Helpful Tips for a Meltdown-Free Family Photo Shoot

Photoshoots with an Austin family photographer can be stressful, especially when they involve unruly or uncooperative children. Professional Austin newborn photographers and family portrait specialists are used to the chaos that can come with trying to get everyone to sit still and smile for a photo.

Tips to Keep Children Breakdown-Free While Having a Photoshoot

The following are some helpful, common-sense tips to help calm your children long enough to snap a portrait that will represent a slice of time in your family’s history.

Keep It Simple

The more you try to pack into your photoshoot, the more that can go wrong. Keep in mind the main goal is to get a great photo of you and your family. Going to too many locations, or trying on too many outfits, might be too much for the younger family members. Break it down to the most important elements and accessories and stick to those instead of attempting all of your ideas at one time.

Expect the Unexpected

The phrase "kids will be kids" is never more appropriate when trying to get them to perform a specific task, let alone when that task is to simply sit still and smile.  A photoshoot is a different experience to them, and each child acts and reacts differently to them, with some of them acting out and being uncooperative. It is best to enter the day expecting to roll with the punches and trust your photographer can wind up capturing stunning and meaningful portraits of the family.

Pre-Shoot Planning

Plan all of your family’s outfits, props, and accessories well in advance so you will not have to think of those things on the day of the shoot. Depending on the location of the shoot, the weather, and the nature or theme of your photoshoot, you will want to prepare the following items in advance:

●     Backup clothes and outfits

●     Blankets or chairs to sit on

●     Child’s favorite toys or books

●     Comfortable shoes

●     Lint roller

●     Snacks and drinks

●     Tissue and wipes for runny noses and small messes

Make It Fun

Frame the experience for your kids as an exciting adventure rather than an appointment you have to meet. Make them excited about going on a playdate and explain they are going to get to play with toys, dress up in different clothes, and go to the park (or wherever the shoot takes place).

Nap It, Snack It

One of the most important planning elements that can make or break the experience is the timing of naps to fit into the shooting schedule. It is also essential to always have a snack around to keep the kids occupied and satisfied throughout the shoot.

Bribes Work

This is no time for humility or lessons. When in doubt, bride them. Bring a favorite toy or candy, or use the promise of a trip to the ice cream shop to get the kids to calm down long enough to get a beautiful family portrait. Just remember to follow through on the bribe, or it will not work the next time.

Why Choose Rising Oak Images for Your Family Photoshoot

Rising Oak Images is a trusted Austin family photographer with years of experience dealing with families of all sizes and dynamics. With skill, patience, and creativity, Rising Oak Images creates spectacular family portraits Austin families treasure and cherish from generation to generation.

Contact Rising Oak Images Today

Contact Rising Oak Images today for complete information about the wide range of Austin family photographer services available at the most affordable rates in the business. Rising Oak Images is the Austin baby photographer and family photographer Austin TX trusts to capture memories to last a lifetime.