Guess what time it is?? It is time for CHRISTMAS PICTURES!! Am I right?? I just had my 4 kiddos in for their photo session and I wanted to share some tips I have learned over the past 18 years!!! It is hard for me to believe that I have been taking children to photo sessions for over 18 years now!!! So..here are 5 tips for a successful photo session with kids.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Successful Photo Session With Kids
Kids are unpredictable and I can honestly say that we have had some photo sessions during the past 18 years that STUNK. My child just would not cooperate. Period. I have learned a lot from those instances and luckily after some trial and error things have improved!
Pick the Right Time for the Photo Session
This may require you to PLAN ahead and schedule your photo session way out. It is TOTALLY worth it though. I always try to work around my children's schedules. Right now I only have one child to worry about in terms of cooperation….my three-year-old. I know if I schedule our photo session at 2pm…she WILL NOT BE A HAPPY CAMPER. She will be tired and grumpy.
I scheduled the kids to have their photos taken at 10:10am at Portrait Innovations and the time worked great. It was not TOO early (or the teens would have been irritable) and it wasn't too close to lunch…so no one was starving… I think you get the picture here.
It will be different with each family. You know your kids and what time of day works best for them. During busy photo seasons (like now) you may have to book really early to get a prime slot. DO IT!
Pick Comfortable Clothing
One year I picked out the sweetest Easter dress for my 1-year-old. It was so pretty and all the kids were color coordinated to perfection. The problem was that the dress was glittery. The glitter kept getting on the baby's hands and in her eyes. Let's just say that photo session could have been better…without the red eyes!
You can pick out nice outfits that are even somewhat dressy and the clothing still be comfortable. If your child is itchy, can't bend, etc. they are not going to be at their prime for pictures. Comfort sometimes has to supersede fashion!
Watch the Weather
I love outdoor photography, BUT I live in Kansas. It isn't always practical, especially during the cold months. I decided to opt for a photo session this year that I know won't be interrupted by the unpredictable Kansas weather.
I knew that Portrait Innovations would be ready to go for my kids no matter what the crazy Kansas weather was up to.
Let the Photographer Do Their Job
Yes I know my child the best…but sometimes I have to hand over the reigns. I have been known to make it harder for the photographer to do their job because I am trying SO hard to “help”. I have learned to let the professional do their job. They will let me know if they need help getting the perfect smile out of my kid.
Sometimes our children do better when we are not standing back there making silly faces! I was really pleased with how the Portrait Innovations photographer was able to get great shots of my kids without my help!
Prepare for the Unexpected
I have had my children vomit, pee, poop, etc on themselves on the way to a photo session MORE then once. Being prepared for the unexpected is a must as a parent, LOL!
I usually take along an extra set of clothing that would work in an emergency situation. I like to take extra hair supplies…brush, ponytail holders..even a water bottle. The wind in Kansas can KILL a cute hairstyle in a split second on our way from the car to the studio.
I also try to take along a good attitude. The pictures may not turn out exactly like I want, but these are still my kids and it will make for a great memory, right? A successful photo session with kids is all about getting great memories on photo paper!! 🙂
Get a Great Deal on Your Christmas Pictures!
I was really happy with how our photo session turned out. I love that we can bring a change of clothes to our sessions so that we have awesome seasonal pictures and some traditional ones too! Be sure to check out the amazing deal that Portrait Innovations is running through December 11th.
What is your favorite tip for a successful photo session with kids? Be sure to check out some of my fun DIY projects below! Just click the images to find out how to make your own!
*Thanks to Portrait Innovations for sponsoring this post! All thoughts are 100% my own!
- Unique Fun Christmas Gifts for Tween Girls in 2023 - October 31, 2023
- Weight Watchers Skinny Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken - September 22, 2023
- Fun and Easy Ghost Halloween Popcorn Balls Recipe - September 20, 2023
Leave a Reply