We live in an age where we want to share the things and people that mean the most to us. More often than not, that means our families and children.
Photos of children can turn out super cute, but it’s not always easy and can take hundreds of shots before you get the perfect one. The photos may look too posed or the children may be uninterested and impatient.
At times like this, parents often don’t know how they can make the children pose more naturally or how they can make the family look their best. This article provides tips on how to encourage your family for the photoshoot and help them pose as comfortably as possible.
1. Begin with a pep talk
Keep it light and fun. Explain what you envision and that in the future the family will be able to look back on these special memories.
Stay positive and try to insert some funny jokes to keep everyone on the happy train. If everyone is in a good mood, the range of great pictures is easier to achieve. Children especially, pick up on negativity quickly, and it will be very difficult to get them to cooperate if they do not like the environment they are in.
To avoid this, bring your biggest smile to a shoot and try to have an easy going and happy attitude while communicating with your family.
2. Bring a friend
If your child is still a bit shy at the beginning of the photoshoot, it’s always nice if they are allowed to have their buddy nearby.
This can be a pet, stuffed animal or perhaps their favourite toy. This is not only easier for the children but can turn a dull photo into one with glee and excitement.
In addition, children often pose more casual, because they are actually more focused on their friends than on themselves. Once they have gotten more comfortable in front of the lens, then you can remove the stuffed animal if you want photos with the child without any toys.
3. Pre-plan your group poses
One way to decrease time wasted and prioritize your best pose options is to pre-plan how your family looks best. For example, there are lots of specific groups you can organize; whole family, mom and dad, dad and kids, mom and kids, kids by themselves.
Is there a new baby in the family? Make the baby the sole focus of the photos with the rest of family circling him or her. Or get creative and think about different positions and perspectives your family can stand in.
Pose with your hands, feet, ears and noses together. Comparisons can show just how unique each family member is in that moment.
4. Different poses
Do you have specific poses you want your child or yourself to be in? It makes it more fun if you can ask your children questions like, how does daddy sit/stand, how do your hands like to keep warm, what makes you laugh, etc.
You can also ask them to play copycat, where you move in a certain way, freeze, and then they have to copy your moves. If you know what you want from the photos but keep it fun, then your family should be able to follow your lead.
5. It’s vogue time
Do you have specific poses you want your child to be in? It makes it more fun if you can ask your children questions like, how does daddy sit/stand, how do your hands like to keep warm, what makes you laugh, etc.
You can also ask them to play copycat, where you move in a certain way, freeze, and then they have to copy your moves. If you know what you want from the photos but keep it fun, then your family should be able to follow your lead.
6. Family hobbies
Think about your family and what sort of hobbies or sports they may like. For example if your family likes to play tennis, you can bring rackets and their athletic outfits. Or perhaps your children love to paint, so bringing along some artist supplies and a smock could be a very cute theme.
Personalizing your photoshoot also engages your family members so more authentic photos can be captured. Some other options for themes could be thinking about what your children want to do when they get older and harness their dreams.
A photo of a toddler dressed as a pilot has the potential to inspire them in the future.
7. Costumes or accessories can add a special touch
Does your child have a favourite costume, socks or a hat? Do they have a flowery headpiece that was made by their best friend? Maybe they have a costume from Halloween they just haven’t allowed you to put in the storage closet yet.
Allowing kids to wear things that make them happy can bring out their enthusiasm, thus adding energy to the photos. Maybe that costume gives him the strength of 20 men and he wants to prove it, that would be a stellar picture. Props and costumes allow you to have a lot of fun and if you are a creative thinker, the ideas are infinite.
These handy tips are sure to increase engagement while trying to capture family photos. Remember to keep a fun attitude and being a little goofy goes a long way in a photoshoot.
On a side note, we have been featured at Best in Singapore for Family Photography!
We have also been featured as the Best Photo Studio in Singapore by The Fun Empire!
This article was written in collaboration with Babysits, a platform that connects families with babysitters in Singapore and around the world.
