Photographing kids in a natural state is my favorite way to capture them. I will not force them to say “cheese” or make them bend this way and that. Instead I will follow their lead and wait until they are ready. Parents can help by preparing their kids beforehand with these few tips. Together we can create one fun photo session for them!
To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one is well rested and has a full belly. Bring snacks and water to the session just in case. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non-messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session.
Prepare the kiddo(s) for the session by letting them know that a friend, aka "Ms. Jen" will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them. Some parents plan a special night out afterwards, like pizza night or ice cream night.
Please give the kiddos time to relax. There’s absolutely no rush on my end. I know capturing their natural self will take some time. Don't worry if your child is running about and being active, most of my favorite images are of young kiddos playing and exploring.
This tip is a big one, remember that children are not usually fond of being forced to smile or pose. Also, be mindful of your energy with them. Your kiddos might get embarrassed and might have a hard time recovering, especially when there's a new person like me present.
To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child, or hold the child and we go from there. I won’t force little ones to do the prompts. Instead I engage by asking questions and taking interest in what they are doing. This might take some time and that’s okay. Little ones will eventually become curious and join in.
I encourage you to bring a fun activity like a bubble machine or a small toy to keep them engage. You can also bring your child’s favorite auntie/uncle to make them smile too.
Again, please don’t stress over them not smiling at the camera or posing for the camera. Kids are perfect just the way they are.