What If You Didn't Have To Bribe Your Kids For A Photo Session?
There is a lot of frustration in the air when trying to get kids to "behave" during a traditional photo session. Usually bribes, and the threats of taking away bribes, end up making the kids worry about the loss of their treat to the point of being moody throughout the session. Pictures that were accomplished by begging, bribing or threatening – will they be truly cherished?
Honestly – nobody should expect toddlers to be able to sit still and smile for a few photos, even less so for a one hour family session. Sitting still and following direction is an even greater task for kids that are easily distracted or have endless amounts of energy. I worked in daycare for a few years while I was in college, and later worked as a psychologist for kids – which means I've seen that most kids have the attention span of a broomstick.
This lead to me taking a documentary approach to doing family photography, which seems to have totally eliminated the problem of kids not “cooperating” for pictures.
But by all means, feel free to surprise your kiddos with new watercolors, finger paint, balloons, puzzles or cup cakes for some extra fun during your session. This can be a good trick to have up your sleeve if you think they need some extra help to loosen up in front of the photographer.
If we want kids to “behave” for pictures, we have to make it worth while for them. Kids are usually very happy when they just get to spend time with their parents, and aren’t being told what to do for the sake of the photographer. Occasionally larger than life meltdowns happen – because that’s just part of life – but those moments sometimes turn out to be some of the most cherished pictures.
What I’m trying to say is, that if we let the kids be themselves, they’ll represent themselves in the best possible way. If they feel happy, they will look happy. And that usually goes for the not-very-excited-about-the-photo-shoot-parent, too!Read on about why I secretly hope your kiddo will misbehave.