It’s the time of the year when families begin to get their family photos done in time for the festive seasons. How do you prepare everyone, especially the youngest in the family and still have fun during your family photoshoot?

From my experiences in documenting children, to raising a boisterous young child and an internationally certified Montessori educator, I might be able to help you get ready with these 5 tips before your next family or child’s photoshoot.

Read on…

1. Let them know well before the photoshoot.

If your child is old enough to ask questions or express their thoughts in some way, chances are, they know what is happening. Different child take to routine changes differently, some need time to adjust. It’s like bringing them to a new place, meeting new people (in this case, the photographer). Letting them know well ahead on what’s going to happened, who they’re going to meet, allow them ample time to internalize the family’s plan and to minimize any anxiety towards the actual day. Go ahead and share a thing or two about the photographer or place, that you know may help your child form an understanding on what’s going to happen.

Even when I’m photographing my own child, will let him know beforehand about the place we’re going, and what exciting stuffs (like a playground) awaits him after the photo session. It’s helping them see the grand plan, so they can make sense of all that’s gonna take place.

2. Bring a small toy of their choice.

Believe it or not, a familiar small toy that the child brings to the photo session can (magically) calm those nerves and make them feel more excited about the photoshoot. I’ve experienced this many times with my clients’ children and even my own. I’ve met a three year old, who couldn't quite get into the mood until he has his lego batman in his pocket. He became a lot happier with his sidekick in hand, and began to enjoy the photo session a bit more as we walk and chat about his batman stories.

What are some of the other things that I've seen children brought along for our photoshoot? Wooden toy, hot wheels, book, tiny dinosaur, match box, plushy, bubbles… Can’t wait to hear what stories they might share with me about their toy pals!

3. Small Snack!

This works for my kid! :D …and a few kids that I’ve photographed! There’s a likelihood that our young friends might get a little hungry or hangry after all the walking/standing during outdoor sessions. Prepare some small nibbles or a juice box which they can help themselves to during small breaks. These small breaks can be taken when the photographer is taking shots of the parents only or older siblings.

If you’re fine with organic, natural images of the child eating and being themselves, consider working that in as part of the journalistic story.

4. Dress for the occasion or weather for that matter.

Depending on where you are geographically, changing weather elements, spills and dirt are are commonplace for outdoor photo shoots. Especially during our sessions in the Middle East, changing wind speed and dipping temperatures can happen within minutes, which can get too uncomfortable for children. Do plan ahead and pack in a jacket or cardigan. Same goes for spills and spit ups, it happens, and parents will be a lot less anxious if there’s a backup outfit for the kiddo.

I learnt it the hard way, when my then baby boy had a tummy ache during the photo session. Needless to say, it’s quite an eventful day! (That said, remember to avoid foods that might give them the runs before a photoshoot. An advice from mom to mom.)

5. Choose a Photographer who’s experience working with young children.

Patience, is key. Likewise, the ability to recognize that every child is different with their own unique personalities brings more authenticity to childhood images.

Find a photographer who is comfortable working with children, someone who knows how to observe and engage at their level, so that children can feel at ease. It’s a balance between letting the kids be kids, and getting that timeless, heirloom images that will be treasured by generations.

Claudia is a destination fine art Motherhood, Childhood, Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer, who’s currently based in Singapore. She’s privileged to have photographed clients of different cultures and countries, who share the same passion for life and diversity. She’s a featured artist with international fine art motherhood journals, and her work has won editors’ pick for best new photographer. She uses a mix of film and digital photography mediums to create timeless, organic images of people in love and real stories that will become family legacies.