no more "say cheeeeeese"
We all do it. Every time we want a picture of our sweet kids we set them up, count to 3, and blurt out "everyone say cheeeeese." It's ingrained in us. A lot of the time as parents we can get those magic words to actually work and we are gifted that smile we are looking for. But, kids aren't always SUPER pumped about a stranger (or someone they see once a year) getting that prized smile. They will give generic smiles or no smile at all to a photographer. It doesn't have to be that way though. As a family photographer and mom to THREE kiddos, I have a few helpful & fun ways to prepare your littles for pictures so that they are comfortable enough to show off their beautiful pearly whites (or missing teeth) come session time.
Let them be the photographer
All kids like to have control and let's face it... most of the time they just don't. A fun way to give them some control and help them feel comfortable before a photo session is to give them an opportunity to take pictures of the family. It's also important that they be able to see their finished product. There are several different options for "large kid's camera" if you search on Amazon for $30-$40. My kids LOVE how special they feel taking their own pictures on our trips or around the house with theirs. Another option is to let them use your camera phone (obviously I would make sure it has a great case on it first). Let them give the directions and then make sure you ask to see the pictures afterwards so they can show off their work. They will be so excited to hear how happy you are with the shots they got. Then at your photo session, you can remind them to tell the photographer all about their own camera. This will make them feel so proud.
Play "FAce GAme" in the mirror
With kids, most of the time you have to find a way to "trick" them into doing something you want them to do while making them believe it was their idea. Whether it's eating carrots because it "gives you super powers to see in the dark" or giving them two "options" for what to wear (knowing you are okay with either option they choose). Both ways get the end result YOU want.... but they think they came up with it. This game works the same way and it's fun. Take them into a bathroom and have them face the mirror. On the count of 3 you will give them a new kind of "face" to make at themselves in the mirror. Examples are silly, mad, surprised, monster, pirate, etc. Then after they are warmed up you hit them with "happy face." When they get to that natural smile you are looking for, make sure to make a big deal about it while they are looking in the mirror. Tell then that's their "picture face." They are then instantly getting feedback and can visually see the results themselves.
watch a slideshow of past photo shoots
Everyone likes to feel prepared for a situation they are about to go into. Your family may get pictures taken every year, so you naturally feel as though your kids will remember the experience. However, young kids' memories don't always work that way and they may forget that whole session altogether. A fun way to bring those memories back to the surface is to look at them together and talk about the experience you had while taking them. Ask them questions and answer theirs. Reminisce on fun moments and point out their smiles. If you have never had a photo shoot you can look back through pictures you have taken of them and relate it to what they might see or do at the upcoming photo session. You can also show a picture of your photographer to them so they are a familiar face by the time you arrive.
Most ImportaNtly...
If you help your kids look at your photo session as an experience instead of a task, they will be more excited & ready to have fun. Kids feed off of our energy, so if the adults are positive about it they will be more likely to join in as well. Photo shoots can get a bad rap for being stressful, but if we can remember that the whole reason we take pictures is to freeze the stages we are in right now-it suddenly becomes less stress and more fun. We are able to let the kids "be kids" and smile at their goofy actions instead of feel the need to discipline. Sometimes that may mean the pictures aren't what some may call "picture-perfect," but neither is real life. The families that have the most fun together will have pictures that translate that love in a truly genuine way.
