When the camera comes out, does your child stick out his tongue, scrunch up her face, and show off facial expressions you didn’t even know they had? Do your family portraits end up looking like the punch line of a Calvin & Hobbs comic strip?

Yes, it’s hard to get kids to sit still for photographs. After all, from your child’s point of view that guy with the camera is just another adult ready to drill his teeth and convince him that broccoli is supposed to be candy. The trick is to embrace the fact that kids will be kids, and with these few simple tips, you’ll have a happier child and better photographs (and plenty of ’em).

Ten Tips for Preparing Your Kids to be Photographed

 

1. Kids like to know what’s going on.

Before your session, explain clearly to your child what will be happening and why the pictures are being made.  At the same time, as you’re explaining the session, let them know that they won’t just be sitting there and saying cheese; they will be able to play and run around, too!

2. Tell them about your photographer.

Tell your child your photographer’s first name and something specific about them. For example, Russell is really tall. He’s basketball player tall, (even though he has no skills on the court, and can’t play to save his life). Kids love details and they’ll be more excited to meet your photographer if you tell them something fun about them.

3. Emphasize the fun!

After explaining the goal, de-emphasize the “why” and emphasize the “fun.” They aren’t going to the dentist or doctor; they get to be silly and enjoy themselves! Believe it or not, breezy comments from you like “Russell’s going to hang out with us and take a few pictures for an hour,” will allow your children to accept your photographer more than commanding phrases such as “Sit down and cooperate with everything Russell asks you to do,” or “I want you to smile big when Russell takes your picture.”  At Russell Gearhart Photography, we actually don’t want them to cooperate or smile all the time!

4. Bring a toy.

Kids get bored doing adult things. Let your child bring a toy to the photo session. It gives them something to occupy their interest when the adults are talking about boring adult things. And hey, that toy will probably make a cameo in some photos!

5. Take a nap.

It’s best to have children under six take a nap before the shoot. Even if they don’t normally sleep during the day, consider making an exception. A tired kid is usually an impatient and cranky kid.

6. Avoid grumbly stomachs.

Feed your child before the session. For kids of any age (adults too!), a comfortably full stomach makes a lot of difference to improving a mood and improving the ability to focus for more than a minute or two. And though I would never suggest bribery as a means to better photographs, have their favorite non-staining snacks (like Goldfish crackers or gummy fruits) for an emergency break!

7. Avoid hyper-energy boosters.

It’s good to eat before a session, however, avoid feeding your child food or drinks that are hyper-energy boosters. No teaspoons of sugar and no caffeine before or during the session! Hyper kids can test parents’ patience even more than tired or cranky kids.

8. Bathroom breaks.

Be sure your child has gone to the bathroom right before the session.

9. Don’t rush it.

Allow your photographer take a few minutes before the shoot to let your child get comfortable being around him or her (and an assistant if needed). Even five minutes of chatting allows your child to get used to a new voice, and will make a big difference in the quality and tone of your child’s session.

10. Don’t direct.

Resist the urge to direct your child too much as you shoot. Also, ask grandma, grandpa, auntie, uncle, and anyone else who will be part of your shoot to resist that urge as well. Although it’s instinctive to command them to sit and smile, it really is best to let the photographer be in charge of the situation as much as possible. Just hold their hand if they want you to, and be there for them. When Russell shoots, he’s very relaxed and kinda silly, and he lets kids get up and wander when they need to. When you work at their pace, they let the photographer know when they’re ready for photos!

Remember, this will be fun … enjoy each other during the process, and you’ll be surprised at all the great images you’ll be able to choose from.

Don’t forget to play!