Welcome back to Mama Mondays! Today I’m sharing a few of my favorites from our session with Shannon Oleksak while we were down in Charleston last month as well as 7 tips for family sessions with toddlers. Enjoy!
Book with a photographer who consistently works with families.
There are all kind of photographers out there, but to ensure an experience that goes as smoothly as possible your best bet is to go with a family photographer. Their experience with young children will feel priceless when you are stressing because your 2 and 3 year old are just running around like crazy people (not that I know from experience or anything-hah)
2.Coordinate but don’t be so matchy.
This is my opinion, but I feel that when going super matchy in family photos can be distracting in your images. I like to go coordinating and complimentary. Neutral colors is also a personal fave of mine again, to not be distracting. The main focus of your photos is your sweet family not the bright pink sweater. You know what I mean?
3. Feed kids beforehand.
This is probably a obvious tip, but when your mind is on getting yourself ready and the kids dressed and out the door, it may slip your mind to feed the kids before you leave! Not a mistake you want to make with toddlers.
4. Leave early.
Especially if you are going to a new location. Give yourself time incase you get a little lost, there’s traffic, and not rushing will help your kids be more willing to participate. Plus you will be less stressed which is a huge win for everyone.
5. Go with the flow.
Let the kids be kids. Don’t panic because no one is looking at the camera at the same time or there’s a meltdown mid session. Some of the most precious photos are those candid moments that you think will turn out terribly. (you picked a photographer that works with young kids all the time, remember)
6. Bribe bribe bride
Your photos are an investment so a little bribing is totally allowed. Want to know how many times I offered Caleb and Caroline “A HUGE PIECE OF CHOCOLATE” if they listened to our sweet photographer? Probably 3 thousand.
7. Take your hair tie off your wrist!
Hah. Such a pet peeve of mine and such a common “mistake”. It would be such a pain in the butt to photoshop the hair tie off your wrist in every photo. So don’t forget the hair tie on your wrist! Okay? Okay.
Warmly,
Michelle