Erin Recommends...
Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Session
If kiddos (or dogs) are involved in your session...
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Pack snacks! Happy bellies equal happy faces. Snacks are great for cheering up kids, creating a moment for a break (I can focus on others while they eat), and it acts as a fast reward. I would recommend packing "clean" snacks that are quick to munch and won't create marks on clothing. I would also pack something that you won't mind too much if they happen to make it into a couple of photos. Snacks are also good for dogs to keep their attention.
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Comfortable clothing is key! If kiddos aren't comfortable in their outfits, no matter how cute they look, their faces (and bodies) will show it. When choosing your outfits, figure out the outfit for the pickiest person first. Once you know they will be comfortable, choose everyone else's clothing around that first one.
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If you have chosen a location that has water, pack a second outfit. Kids are drawn to water. We know this, and it can make for some amazing photos! But be prepared for their outfits to get wet and/or dirty. Pack some extras so everyone is comfortable for the ride home. (Fun fact that one session discovered by accident: the small checker pattern on shirts, shorts, pants, or skirts doesn't show how wet it is on camera!)
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Avoid holding a reward over their heads! It can be soooo tempting to hold a reward for good behavior out like a carrot, but trust me, it backfires much faster than you would think. For example, if you tell your munchkin that if they are good, you can go get ice cream after, they will ONLY focus on the ice cream and keep asking when they can have it. "Are the pictures over yet? I want ice cream!" Then you get annoyed with them asking all the time, you threaten to take it away, annnnnndddd people are crying. It works much better to keep any rewards as a surprise for the end.
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Pump up the FUN! Tell them just how much fun we are all going to have together! Play up how we are going to go on a photo adventure and that I am going to need their amazing help! If you let me know ahead of time, I can pre-plan some fun little moments, too, like bubbles, chalk, etc. The more you talk about how getting together with me will be fun, the better the energy will be.
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Understand that your kiddos will probably act out during photos, and it will be okay! It may be like your children have never heard the word "No" before in their lives, and you'll be wondering where your sweet little beans went. Trust me, I am a mom of two active little boys and I have seen it all for behavior during photo sessions. We can handle it together! As the parents, I need you to take a deep breath and just have fun. You know what your kiddos like best, so play to their strengths. Do they like to be tossed in the air? Cool! Let's get some air time! Do they like to throw rocks into the water? Let's have a tossing contest! If you are having a hard time holding your patience, take a break for a moment and let me take some photos of just the kiddos. It will all work out!
When picking out your outfits...
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Pick the outfit for the pickiest person first! If you can dress the hardest to satisfy person first, you can choose coordinating pieces for the easier people after.
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You will look better in clothing you are comfortable in than in clothing you are tolerating. Your feelings will be written all over your face and body language. Your photos will look (and feel!) better when you are comfortable in your clothing.
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Smaller patterns typically work better than larger ones! Smaller prints or solid colors keep the focus on you; larger ones can be a little too distracting. Again, though, this is totally up to you and what you like on you!
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Accessories can be great little switches! Adding in hats, scarves, different jewelry, etc. can make a huge impact on changing up your photos from one spot to another. Have some fun!
When picking your location...
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Think about the vibe you want out of your photos. If you love an edgy vibe, think about going for something in an urban setting. If you want something airy, the beach or an open field might be just the ticket. Be open about what vibe you are wanting to go for, and we can find the right place!
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If there is a place that is special to you, it might just be the best place for photos! If there is special meaning to you, you are more likely to look comfortable and feel more like you. Let's explore this special place!
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Except that sometimes you just need to really explore! Instead of doing the same location every year, break out of the box and find a new favorite. One of my favorite things to do with my family is hike, and we have found some amazing photo session locations just by wandering around our nearby trails. If everybody wants to do their photos in a certain location, chances are that you'll have a better experience somewhere else. Let's explore off from the beaten path and find some place to capture the real you.
