Making a family photo session fun!

 

You may think that "fun" and "family photo session" don't exactly go together! We've all had experience of doing things with children that don't go according to plan. I remember taking my own six month old baby to the department store for photos at the in-store studio.  Remember those places? A set backdrop or two and an employee whose job it was to press the shutter. My daughter was scared by the new setting and the young shutter-presser didn't know what to do. He waved a toy at her and she burst into tears. He waved harder and she soon became hysterical. It took all my persuasive powers to get him to stop waving things at her and we eventually got a watery smile for the picture. 

Many parents have unrealistic expectations when they hire a photographer for family photos. The visualize their little darlings all dressed up and posing beautifully. In truth, things rarely go as planned, especially with young children. An experienced family photographer will roll with the punches and make the experience quick and fun. Mom and dad can help this along by relaxing, being goofy, behaving as they do at home. Feeling comfortable in front of the camera allows everyone's personality to shine through. Whether the pictures are in the studio or out of doors, it's important to get the shot and move on.  Children have a hard time sitting still. Encouraging them to move around makes the experience more fun and it often leads to some of the best-loved photos. 

Photographs are the best way we have to hold on to our memories-don't let the years slip by without taking pictures of those you love!