Three Things Not to Say to Kids During Your Photo Session

It’s photo session day, and miraculously, the weather cooperated (no small feat in NJ), and the kids are dressed; you’ve even managed to get everyone out the door on time. You’re hoping for an enjoyable, easy, tantrum-free session that results in joyful, candid photos.

As a mom, I understand how much effort and time go into planning a photo session, not to mention the investment. It can be hard not to worry about whether your kids will behave during your session. From my personal experience having my own family photos taken, and as a professional family photographer with over a decade of experience photographing families throughout New Jersey, I’ve found there are a few things parents can avoid saying to help them have a smooth session.

Here are the top three things not to say to kids during your session.

For the Best Family Photos, Avoid These Three Things:

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 – Don’t Ask Your Kids to Say “Cheese”

Many of us grew up hearing, “Say cheese!” or “Smile” when our picture was taken. We can all picture those stiff smiles that looked forced and fake.

Don’t Ask Your Kids to Smile: Why I Never Ask Kids to Smile

In my many years of capturing memories, I’ve learned that the best smiles result when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, not when they’re prompted.

Instead of telling your child to smile, tickle her, tell her something silly, and trust your photographer to guide your family into authentic moments that lead to laughter.

 

Families who choose me as their photographer are drawn to the real and raw emotions they see in my portfolio. 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.

Want to learn more about a lifestyle family portrait session with me? 

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