Three Key Things to Remember as the Parent before Your Family Photos
As the parent, you can guide the final outcome and success of your family pictures with these three simple tips.
Know that you can control your expressions + your expressions only.
If you’ve ever had your family photos taken before I’m sure you may have uttered the phrase “smile at the camera” to your kids. That is undeniably something we all heard growing up and has been rooted in our minds in association to having our group picture snapped. Well here I am to give you permission to remove those four strung together words from your vocabulary. If not for forever, at least for the day we spend documenting genuine moments shared between you and your loved ones.
Hopefully I haven’t lost you yet. I know you may be thinking “well Loreal I want that one photo where we’re all looking and smiling” and we know grandma wants that shot. We are still going to get that frame, but we will let it unfold more organically and without too much added pressure from mom/dad. And here’s how we’re going to do it: If you’re hoping for joyful imagery then it is up to you to stay smiling and happy during the time spent in front of the camera.
So many times I’ve captured the perfect smile from a little one but mom or dad had their mouth wide open from being mid-instruction. I promise you your little ones will mirror your emotions and if for some reason they don’t, your face is setting the tone when we first look at the final photograph.
As a parent we typically find any and all expressions from our babies cute, funny, or precious; so let them do their thing and you concentrate on staying zen + oh so lovely.
2. Embrace the spontaneity of your children.
Kids will be kids; and that covers the bases from wild, silly, unpredictable, shy, upset, uncooperative, playful, and even intrigued. By embracing this range of emotions + feelings from your little ones, you will cultivate a peaceful environment for your kids to be themselves. A perfect family portrait is great, but how much more will you treasure the images that spark memories of who your children are in this exact moment? This tip effortlessly flows from tip number one; if you’re able to allow the space for your kids to be as they are then you can concentrate on showing up in the way you’d like to be seen. Another wonderful approach is to lean into whatever they are feeling in the moment. We can be serious and then playful, cuddly then independent, all emotions are welcomed here.
Of course my goal is not to downplay the very real chance that your children may decide to harness anger or discontent for the entirety of our time together, but please know that I’ve had countless parents respond back to their final photo galleries with messages of genuine wonderful surprise and words like “I don’t know how you got all that!” Even in the midst of what feels like utter chaos, there is true gold. It may be the way you hold them tight in a moment they need a hug only mom can give, or perhaps it’s the tender way you brush their hair back, and sometimes it’s just the way they curl into the comfort of their favorite pair of arms. Being the most amazing parent you are to them in their harder moments, like you would in your own home, is still the best way to navigate those instances during picture time.
Added Bonus: some of the most magical photographs come from the curveballs that children throw our way. They aid in telling the beautiful story of life in its current season.
3. Above all else, stay present and soak up the time you’ve set aside to be here.
You’ve made the choice to have life documented in its current stage. It’s a gift that will only grow in value as the years fade away, the height markings on the wall grow higher and higher, baby rolls turn to long nimble limbs, you’ll begin to notice more gray in your own hair, and these fleeting moments become the treasured past. Staying calm and engaged during your family photo session is the best way to squeeze every last precious drop of goodness out of the family photography experience. You’ll have the photos to look back on but you’ll also have the memories that will be made if you choose to show up and really love on your people in the way only you can.
To summarize, take the stress out of the equation by tuning into your own zen, welcoming the beautiful roller coaster ahead, and doing your best to slow time with your loved ones. Keeping these three simple but effective tips/thoughts at the forefront of your mind while entering into your shoot will have you walking away feeling so good!