WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR KIDS

Taking pictures of my kids is one of my favorite things to do. To capture their sweet faces on camera is the absolute best. I am no photographer by any means. I am just a mom with a camera. A camera that I enjoy bringing along. Something that has become a hobby. Snapping photos on regular basis has gotten my kids to become comfortable with it. But that doesn't mean we also don't have bad days.. because with kids you are guaranteed at  least one tantrum for the day. Yet that doesn't stop me from planning photo sessions with our photographer- who I tend to call every month for new photos.  But that ugly truth is it can be quite a struggle. It can become painful if your kids are not in the mood for photos. So if you scheduled a session with a professional photographer start planning ahead. You have to keep in mind that photos cannot be forced because kids cannot be staged. You might have a certain pose in mind and you might want to follow through with it but chances are it may not happen.  Keep in  mind not to get disappointed.  Also planning their outfits to coordinate with each other is a top on the to do list. Start with the youngest or with yourself and focus on that person as the main focal point. Plan the pattern and colors as you are putting only one outfit in your mind and go from there.  With all that in mind I want to share the "behind the scenes" of the not so pretty out-takes that my husband took while we went out for lunch. You know the ones that don't make it out on social media because.. 

KIDS will be KIDS! Here are some tips to get your kids to smile when you have a photo session: 

• Let Them Be-  the best advice is to stay away from poses, or the famous saying of "cheese" just don't. Let them act silly, be themselves. Candid shots capture your child's personality the best. When they act themselves you are able to get the most innocent moments. 

• Get Social- start talking to your kids. Distract them so they relax and get comfortable. Ask them about their day, or what they want to eat after they are done with their pictures. Snapping the genuine expressions on their faces are quite irresistible for us parents. 

•  Make it Fun- Let them run wild if you have to. The best way to capture those smiles is when they are naturally smiling and laughing. You don't have to force it, it'll come on its own. 

• Bring Your Diaper Bag Packed- Get your everyday essentials. All the things you know your kids will need to calm them down and stay entertained ex: snacks, juices, an iPad, and also can't forget the wipes to clean them up for photos, the hand sanitizer and those Kleenex Go Anywhere packs to wipe their noses or dirty face. With allergy season here I know it can get messy so why not stay prepared with something easy to take on the go plus it's gentle on your kid's faces. Going out with all kids can get hectic so wipes, sanitizer and Kleenex tissues are a must for me! All I do is strap it my Lily Jade diaper bag and I am ready to go. 

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How do You plan photos with kids? What tips have helped you accomplished family sessions with good results?