We all know our kid's "cheese" face.
You know that forced smile. The one that makes you cringe because you know that your child has a beautiful smile when they don't see a camera anywhere near them. But as soon as the camera or the phone comes out, they clam up and you get the "cheese" face. Once you've booked your session or you see school picture day on the calendar, you want to see your child as you do daily; beautiful, unique and full of goodness! That is my goal as your photographer. To provide you with timeless images to remember what makes your family and child unique in this phase of life.
So how do I get a real smile from my child?
You stay relaxed
On the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast, they often say, "Be the calmest one in the room." Picture day is new and different and your kids will look to you to know if they can be themselves. If you are calm and yourself, they can be too. Please do not worry about their behavior or telling them to smile. Some kids are serious and some kids just take a little bit of time to warm up. That is okay. Some kids are emotive and ready to have a good time. All of this is normal and we will make beautiful images of you and your children during our session.
Give your photographer a little insight into your child's interests.
As a mom, I definitely know some of the main things that elementary kids are into these days, but I don't know your child like you do. Does your child light up if you mention trains? Does your child laugh hysterically at knock knock jokes? Is your child into athletics, dance, art, music? These things can give your photographer a little insight and chance to prepare before your session to be able to engage with your child. By being able to engage and have a conversation with your child, I am able to help them to relax and open up a bit and show off their beauty from the inside out! I always send you a little questionnaire when you book a session with me. Please take some time to fill that out!
Whatever you do, don't smile.
I am pretty hilarious (so I think), but sometimes pre teens and teens may be a little more nervous in front of the camera and my jokes don't always crack them. And as a parent, if you are taking photos of your own teen, they definitely won't crack them! My trick is always to let them be serious....whatever you do don't smile, don't laugh. How long can you hold that? Some of them can hold the serious for a long time. Others can't help but give you a real genuine smile or laugh in the face of such reverse psychology.
Be prepared to have fun and be silly
The real emotion comes through when your child is genuinely having fun. We will snuggle, run, jump and have lots of fun during our session, but I need you to be prepared to be willing to take direction and that biggest direction is to relax. You have a beautiful family. I will direct you to photograph the love in your family. Your job is to just have fun at your session. I want you to leave feeling refreshed in your love of your family. Often times, I will ask you to whisper things to your kids in a silly voice in their ear or do a silly dance behind me. Be prepared to tell them what you love about them or what makes you grateful about being their parent. You just may have to say it in a monster voice...
