If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always cooperative when it comes to a photoshoot, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming sessions.

1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins.  If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. 

3. Be prepared.  If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Let your photographer control the session (unless absolutely necessary to intervene). Kid's who are being scolded or controlled to much will not give us the happy genuine expressions we love. Sometimes kids can act up more when parents are around. If you are comfortable with it, let your photographer take the kids for a minute on their own for some relaxed and candid photos. 

5.  Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.

As parents we can become obsessed with wanting our children to behave and be "perfect". Sometimes it is best to just let the kids be kids, they grow up too fast as it is and these moments of silly, imaginative, unbridled play will be gone before you know it. Embrace who they are right now.  I promise you will want these REAL moments captured! 

Check out some of my favorite candid fun photos from past sessions!