How to Best Prepare Young Children for a Lifestyle Family Photo Session by Cindy Tucey Photography

Capturing precious childhood moments through the lens of the camera of a professional photographer has become a cherished tradition for many families. Whether it's for holiday cards, milestones, or simply freezing a fleeting moment in time, professional outdoor photo sessions have gained popularity as a way to beautifully preserve these memories.

Parents can sometimes feel stressed about how the shoot will go with young children, as little ones can be moody and unpredictable. Parents often worry whether their child(ren) will cooperate or smile for the photos. However, with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can turn your child's photo session into a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

First things first, transparency is key. Children thrive on predictability and knowing what to expect. Before the big day, explain to your little ones that a friendly photographer will be joining you to take some special pictures of your family. Tell them that you will all have some fun together outside while the photographer takes your photos. Consider showing them a photo of the photographer beforehand (almost all photographers have a picture of themselves on the "About" page of their website), so the child feels more comfortable and familiar with the person behind the lens. This simple step can help ease any anxiety and set a positive tone for the session.

Next, be sure to make the photo session the highlight of the day. Avoid scheduling strenuous or tiring activities beforehand, such as intense sports games or long outings. For example, do not try to have the photo session after a soccer match or a birthday party. Instead, keep the lead-up to the shoot calm and relaxed, allowing your child to conserve their energy and enthusiasm for the main event. The photo session itself can be an exciting family experience, filled with laughter, exploration, and maybe even a little bit of silliness. So be sure to make the photo session the main event for the day.

As another thought, be sure that everyone has eaten or at least had a snack before the photo session. It's best not have any "hangry" kids or adults during the shoot!

Finally, some parents like to promise a fun treat for after the session as an added incentive, such as ice cream. Having something to look forward to can motivate children to cooperate and make the most out of the experience. Plus, it's a great way to celebrate their cooperation and discuss the experience of the session afterwards.

As a professional photographer, I suggest that during the session parents let the photographer do the work and lead the session while embracing the spontaneity and authenticity of childhood. Instead of forcing stiff poses or fake smiles, encourage your child to be themselves, which will allow their personality to shine through. Whether they're jumping in puddles, playing with their favorite toys, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, the best moments are often captured when children are allowed to be exactly who they are. Feel free to come prepared with some jokes to get your kids laughing, or your photographer may also have some questions or jokes to get your children talking or laughing. I find that the best expressions come from genuine emotion rather than forced smiles. For that reason, I will never ask your children to say "cheese," but I do try to get genuine smiles, which are so much better. :)

In conclusion, preparing young children for a professional outdoor photo session doesn't have to be stressful. By fostering a sense of excitement, keeping the day low-key, and promising a sweet reward afterwards, you can have your lifestyle family photo session be a fun and relaxed experience, and a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. Afterwards, you can look forward to printing your photographs to hang on your walls or put in an album (for more on this topic, see my blog post...

https://www.cindytuceyphotography.com/blog/value-of-printing-your-photographs/)

Do you live in the South Bay Area, such as Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Willow Glen, Los Altos, or the North Lake Tahoe Area, such as Truckee, California? Are you ready to capture the magic of your newborn's first days? Contact Newborn & Family Photographer Cindy Tucey Photography to schedule your outdoor family photoshoot or in-home lifestyle newborn photography session today.