Three Things Not to Say to Kids During Your Session

For the Best Family Photos, Avoid These Three Things:

Whether you’re hoping your family photographer will capture real and spontaneous smiles from your kiddos (and who isn’t), or those soulful stares your baby boy makes, here are three things Not to say to kids during your session.

1. Please… Don’t Ask Your Kids to Say “Cheese”
2. Don’t Say “Smile”
3. Don’t Discipline, Give Threats or Ultimatums

No Cheese Please – Why I Never Ask Kids to Smile and Wish Parents Wouldn’t Either

Many of us have grown up with those phrases engrained in our heads. Ad, as a parent, I confess, I’ve been guilty too of asking my son to smile for a picture (even though I know better). But here’s the thing. As a seasoned child and family photographer, I’ve yet to see a natural smile result from a parent or other adult barking out orders to “smile”, “say cheese”, or any other similar variation of “give me your best and biggest smile.” In fact, when parents make these requests, it always results in stiff and fake smiles.

Families that choose me as their photographer are drawn to the real and raw emotions they see in my work. They love the serious as much as the silly expressions that perfectly capture their child’s essence.

Focus on Fun and Connection; Save the Discipline For Later

As your family photographer, I’ll help create opportunities for moments of genuine joy and connection to unfold during your session. Your only job during your session is to truly enjoy playing with, holding and snuggling your loved ones. So forget any arguments you may have had that day trying to get everyone out the door and ready for pictures. Save any discipline for later. When you allow yourself to be in the moment, let your kids be themselves, and let go of expectations, everyone will feel and look relaxed and happy.

Kids overexcited and want to run? No problem. Let me capture their wild energy while you catch a quiet moment and snuggle your spouse. Because one day, you’ll look back on that moment with joy.

Kids making silly faces or not cooperating as you hoped. Take a deep breathe. Laugh. Smile in spite of it all. Soak in the chaos of kids just being kids. That’s part of your story and part of the beauty of family life.

And, rest assured, I have lots of tricks up my sleeve for corralling kids when it time for getting the family all together.

If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy My Tips for A Successful Session.

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xo,