Here’s the truth about family sessions with little kids:
It’s really not natural for a kid to stand still and smile at the camera. It’s not a thing they want to do or really understand. Now imagine expecting them to do that for 30 minutes? That is CRAZY talk, friends. And while we always make sure to get those nice, classic family photos of everyone looking at the camera – please understand that those take work to build. First, we have to gain trust, give kids permission to have fun, and then we slowly (sneakily) and meticulously pull them into a moment where it is natural for them to shoot the camera a smile. It’s really hard to do. It’s taken me years to nail the perfect formula for making it happen.
It’s easy to lose your cool when you feel like your kid isn’t behaving. SPOILER: your kids aren’t going to behave. Maybe for the entire session, maybe just for a few moments, but they will absolutely do things you wish they didn’t do. The trick for parents is to keep your cool. Keep your energy calm. Perfect your poker face. The most stressful family sessions are the ones where unrealistic expectations are placed on the youngest in your group. Instead, embrace that there will be chaos. And that we’ll be there to capture it in the most joyful and LEAST judgemental way.
Photos by Associate Photographer Paul
Are you planning a family vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii? Let me capture your family visit to Hawaii with a stunning sunrise or sunset photo session on one of the beautiful beaches in on the island. I’d love to capture memories you’ll cherish forever!
