. Right now, you might hope for perfection but later you will appreciate something honest. Your life and your family are beautiful - don't doubt that!
ONE LAST THING...
I LOVE photographing kids. They are free, uninhibited and completely themselves. That is so much fun to watch through my lens. The more wiggly and playful - the better! If you have a child that fits that description, don't wait until they are older to schedule a family session. They are at the perfect age now!
