Everyone dreams of the family photos that look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. They are perfectly posed and the kids look like they are genuinely happy to be there. You think to yourself "Why can't my kids behave for pictures like that?" Spoiler alert, most kids don't. You aren't the only one who stresses about what to wear, how to keep your kids clean and happy and also stay sane so YOU look good, too. So here are 6 tips to help make your family pictures as pleasant as possible. These aren't tips for PERFECT family photos. Just family photos that you can enjoy taking and love hanging in your house because they will reflect this timestamp in your life.
#1- THE GREAT OUTDOORS
I love a good studio session occasionally. But if you are worried about little ones being cranky for pictures, outdoors is almost always best! In the heat of Southern Utah summer, I love to go to the mountains where it is a little cooler and give kids a new place to explore. I love photos when the children are playing with flowers, a ladybug or even their new toy stick. It shows their interests and also gives them something to do so they don't get bored!
#2- SHORT & SWEET
Although my family sessions sometimes take the full hour, if you have little ones (or husbands) that just aren't having it, we can always condense it and get all the photos you need in less time! If you have a husband who doesn't love photos, we can start with them and get all their photos done so they can relax and help make the kids smile. If it is a kid who doesn't cooperate, we can let them play and warm up to me and the idea of pictures. Most times, with young kids, short and sweet is the way to go!
#3- DON'T EXPECT PERFECTION
This is a tough one. Trust me! I want all the perfect family pictures of my son posed and smiling right at the camera. But the more you stress that, the more they are going to act up. Or at least that is the way it seems. I will always try to get a few photos of your family posed, everyone looking at the camera and smiling. But sometimes, your toddler may not do that. Instead of being upset, embrace the crazy. This is your life! It isn't perfect and one day you'll look back at these photos and miss the wild children they were. One day you'll have teenagers that have real looking fake smiles and you will miss the cheesy smiles. I promise!
#4- TREAT YO SELF
This is another one that is tough for moms. But I say, if once a year you are going to buy something nice for yourself, get a spray tan or get your nails done, LET THIS BE IT! You won't regret it. You will feel so much better about yourself during pictures if you know that you look great. If you can't afford to do all the things, pick what will make you feel the best. If that means you buy something fancy for yourself and set time aside for yourself the night before pictures to do your nails, do it!
#5- EAT BEFORE YOU COME
This is a big one for younger kids, older kids and well, anyone who gets hangry. I recommend feeding kids about an hour before pictures, if possible. For nursing babies, RIGHT before starting. Everyone is happier with a full belly! You can get everyone changed just before pictures to make sure nothing gets dirty or wrinkly. Just remember to bring stuff to fix hair if putting clothes on messes it up.
#6- BRIBES
I know this is something that not all photographers agree with but I am PRO BRIBERY 100%. The bribe you choose is totally up to you and can be as small or big as you want. I do recommend for younger kids having something at the shoot, not ice cream or a toy at the store, because they don't understand why they have to wait. I like to start out the shoot without treats or toys and try to get the smiles naturally and then resort to bribes as we start to lose their attention. My favorite is white mini marshmallows because they don't get crazy colors on hands and if they are still in a kids mouth, they don't look like a green tooth.
