8 tips on how to take good family pictures

Going to be honest, taking these photos was intended to be for a post called “fun things to do during the holidays”…. but after taking these photos I had a thought pass over me… “you need to share how to manage taking pics with kids” because wow… it was tough! But I wanted to share some of my tips that I think help the situation.

ALLOW SPACE FOR CHAOS. Don’t plan on it going the way you think it’s going to go. When your toddler won’t smile, or won’t wear the shoes you want him to, let it be. Don’t try and force it.
PLAN IT AFTER NAP TIME. This one can be tricky and like stated on number 1, you can’t always plan it perfectly, but I like to shoot for a time right after nap 1.
PLAY. Plan it in a studio, book an hour more than needed. Bring toys, snacks etc. Put kids in an environment where it allows them to be comfortable and play. Don’t make it so staged.
DRESS THEM WHEN YOU GET THERE. right before you’re about to shoot, get them dressed. Don’t try and get them in the what are uncomfortable to them clothes to head ou the door. Do their hair and let them wear their jammies or sweats to head out the door. Then once they’re done shooting have their favorite treat waiting for them , and tell them they get it if they can play and give us big smiles and laughs. Some frown upon bribery… but I say do whatever works haha.
PACK SNACKS AND TREATS. You don’t want a hangry toddler, plus bribery works.
RELAX. The thing I noticed is when I’m not so forceful, then they always turn out better. And remember you don’t need 2000 photos. Just a handful of good ones.
BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT GETS IT. aka my Paige! She’s the best @paigenicolephoto on instagram. She gets it, and understands the chaos , plus is FAST and gets good shots in no time.
KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE TEARS. I mean scroll down and see all the silly things that happen and the tears, but it’s funny and a good memory to keep.