Top 5 tips for making photoshoots with children easier

Placing children in a photo can make it challenging, particularly if they are very young. It’s just hard to keep their attention during the photoshoot as they often lose focus and don’t do what they are supposed to do.

Here are some tips if you are planning a family photo shoot with your young children.

Don’t stress it

If the parents act stress, the kids may pick up on it and act the same way. Try to be relaxed and calm, and have some fun. The kids will usually follow suit. You might need to make some compromises with your kids to get them to cooperate. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat it.

Make photoshoots with children fun

Ask the photographer to do a few fun pictures with the kids before getting serious. Let the kids pick their own poses or props. Struggling to get kids to sit still? Turn the photo session into a game like Simon Says.

Be prepared

Before your photoshoot with children, make sure they are well-rested, particularly if you will be out for a few hours. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids.

Be patient

Save your sanity by trying not to control photoshoots with children too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. I’ve taken some great family photos where the little boy was making funny faces. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic.

Talk to the children before photoshoots

Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.