Family pictures are moments frozen in time, capturing the essence of your loved ones' connections and personalities. However, getting kids excited about these sessions can sometimes feel like herding cats. With a bit of creativity you can turn family photoshoots into memorable adventures that your kids will eagerly anticipate. Here are five tips to get your little ones excited and engaged for your upcoming family photos.
Let them pick: By allowing them to contribute their ideas, you're not only fostering excitement but also ensuring that the photos reflect their personalities and interests. You can simply let them pick which shoes to wear, bow for their hair, or if it's something that needs to not show much in the photos, which socks that they wear.
Dress-Up Day: Transform family picture day into a dress-up extravaganza! Encourage your kids to raid their closets and come up with their most fabulous outfits. Whether they prefer princess gowns, pirate costumes, or superhero capes, let them express themselves through fashion. This is best to do the day after so they can get excited for it coming up, but not want to wear their favorite princess dress for pictures. Hype them up that once pictures are over this is a fun activity you are going to do with them.
Location Scavenger Hunt: Turn the time it takes to get to the location into something fun that they will enjoy and help keep them awake on the way there. You can see who can find the first colored item of a color you choose. If you have older kids you can do this with letters too. Who can find something that starts with the letter m?
Picture Day Treats: Let your kids go to the grocery store with you to pick out a treat to have afterward, or if they need a little pick me up or bribery to eat during your pictures. I suggest something that won't stain their mouth. Goldfish, mini marshmallows, cereal in a bag are all great options.
Post-Shoot Treat: Reward your little models for their hard work and enthusiasm with a special post-shoot treat. Whether it's a trip to their favorite ice cream shop, a movie night with homemade popcorn, or a fun-filled outing to the park, give them something to look forward to after the photoshoot. Not only will this serve as a positive reinforcement for their participation, but it will also create lasting memories of a day well-spent together as a family.
Family pictures are more than just images captured on film; they're snapshots of love, laughter, and cherished memories. By implementing these five strategies, you can transform family photoshoots from dreaded events into eagerly anticipated adventures that your kids will remember for years to come.
Family Photographer Preston Idaho | Tips for Family Pictures With Kids | Family Picture Treats