Let’s talk a little bit about a big concern for parents considering a photo session. The “problem” child. Just kidding! But you know where I’m going – the ones who are the happiest of kids, but the second you bring a camera into view are considered “uncooperative” with their stoic little expressions and cause a lot of anxiety to parents after that “perfect” photo. I’d like to share a few of my tips – for use in your daily life with your cell phone or camera, or even during your photo session with me.

1. Don’t be negative. EVER. Seems obvious, but the biggest mistake I see parents making is trying to force the photo. You can almost never tell a child to smile and get a real expression. Many times, when sessions first begin parents expect their little ones to immediately have a huge smile (because we see photos all the time of perfectly well-behaved, smiling children in our social networks!). When they don’t do what you ask, don’t get mad or even have the slightest bit of anxiety, which they pick up on.. and it’s all downhill from there. Well, it all comes down to how YOU as parents behave during your session. If you keep your emotions in check, your child will be more likely to, as well. During a session with me, if someone starts to say something negative I immediately try to redirect it into a positive situation to keep the mood light. No angry birds here.

If you immediately react negatively because a child isn’t “cooperating” it will immediately make them more resistant. Odds are, they just aren’t sure exactly why a crazy lady has this huge black camera in their face, or what the purpose of it is. So my advice – NEVER threaten. I’ve heard on many occasions, “If you want to do XX later, then you need to Smile RIGHT THIS MINUTE!” It doesn’t work people. Trust me. I’ve seen it so many times. And I’ve been there, too. It just doesn’t work.

2. Don’t “say cheese,” please! Come on.. I know you’ve been torturing this child with this since they muttered their first words! At first it was cute, but after a while the cute smile turns into some type of twisted up grimace that resembles a torture device. You don’t want the “cheese face” in your photos, do you? And after you say it ONCE, it’ll stick in your child’s head for the whole session. Enough said. Think of words that make them laugh like their favorite foods, or ask them questions like what sound animals make. Kids like to make people laugh so laugh with them!

For example, this is Cameron’s “cheese” face.

And his actual smile. We were playing a hiding game here.

Which would you rather display?

3. Break up photos with playtime! This is how of my sessions generally flow:
A. Arrive at location and we all chat for a few minutes, sign model release, go over the locations I’ve scouted quickly with parents and what to expect. Answer any questions.
B. Engage the kids by asking them questions (school, favorite cartoon, etc.) so they feel included and know that I’m a friend. Then I gather everyone up for a few posed photos. I don’t wear out my welcome. Once I see the slightest bit of resistance from anyone we break it up and do something different. Maybe photos or mom and dad, sibling solo shots, I try to not bring any negativity or let any annoyance elevate to uncooperativeness. Because once your there it’s hard to go back!
C. So my workflow goes like this: Posed photo. Play. Photo while playing. Wash and repeat.

4. Use Rewards. Like with everything else, children like to be rewarded for good behavior. Some rewards that work – candy that’s rarely given (like gummy bears or something your child really likes) promised time at the park playground after the session, extra tv time, etc. But the trick to a successful reward system is to use them effectively. Have a few rewards up your sleeve and do not offer them until they are needed! If you tell your kid before they begin any uncooperative behavior about the reward, then the thrill of it runs out. Save it for when it’s needed! It may help capture a few smiles before the novelty runs off and they’re bored with the idea of that treat. Then have another treat or reward option.

5. Let them be the photographer. Give them your camera (carefully and help them) take a photo. When they see the product of their snapping, they’ll be eager to take more! I then ask them to smile for one, then let them take another. This works with children aged 4 or greater.

6. Ahhh.. Reverse psychology. Act like we don’t want to photograph them. Sometimes if a child is adamant in not wanting to be photographed, I’ll pretend that I don’t want them to be in the photo at all. This almost always results in them jumping in the photo. Then instead of trying to come up with ways to get a smile. Tell them in a serious tone, “DO NOT SMILE, I DON’T EVEN WANT TO SEE YOU SMILE!” They will certainly not be able to handle following directions and will give you belly laughs. This is one of my more useful tricks. But be ready to take the photo when you say it!

7. Use Respect. If you try to exert your authority during photos, kids shut down. Because it’s not fun. If you’re trying to capture photos of your child with a big smile, how can you expect them to have a great expression if it’s not a great experience?

8. Don’t act like it’s the end of the world. Instead of positioning photos to your kids as a big event, act like it’s a play date. “We’re going to go to the park and this lady is going to play with us and take some photos, it’ll be so much fun!” Setting them up to have a fun experience will put them in great moods and they’ll be ready to have fun!

9. Planning pays off. I know that last one can be hard. Coordinating photos can be super stressful. Outfit selections, scheduling the time amongst already packed calendars, budgeting, etc. It’s a project in itself. TIP: Use Pinterest to track outfit and location ideas throughout the year so that when you’re ready for photos, you can implement the ideas you’ve already gathered. Plus, when you’re out shopping you can keep an eye out for key pieces you want to include in your wardrobe selection instead or running out the morning of your shoot in a complete panic. Hello, stress.

10. Print your Photos! You’ve worked HARD to get these images with all of your careful planning. You did it! Display them proudly. Life gets busy, I encourage clients to order prints within the first week of receiving their files, otherwise they’re left hidden away on a hard drive. Give them wall space where you can enjoy them daily! Photos of children are subtle reminders of just how fast time flies and teaches us to truly be grateful for each day.

So there you are, my tips for a successful photo session and reminder to print and display your images in your home.

I do *not* claim to know all the answers and I learn more each year, but these are some tips that have helped me along the way.

If you’d like to book your own photo session, please send me a note through the Contact tab at the top of the page. If you have any other tips feel free to leave them in the comments!