How I Get Genuine & Smiling Faces From Kids During Family Sessions
It’s a parents nightmare, and why most are hesitant to schedule family photo sessions at all. The session starts, everything is well & good, but after a few photos your kiddos are completely over it. The smiles get awkward, they get frustrated, and then the meltdowns start. This kind of thing can quickly derail a family session, overwhelm the parents, and it all shows on your face when you get the photos back. But I promise you, it can all be avoided. How, you may ask?
I have 3 beautiful godchildren, and between them all, many many years of experience figuring out what does and doesn't work when trying to photograph them. I’ve seen every melt down, bad smile, & totally over it all face you could imagine, and I’ve got it down to a science now on how to make sure none of those things become an issue during our sessions.
So listen up.
Don’t Force them to take the Picture
Kids are human just like us adults. Sometimes, they just aren’t feeling the pictures and I cannot blame them for that one bit. As much as I love being behind the lens, when I’m on the other side its a much different story. So I will never, ever force a kid to take a picture. If they say no, then we move on photograph someone or something else, and don’t make a big deal about it. And ever time, that response is exactly what they need to hear. They’ll take a minute for themselves, but then decide to join in when they see that 1) no one is going to get angry and make them feel bad for it and 2) everyone else is having fun with the pictures, so might as well see what it’s all about.
Don’t Over Pose and Over Direct
I’ve met kids that have big, beautiful, award winning smiles on demand. I’ve also met kids just like my god daughter that when told to smile, end up looking like Anthony Hopkins “fava beans” gif from Silence of the Lambs. It’s comical, and bless her heart she has no idea how or why she’s doing it, but it doesn’t make for a great family photo. So the best approach I’ve found is to turn it into something fun. Distract them in the moment, try to help them forget they’re even taking a picture. Whether that’s playing a game, saying a silly word, jamming to their favorite music, or using their siblings to entertain them. This not only gives you that natural, bright smile, but it also helps them feel more comfortable and they’re way less likely to burn out within the first few minutes of shooting.
and lastly,
Let them Get Involved
Kids are curious by nature, and the more you involve them in the process, the more trusting and comfortable they will be around you. I like to have kids help me make mom and dad smile, & maybe even let them take a few clicks with the camera themselves. Often they like to see their pictures right after you’ve taken them, and I’m happy to oblige and give lots of words of affirmation. That’s how I get relaxed, confident kiddos in my sessions, and the results are always fantastic.
So it’s really not hard. You’ve just got to let go a little bit, don’t micro manage and try to perfect your whole session. Humans were not made for perfection. When you can let go of the “perfect shot” in your mind, you start getting the most authentic shot. And that my friends, is what this is all about. Capturing the real and raw human experience, & creating timeless memories. So the next time your photographing those cool as heck kiddos and things start to go off the rails, take a deep breath and remember to give them room to breathe and a chance to trust you. It will make all the difference.
