One of the most frequent questions I’m asked as a Huntsville family photographer is this: what advice do you have for how to prepare your kids for a family photo session? Parents sometimes feel nervous about how their kids are going to behave, if they’ll be themselves or act shy for the camera, and generally just how the session is going to go. Of course, everyone wants a smooth session and beautiful images. And there are definitely some steps you can take to help your child before your session begins.
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First, prepare the adults
This might not be what you expected on a Huntsville family photographer guide to preparing kids, but I honestly think it’s the most important part. Kids feed off of the energy of their parents. If you’re feeling stressed or not excited about photos, your kids are going to pick up on that and feel the same way. One of the ways I help with this is by really getting to know you before your session. I don’t want to just show up, take some nice photos, and leave. I’ve found that having actual conversations via the phone or zoom to talk through the session, expectations you have, what to expect from me, etc. really helps to set the stage and settle any nerves. It’s also really important to talk to your partner about what to expect. In general, I’ve found that moms are the ones excited, and dads can be less enthused. But if you talk to him about why the photos are important to you and encourage him to stay happy, engaged, and playful, it truly makes a world of difference.
If both parents show excitement about the photos and build that up for the kids, it really takes a lot of pressure on how to prepare your kids for a family photo session. They’ll be excited, too!
Tell your kids what to expect
Kids want to know what’s going on. They’re going to be very confused if a random stranger shows up to their house with a camera, or if they randomly drive somewhere in the evening and don’t know why. It’s so important to tell your kids about the session, even if they are really young. They understand more than you think!
Tell them about me, show them a picture, or include them in the pre-session planning call! I would be happy to say hi and chat with them, too!
Get them involved in the planning
One really fun way to prepare your kids for a family photo session is to get them involved! Especially if your session will be in your home, it can be so much fun to ask your kids for their input. What clothes do they want to wear? Do they have any games they’d like to play? Is there a special animal or toy they’d like to have in the photos? These images are memories for your kids, too, and asking them what matters to them can be really meaningful.
The practical stuff
It wouldn’t be a Huntsville family guide for how to prepare your kids for a family photo session without the super practical tips! Here’s a quick list to help!
- Feed everyone before the session. Snacks for kids and adults are key! We don’t want anyone feeling hangry.
- Prep all the clothes ahead of time. Having everyone’s outfits ready to go before the last minute brings your stress level down, which makes the whole event easier and more enjoyable!
- Don’t jump to correcting behaviors during your session. I know how important it is to have expectations, and wanting your kids to behave is normal. But know that there is an element of excitement and “out of the norm” when it comes to photos. Sometimes kids have their own ideas and don’t want to listen to prompts from a photographer. And that is ok. Let me follow their lead, and know that it’s ok if they don’t listen perfectly.
- Plan something fun for after your session to celebrate! Make a day or evening of it. Take the day off school, or go for ice cream when you’re done.
Film scanned by PhotoVision.
Mallory Bell Photography is a Huntsville family photographer documenting the joy and connection you feel with the people you love most. Capturing the calm in the chaos is one of the best ways to remember the beautiful life you’re building. Schedule your session now, before the season changes and it’s all a cherished memory.
