Christie's Tips for a Photoshoot with Kids!
Photoshoots can capture priceless memories, but getting kids (and sometimes husbands!) ready for one can feel like a challenge. With a little preparation and some insider tips, you can make the experience fun and successful for everyone. Here are my tried-and-true suggestions based on years of experience - teaching elementary and middle school for over 8 years and photographing kids and families for over 10 years.
1. Choose the Right Time of Day
Timing matters. Schedule your photoshoot when your child is typically well-rested and not too close to meal or nap times. A tired or hungry kid is much less likely to cooperate. If your kiddo is an early riser and likes mornings, schedule a morning shoot!
2. Full Bellies = Happy Families
Make sure everyone—kids and adults alike—has eaten before arriving. It’s hard to smile when your stomach is growling, and hungry kids (and spouses) tend to be crankier.
3. Avoid Car Naps
This one is crucial: don’t let your child fall asleep in the car on the way to the shoot. In my experience, 95% of the time, waking up to a stranger asking them to smile leads to a grumpy and uncooperative kiddo.
4. Limit Screen Time Before the Shoot
Be cautious about allowing screen time during the drive. Many kids struggle to transition from watching their favorite show or playing a game to immediately smiling for someone they barely know. This sudden switch can result in tears or frustration.
5. Practice Posing with Little Boys
If you have little boys, practice having them put their hands or thumbs in their pockets. We often pose them this way, and it helps if they’re already familiar with the motion. Otherwise, you might end up with an adorable moment of “Do I even have pockets?"
6. Keep a Prize in the Trunk
Bribes work wonders! Bring a little prize or treat, but don’t mention it until you’re near the end of the shoot. If you’re trying to squeeze out a few more good smiles, you can use the prize as a final motivator. I also bring my own prize box and will mention it strategically when I sense the need for a bit of extra encouragement.
7. Keep Stress in Check
This is the hardest tip of all: try not to stress yourself out! I know how hard it can be—trust me, I’ve cried in a bluebonnet field when my own kids wouldn’t cooperate. But kids pick up on your energy, so staying positive and lighthearted can make a huge difference. Share how much these photos mean to you without putting pressure on them.
8. Go with the flow!
If the kids just aren't having the posed photos (which I always try for first), sometimes we just have to be flexible and let them go with the flow! I'll keep capturing and do everything I can!
8. Practice Real Smiles
Kids don’t always know the difference between a forced smile and a genuine one. Practice with them in front of a mirror, showing them what a fake smile looks like versus a “happy inside” smile. Making it a fun game can help them arrive ready to flash their most authentic grins. This example has been going around the photography groups (not my photo) -- and don't be surprised if I talk about poop or farts to try and get a genuine smile from your kiddo!
With these tips, you’ll help set your family up for a fun and memorable experience—and I’ll be there to capture every precious moment. Ready to book your session? Let’s make some magic together!
xoxo
Christie
