Hats off to photographers and directors who patiently manage crying, unwilling kids to get into position or heaven forbid smile for a minute. If they had read this article https://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/photograph-uncooperative-kids/ things might have gone a lot smoother, some handy tips to take note of for your shots.
The kids and I have sat on the sidelines many a time watching as camera crew and catering staff wrangles up kids who are climbing on furniture and pulling on cords that lead to who knows where. And I’m thinking to myself, why are you forcing your child to do this when it’s not for them?
Not sure what the children were thinking though, something along the lines of ‘if you were in our house you wouldn’t have a chance to act out.’ Or to that effect. I’m not saying they don’t have fun, but they know there is a time for fun and a time for work, and don’t think that fun comes first. Put in the effort, and you will reap the rewards. Basic life skills.
5 Tips on How to prepare kids for a photoshoot
- Clothing. Make sure they are comfortable. If they feel the slightest bit constrained, forget about any kind of day being smooth sailing. Comfort is key.
- Food. My number one essential. And doubly so. I feed the kids till they’re stuffed, pack a lunch box each and have a snack bag in my handbag for extra in case, you can never be too prepared or have too many snacks. It might save a parent at the shoot from leaving the kid there when they leave, I know we’ve all been to that point.
- Hydration. Bottles of water are usually available on set, but have your own as well, even if it’s the lifesaver on the trip home when everyone is exhausted and drained.
- Inform. If you chat with the kids about what’s going to happen in a few days or the next day, they can get their minds around it. Believe it or not, they mentally prepare themselves, even at a young age and even sub-consciously most of the time.
- Practice. If you know ahead of time a bit about what’s expected, make a game of it and show them what they might have to do. They can practice their smiles and actions. Watch this quick video for some advice and a guide on getting ready for the session, have a pen and paper ready just in case.
Family photoshoot
Is there any family who hasn’t had one of these done? They can be so fun, and when there are that many of the same genes in one space madness seems to manifest, all making for a great photo opportunity.
Before you decide on the time and place, have a chat with everyone and consider the clothing. Everyone the same, casual do your own thing or is there a specific theme? As long as we’re all comfortable.
Then there are the kids, and it can get mental when all the siblings and cousins are together. Some of the best shots are taken when kids are themselves, no kid naturally sits, and hands folded staring at a camera. Let them be, photographers deal with this all the time and often tell me it results in some of their best work.
You want a photographer who ideally communicates, it helps you have direction and puts you at ease when you are trying to eyeball your youngest.
If you think these qualities are what you’d like for your next photoshoot, check out this family photographer Mumbai and receive that timeless memory in your home. An image that not enough words could do justice to describe.
Why have a family photoshoot?
We are all constantly taking pictures, selfies or vlogging these days, but rarely do we get the opportunity to take an image where the whole gang is involved.
It gives us a great reason to make memories that will be cherished as we look back in photo albums in years to come, show long lost relatives to our young kids and tell those stories about the crazy grannies. Reconnecting families.
Special occasions, landmark birthdays where 3 up to 4 generations could be captured in one portrait, you could only do this monumental gathering justice by having it illustrated through the eyes of a professional that will seal it in time forever.
The expertise side of things also plays a big factor, great lighting, clear and crisp images and you don’t have to worry about bringing any of your own equipment. Yes, the newer model phones have all these high-tech cameras and filters, but nothing reproduces an image like a piece of tech designed specifically for that purpose.
We never know when might be the last chance we get to have a photo with everyone together.
Taking photos is a way for us to stay connected and reconnect with our past, pass on knowledge of our history and build generational documentation to pass on through the family tree.
Article written by Rona
(Photo by sandeepachetan via Flickr)