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Sometimes kids donβt listen.. for any number of reasons. Expecting them to have fun and smile for a total stranger will surely cause some tension, so here are my tips for getting kiddos on board for sessions!
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Tell them youβre going to visit a crazy, fun lady named Sarah who is going to play games and take their picture! Get them comfortable with my face so I don't seem so scary when they meet me!
During the session try and focus less on the βperfect smilesβ and βposesβ. Letβs focus on candids and letting your kids be them. Tell them a joke, let them run, and have fun!!
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Does your kiddo get attached to certain toys? Buy them something you wonβt mind having in photos! A neutral teddy bear, a vintage look toy truck, a special doll.. photos are scary for little ones.. if they have a comfort object they are more likely to feel safe and are less likely to cry.
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While bribery doesnβt work for everyone, if it works for yours, go for it! Promise a trip to the store, ice cream, a special treat, bring a few small pieces of candy (nothing that will stain their lips, so no lollipops, unless it's for after!)
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Parents. This one is on you. You are your kids rock and source of comfort.. if you start to get stressed because your kids arenβt being perfect angels- guess what... itβs only going to get worse. So take a deep breath.. snuggle your babe (or let them run around.. whatever their goal is!) and let me just capture the moments. This is especially true with newborns as well! They sense our stress and cry even more, so just breathe mama! Let me handle it!
I expect all children to be wild and emotional. Photo day can be intense.. kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and thatβs okay! So show up to your session mentally prepared to let your littles be a little extra... and maybe have a little wine ready for when you get home for yourself
