I had the pleasure of meeting two families for portrait sessions over the Father’s Day weekend. Both families have kids under 5 years old, and wanted a casual photo session for Father’s Day.
You never know what to expect when photographing young children. But you can always try to make the photo session go more smoothly. Keep on reading to learn 10 tips I use to make portrait sessions go more smoothly and fun when young kids are involved.
The first family choose Glebe Park in the centre of Canberra for their family portrait session. Plenty of space and Glebe Park has an awesome kids’ play area, that is clean, under cover and well maintained
I’d love to be four year old again! Leah, 4 going on 34 , is very mature for her age, well mannered and scaled the climbing equipment like a professional and didn’t have a care in the world. She gave her Dad a real work out while playing hide and seek plus all the running and spinning she made him do. Her little brother, David, 7 months old, started chilled out with his Mum on the park bench, but didn’t wait long to get in on the action and showed big sister he was also ready to play and could be just as photogenic.
The second family made the trip from Queanbeyan and asked me to pick the location.
It’s Daniel’s first Father’s Day, as his daughter is only 3 months old. I chose the Nara Peace Park at Loxen Park, just meters from Lake Burley Griffin, for their portrait session. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of trees and small man-made structures that not only shield the family from the wind, but provide for great backdrops.
Little Lola performed like a star, waiting patiently as I took photos of Mum and Dad. When it was her turn, she sat calmly in Mum and Dad’s arms for the 10 minutes it took to photograph her. She looked straight at me with a big smile and was happy to be in the arms of her parents, as they each took turns holding her.
Not a bad way to spend the morning. Happy Father’s Day Martin and Daniel, I hope you both got spoiled!
If you have been putting off doing a portrait session with the family, you should reconsider. It’s not as bad as you might think. You get to spend quality time with the family, get a bit of fresh air and if you are lucky, the kids will pass out for the trip home.
I really like just being normal and unposed and this makes for great shots. Loved the experience in the park last weekend
– Martin
Had a great experience and the result was even better! Felt very comfortable and not out of place. The photos turned out amazing and looked natural.
– Daniel
Had an amazing time. Loved the way my children were able to just be themselves. It was the most comfortable our family has ever been on a photo shoot. Mike was so professional!! I love the photos and the special moments that were captured!!! Would definitely highly recommend!!!!
– Kirsty
My 10 tips for a successful family portrait session with young kids:
1. You know your family best, if you think a family member is not feeling well, it is best to postpone and re-schedule for a later date. Personally, I prefer to postpone the portrait session than have a child that is lethargic, irritable or a dry crusty red nose. Photoshop can only do so much 🙂
2. If your children are old enough to understand, talk to them about the portrait session. Let them know what is involved, it is important to point out that it’s fun and they can enjoy being silly to get some photos The more you talk about it the better.
3. Choose a location that the whole family is comfortable with, such as the local park, nature trail or even your own backyard. The more familiar the family is with the location, the more relaxed they will be.
4. If your kids have a special toy that will make them feel comfortable, bring it along to the photo session. It will help with distracting them and we can always remove it just before a photo is taken.
5. Pick a time of day you know the kids will be at their best. Generally, young children are more alert and less irritable in the morning. Also be mindful a portrait session can take 30 – 90 mins, so time it when it is not their nap time or when they are hungry .
6. Leave food and treats until after the portrait session. By all means, bring treats and a drink. To avoid any mishaps, wait until the session has finished before offering them. If you have active kids, they will be hungry after the portrait session. Plus, this photographer also likes chocolate, so you might want to bring some for him as well 🙂 Note: If you’re nursing or bottle feeding, a feed before the session can help calm them down.
7. It may sound silly, but make sure everyone, and I mean everyone has gone to the toilet before the photo session. If your kids wear nappies, change them just before you begin the portrait session.
8. Dress accordingly for the weather outside, layers work best, especially if a lot of running is involved, you can remove clothes as needed. Avoid large logos on clothing as they can be distracting in portraits, solid colours work best, and keep the whole family in the same dress style e.g smart casual.
9. We feel good when we look good. So a hair cut can be a nice confidence booster. Plus it avoids the constant fixing of hair during the photo session.
10. Possibly the most important tip of all: Relax, enjoy the time together as a family, have fun, act silly, run around, do cart wheels if that’s your thing. Everyone’s excitement will show in the photos and as a result give you better looking family photos.
Looking for a relaxed portrait session for the family? To enquire or book a Canberra Portrait photographer, Call Mike on 0410 691 114 or fill out the contact form.
Looking for a relaxed portrait session for the family? To enquire or book a Canberra Portrait photographer, Call Mike on 0410 691 114 or fill out the contact form.