How To Prepare Your Kids For Your Oahu Family Photography Session/ Hawaii Photographer

TRUTH: Your kid(s) are the timekeepers of your Oahu family photography session.

Mom is usually the one who want the photos, but the thought of trying to get her kids to cooperate stresses her out, so she skips photos for the year. But guess what? It doesn't get easier, and all of that waiting for the 'right time' never really comes.

Photoshoots don't rank high on most kids' list of favorite things to do. If they're not engaged, they're done. If they're done, time is up. Heck, my kids are the same way! The good news is that I've learned some tricks throughout the years to keep their attention and get your kids from this...

TO THIS...

How do you get there? Here are some tips:

1. Start hyping up your session 1-2 weeks before. When you make it sound exciting, they tend to look forward to it. Get daddy on your hype squad too. He's not hyped either? I'll give you some tips on him in a later post.

2. If they're old enough and have interest, include them in picking out your family outfits and/or color scheme. This would give them some ownership in the final product.

3. Make sure your youngins' have napped and are fed before the session. No naps and hunger = cranky pants and tantrums. No Bueno.

4. Bring snacks and drinks- even if you fed them before you arrived. Hunger and thirst can strike at anytime; better be prepared than not. And if you forget, don't you worry, I always bring my 'mama bag' for those emergency situations. Yea, I know... I got you! :)

5. Be patient. I expect all kids to give me the questionable look at first, especially if it's the first time I'm meeting them. Remember stranger danger? Yes, I'm a stranger! Nothing to stress out about though. Let me do my thang. We will be best friends after a few minutes of awkwardness. :)

6. Get rid of your high expectations and just have fun as a family! I'll take care of the rest. Pinterest is a lovely place to search for poses, but kids are most comfy being themselves when you let them roam free and PLAY! THAT'S when the magic happens. So relax!

After the session, celebrate. Get some shaved ice. To the beach you go. Go and explore. Make it a family day!

I hope you found these tips helpful. So whattya say?

Rachelle is an Oahu-based family photographer for the fun and adventurous individual, couple and family. Click here to request detailed pricing and availability.