Ah, the coveted family photoshoot with the little ones.


Be it your first shoot with your kids or your tenth one, one thing will always stay true - you'll be nervous.


And that's completely okay! I get it, you booked this session months in advance, wanting the ideal images that would commemorate this stage of your lives, and you feel the pressure to have everything go perfectly.


But as we all know (including me, so don't you worry about that), kids are their own little people, with plans and ideas of their own, and keeping them locked in can be challenging to say the least.


So to ease your mind and ensure that you have a good time during the session, I put together the best tips on reeling in your children:

1 Get your kids on board in advance


Being prepared is the best strategy. About a week or two before the scheduled shoot, sit your little ones down and have a talk with them. Tell them about the shoot, how important it is, and how much fun it's going to be. Really try to sell them on the idea!


Talk about how important it is that they behave and listen to the nice photographer lady (please don't try to scare them by saying I'm mean and strict). Consider planning a family outing afterward to some place they might enjoy, be it the movies, or their favorite food place.



2 Get them involved


Like I mentioned before, your kids are their own little people. And treating them as such is bound to make them more invested and interested in the session.


Involve them in the planning and decision-making process. Let them choose some of the clothes they will wear. Ask them if there is a certain pose they want to strike. Let them choose and bring their favorite item or toy.



3 Get silly, have fun, and take breaks!


What's the point of professional photos if everyone pictured in them is looking miserable and tense?


So get silly! Rund around with your kids, joke, pick them up, and spin them around! Don't forget to take quick breaks in between and just let them, and yourself, be!


We'll have enough time for some classic, posing, pictures. Have some fun and I'll make sure to frame your family's energy the way it truly is. This way everyone is relaxed and feeling good when get to the "serious" pictures.



4 When all else fails - use bribes


Okay, so you tried everything and they're still not so keen on the whole "lady with a camera taking pictures of us", thing.


Well... give them something they ARE interested in. A reward or treat can be all they need to be on their best behavior. The same cinema outing or tasty goodies can be had only if they behave. When will they know? When the shoot ends! A little anticipation never hurt anyone.


P.S. Just going to ask for a favor - please keep any sticky-finger or stain-inducing reward until after the shoot!



5 Have no fear, a professional is here


Remember - it's not your job when to tell your kids to smile, sit straight, or stay put. It's mine. You're just taking part in a photoshoot, just as much as they are.


I will make sure to talk to them, and you, guide your family, while making sure that everyone is relaxed and having a good time.


I've been here before and I know what to do. All you have to do is show and look good and I will take care of the rest. So ease, your mind, you're not alone - we're in this together!