Prepping Your Kids for Your Pittsburgh Family Photo Session: Expert Tips from a Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

As a parent, you know how important it is to capture memories of your family. You want your kids to look and act their best, but sometimes getting them ready for a photo session can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together some expert tips from a Pittsburgh portrait photographer to help you prep your kids for a successful family photo session.

Catherine Tip #1: Allow Enough Time

When it comes to preparing your kids for a photo session, time is your best friend. Many parents believe that shorter mini sessions are best for their little ones, but in reality, more time often leads to better results. When you schedule an hour-long photo session, the images captured towards the end are often the most genuine, with plenty of laughter and smiles.

Longer sessions allow for more interaction and play between your children and the photographer, leading to more natural, candid shots that showcase their personalities. So, instead of trying to cram everything into a shorter session, take the time to let your kids have fun and be themselves.

Catherine Tip #2: Start Talking to Your Kids Early

To get your kids excited and ready for their photo session, start talking to them a week or two beforehand. Let them know that they’ll be going on an adventure to meet a new friend who wants to take their picture. Make sure to mention that the photographer is there to play and have fun, not just take photos.

Encourage your kids to practice their “picture smile” and reward them with praise for doing so. By building up excitement for the session, you’ll help your children arrive ready to play and have a great time.

Catherine Tip #3: Keep Yourself Relaxed

As a parent, your state of mind can have a big impact on your kids. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious before the photo session, your children are more likely to pick up on that energy and become grumpy or uncooperative. To avoid this, make sure to plan ahead and get organized. Pick out outfits the night before, pack props if needed, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the location.

Above all, try to stay upbeat and excited about the session. Remind yourself that this is a fun adventure for your family, and that the photographer is there to capture all of your special moments.

Catherine Tip #4: Trust The Photographer

Once you arrive at the photo session, it’s time to relax and trust the photographer to do their job. You don’t need to worry about getting your kids to smile or sit still – that’s the photographer’s job. Instead, focus on having fun with your family. Play games, tell jokes, and let the photographer capture all of those genuine smiles and laughs.

Catherine Tip #5: Bribery is Not Off-Limits

Finally, don’t be afraid to use a little bit of bribery to get your kids excited about the photo session. If your child has a favorite toy or treat, use that as motivation to get them to cooperate. Encourage them with a reward after the session, like a family ice cream night.

With these expert tips from a Pittsburgh portrait photographer, you’re sure to have a successful family photo session. Whether you’re looking for a Pittsburgh family photographer or a Pittsburgh portrait photographer, these tips will help you prepare your kids and make the most of your experience.

Wondering what to wear for your family portrait session? Check out this post on how to choose your outfits!

Want to learn more about the different portrait options that Catherine Acevedo Photography has to offer? Take a look at the details here!