Last May, I wrote this post and challenged you all to get IN the photos with your kids. As a mom, I am always behind the camera, rarely in front of it, and I don’t want my kids to ever wonder why I was never in any of the photos. It is so important to have family photos taken, and my personal rule is to get them taken once a year.
That one time a year CAN be stressful– coordinating outfits, coordinating schedules, keeping the kids in a good mood– SO today I am sharing with you 4 tips to keep that stress down, and how to look GREAT in family photos!
— Go with the flow. Be natural! In that photo above, Kenley was 3 months old and she was NOT happy about that cute little flowered hat! But instead of giving up, I just held her out and started singing, and though she LOOKS like she is smiling, I am pretty sure she was actually screaming. Just go with it– you never know what photos you will end up with if you do!
—Be natural. Forced poses and stiff body parts translate into stiff, poor photos. Relax, be natural, and don’t force something that isn’t going to happen anyway! Hold your kids the way you normally do, make them giggle and laugh– embrace your family and don’t set your expectations TOO high. Some of my favorite photos are the ones that aren’t posed, but the photographer just kept on snapping.
—Don’t OVER coordinate. When it comes to outfits, don’t get TOO coordinated. Stick with a color scheme and try to implement what you already own. Do your kids own a lot of navy or pink? GO with that! If your kids have a unique style, implement that. Your son HATES polo shirts? Don’t force it. Use what makes them comfortable.
—Scheduling can make or break a session. Don’t schedule photo sessions at nap times or before meals. Keeping the meltdowns to a minimum is key– and though you can’t prevent them all (amen?), you CAN pick a time where your kids are in good moods. Pack a special snack (Smarties work wonders for my kids, and they aren’t messy!) to help keep their attention long enough to get your session finished.
Have fun! Family photos are GREAT keepsakes and make great gifts for grandparents and other relatives. Do you have one scheduled soon? I would LOVE to hear about it and help you plan any details that you need help with! Leave me a comment–I look forward to hearing from you!
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