The big day is coming up! The outfits are waiting in the closet, the stray hairs are trimmed, and you’ve been thinking about where you want to hang your new portraits. All that’s left to do is show up for your session and hope that your young ones behave. But you don’t have to just ‘hope’! Doing a little bit of prep can go a long way.
Keep reading for 5 tips to help you and your children feel your best on picture day!
Relax - this one is the most important tip. When you’re stressed, the kids are stressed. (I guarantee that you will like the pictures where you are relaxed much more than the ones where you are stressed. Embrace the chaos! It’s usually not as bad as you feel like it is.)
Don’t skip naptime. Kids do best with routine, and we all know how cranky a toddler can get without proper sleep. For bonus points, try to stick to regular naptime and bedtime the day before your session, too.
Pack snacks, hand & face wipes, water, and that favorite ol’ reliable baby toy. The younger your children, the more supplies you may need to have on hand. For the older kids, a promise of their favorite treat after the session can go a long way.
Put your clown nose on. Especially helpful for the pre-K and younger crowd. Pay attention to what makes your kids laugh/smile and be ready to help when you’re not in the shot. It is not all up to you to make them smile, but you know your kids way better than I do! Designate one adult to have this job so it doesn’t get too chaotic. I also have had clients bring a beloved aunt or uncle along specifically to help the kids smile!
Accept the idea of breaks. Don’t expect non-stop pictures - sometimes little kids do better if we take a 2 minute break and let them run a couple of laps. With older kids, I like to spend a few minutes here and there talking with them to help them relax. I’m not in a rush, so don’t worry about the time.
Picture day can be a memorable and enjoyable experience with a bit of preparation and the right mindset. By staying relaxed and coming prepared, you set the stage for a smoother session. Embracing the quirks and breaks needed for your children’s comfort can make all the difference. Remember, the goal is to capture genuine moments and the essence of your family’s dynamic, so focus on enjoying the process rather than striving for perfection. With these tips in mind, we’ll definitely create beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. See you soon!
