Whether you’re coming to see us for a family photo session or you’re trying to grab a few candids at home, here are a few tips to get the best possible photos of your little ones smiling or at the very least, paying attention and engaging with the photographer.
Before the session
Preparing your child for the best possible photo session starts with making sure your session is scheduled at the best time of day for their eating and napping schedule. If they’re freshly up from a nap and have a fully tummy, they’re much more likely to cooperate and be open to being playful and showing their personality off for the camera. Of course, it’s not always possible to get the stars aligned that perfectly. As with most things, it really depends on the child, but there are a few tried and true methods that ensure the best results based on their age, what they like and what type of mood they’re in on the day of the session.
The first variable: Age
If your child is old enough to understand delayed gratification (that if they’re good, they’ll get a treat after), gentle bribery works wonders! Offer them their favorite snack or fun experience like a visit to their favorite toy store if they listen and pay attention while they’re getting pictures taken. If need be, remind them or even up the ante if they start to lose patience toward the end.
If they are too young to grasp this concept, have their favorite snack and a few interesting toys with you just in case they start losing interest completely. Before you start offering snacks and toys though, try to keep their attention by making silly noises or silly faces. Motion helps, too, so if you have a second person to stand behind the camera and do silly hand gestures and faces, that helps, too! Sometimes using a FAVORITE toy as an attention grabber can backfire since they may want to get the toy and not want to give it up. So, unless you’re alright with that toy being in your pictures, just bring toys that are “interesting” but not necessarily their absolute favorite.
The second variable: What your child likes
My son will sit and take pictures pretty much indefinitely if I put on the Cocomelon soundtrack, occasionally make silly faces, and give him puffs on demand. We’ve worked on a system. I’m sure it will change as he gets older, but that’s what it takes right now! Some kids are motivated by food (my kid) and some could care less about snacks and are motivated by bright shiny toys or their favorite songs. There’s no wrong answer here. You know your child best – what makes them smile, what makes them feel comfortable.. That’s what will keep them engaged.
The third variable: Their mood
Let’s face it.. Some days are just bad days. As adults, we have days that we’re more grumpy than usual. Maybe we didn’t sleep well, we got bad news, or our schedule was interrupted. Sometimes, we have days that we feel off for no good reason at all. The same can be said for kiddos. Introducing them to a new person and putting them in front of a camera can be a bit overwhelming, especially on these types of days. The best thing to do in this situation is make the best of it. Sometimes, the best pictures end up being candid photos with real emotion instead of smiles that are being forced when that’s not where your heart truly is.
What are some of your favorite ways to keep little ones entertained while taking their pictures?