Laid Back Kind of Perfect

I thought about titling this post "How to get your kids to cooperate during family pictures". It felt way too much like a marketing ploy and didn't really feel like me.....so I canned that title.

That being said, here is the best way to get kids to cooperate during family pictures: stop caring.

I know....it sounds very counter-intuitive. I promise it works. As parents, we actually kind of know that it works because we do it everyday.

When your child doesn't want to play soccer with the rest of the family, you likely didn't try forcing his arms and legs into a soccer-playing position or insist that he join in, be happy, and like it (well, maybe you did, but you probably realized afterwords that you sounded a bit dumb).

When your child doesn't want to do family pictures, it's ok. Bribery works for some, if it's the right type (I don't suggest chocolate cake mid-shoot unless you're doing a cake smash session). For others, bribes and threats can just make the situation worse, because it creates pressure to perform.

Children don't need to perform to get amazing family pictures, in fact sometimes it's best when they don't. As long as you are partnered with a photographer accustomed to working with children, your job as a parent should just be to enjoy some time with your kids and let the photographer worry about the rest.

Here are a few other tips for photographers and parents. 

1. Give children something to do. A photogenic prop can be great as it gives children a purpose. Interact with the child while they play, make silly sounds, etc. and soon you'll have a natural picture of a happy child. 

This can also work without a prop, tell them to kiss mom, to hold onto a wall, or any other simple instruction. A happy child is a busy child, so get them busy doing something that will assist with the pictures.

2. Let them play. I think portraits of kids playing are so fun. Try getting them to spin, then snap a shot when they fall down, dizzy and laughing. Let them throw a ball or even try to tag the photographer. Letting them play is an easy way to get them happy about pictures.

3. Bring something to catch their eye. As cool as my camera is....children actually aren't fascinated by it. That's why I bring help. A small red doll, a large hand puppet, even a brightly colored cloth can help me capture the attention of little ones long enough to snap a picture. 

However you get your little ones to cooperate during a photo shoot, make sure to stop by somewhere and get them ice cream on the way home. They've earned it. 

Till next time,