What I have learned through all of these sessions, is to be patient and let your kids be themselves.  Oftentimes, the most stressful part of the situation is the parents' expectations.  I get it!  You want gorgeous images of your kids, and that is my job.  Your job is just to relax and have fun.

1) If your child is at all shy, please be patient. We give them as much time as they (not you or I) need to warm up to me and my camera. It is very rare that even the most apprehensive child doesn’t become my buddy after 20-30 minutes. Eager to please, many parents urge their child(ren) on, and this rarely ever helps. Please allow me to create a bond with your child at their pace. Please give me a little space with your child so they do not feel as though they have to “perform” for you with me.

2) Please do not answer for your child when I ask him or her a question. I try to bond with your kiddos by getting them to talk with me.  Oftentimes, I will reach out to “test” your child(ren) to see how they will respond. Depending on their reaction (if they reach back to hold a hand/finger), I will know how to proceed. I like to take the time to get to know your child and let them get used to me before we start shooting.

3) Please please please do not tell your child(ren) to “smile” or say CHEESE. That’s my job. Besides, “cheese” or “smile” is almost always a fake or forced smile. I will get your child(ren) to smile by other measures that create real smiles such as goofy faces, funny stories, talking up their interests, etc…you know, kid stuff!!  I am great at kid stuff (I am really a little kid at heart)!

4) I encourage any ideas or props in your session, so have fun with it and get creative!  Many parents bring in 1-3 outfits and various accessories such as hats, scarves and jewelry. However, it’s important to keep in mind that changing multiple outfits on younger children usually changes their moods too. I recommend keeping it simple for the younger subjects. They grow up so fast!

 

5) Treats at the session:  I will bring lollipops or smarties to the session.  Please do not feed your kids a lot of sugar or juice prior to the shoot, because they are likely to have a sugar crash and get cranky.  I will use bribery (yes I totally embrace bribes to get great smiles), but not right away and only in small amounts.  I want the kids to have fun, but rewards are always a way of getting great cooperation.

I would love to work with you to get amazing images where every member of your family has a good time and doesn’t want the session to end!