Its really hard when you think your kids are going to be crying during the photo shoot… normally you want them to be happy and smiling all the time. But what happened when this doesnt happened and your kids or kid is always crying and trying to run away?

Dont worry!! First of all, we all are different and of course kids also have bad a good days, we will never know if that day they will be nice or fussy. But we can definitely work together and enjoy as much as we can to do the best of the session.

I normally dont stress the parents or “force” the kids to smile, actually I will share here some tips I have been doing during the past seven years of shooting families around six countries :)

1. LET THEM PLAY

I know you will probably think righ now Im crazy and that you paid already to have pics and not a play date with the photographer, but if you let them play form five minutes , get closer to the photographer and realise we are going to have fun doing photos, well you will have an amazing time.

When they have some time to just run and laugh and play they can see that the photographer is not going to “force” them to smile and that you are ok with it… they will give up at some point before the five minutes , trust me!!! They love the silly faces and cheese face … try to dont push them to be perfect or to give the photographer the perfect smile or pose. Give them time.

2.BRING WATER AND SNACKS TO A PHOTO SHOOT

Here in Florida we have a very hard time because with the humidity and sunny days, so I always encourage my clients to bring some snacks and water for the kids. My team and I bring also some extra bottle of water and juices in case someone forgets to bring some. So, think about this if you have small children or babies, the weather could be a BIG issue for the kids attitude , so talk with your photographer about this and think about the best months of the year to have a photo shoot specially if this is outdoors

3. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

The best part is to have candid moments, real laughs and hugs during the time they dont want to look at the camera, we photographers love to take or freeze those moments for you. During the time your photographer ask you to have fun, do tickles or just run and play with them, is the best time to us to take candid moments, those moments you love to see on social media and magazines. This could be your favorites so enjoy it and trust your photographer.

4. BEST TIME FOR A PHOTOSHOOT WITH KIDS

When you book your session, try to find the best time during the day for your kids, specially if they still od naps or snack time. This is important so they are no tired, or hungry!! Set up the time you know your kids are in their best , when they are rested and not hungry we have happy kids and they will cooperate better during the photoshoot.

Also check the sunset time with the photographer, you might want to have the best lighting and avoid the hottest days! Talk with the photographer and plan a head so you can actually enjoy it. And please be on time, you dont want to rush during a session if you are not there on time, may be the photographer will need to rush a little bit to have the best lighting… avoid to get late , specially if you have kids, remember if you are stress they can feel it and everyone starts to get grumpy!!

5. BEST LOCATIONS FOR PHOTO SHOOTS WITH KIDS

This is my favorite topic right now!! Its very important to plan correctly with the photographer WHERE are you planning to have the photo shoot, specially if your kids love the sand, or the swings or the splash pads!! Avoid all the places where they could be distracted!! Dont think they are going to understand that after the session they can play a little bit!! NOOO , avoid to have the session in places where they could be distracted all the time. This is going to be easy for you, for the kids and of course for the photographer. Plan as a team the best location, the best time, and also the best place , so you can have those beautiful images and enjoy every minute of the session!!!

And remember always to sleep well a day before, to get ready the outfits you are wearing for the photoshoot and bring EXTRA outfits!! Wipes, and tissues just in case!!

HAVE FUN and see you soon!!