How To Prepare Children for a Photo Shoot

USE PSYCHOLOGY BEFOREHAND
We want everyone to have fun at a photoshoot; parents are a child’s biggest role model. If they hear adults say they hate having photos taken, they will think there must be a good reason, and they may refuse to be photographed. Be positive, and make a fun game by taking photographs of each other, pets, and siblings at home before you come. Talk to your older kids before the photo shoot. Show them old photos you have of them or the family and ask them if they like the photographs. Once we get a “YES” it will prime them for a good experience.

CLOTHES
Plan outfits in advance and ensure they are comfortable and not too big or fussy to get on and off. I have seen kids stand bored while being put in a laced corseted ball gown, and it’s not fun or pretty when they look fed up.
On the day, be chilled; don’t rush yourself or them. Then the kids won’t have any reason to resent what happens next.

PREPARING – SLEEP & FOOD
Ensure they are well fed beforehand, and avoid tooth-staining drinks, chocolate, quavers or wotsits. They stain the face, fingers and gumline; we can see this mess in detail when we edit the photographs.

Ensure they are not tired before the session. For little ones, it should always be after a nap with some time to gently wake so the baby is in the best possible mood.

DON’T ASK FOR SMILES OR A PERFORMANCE
Let the experience be a reward. There is no need for bribes or asking them to do as they are told or pressured in any way. Toddlers especially love to say no to requests. Instead, we go out for fun, and the smiles will come authentically.

We will get real smiles from them by being silly and using toy props, music, singing and jokes.
It’s our job to be funny and help the child feel relaxed and safe.