Cairns Family Photographer | 3 Tips For A Successful Family Session
If I had a dollar for ever person who told me they were worried about how their children would behave during their family session, I’d be a very rich lady! Have you ever thought the same thing yourself? Has it made you put off having family photos ‘until the kids are this age’.
In my experience, there is never a right age where children are concerned.
If they aren’t waking through the night multiple times, they’re teething. If they aren’t teething, they have regular meltdowns. If they aren’t having meltdowns, they say no to everything. Then a sibling comes along and you go through the same cycle. Before you know it, your children have grown, you have heaps of phone snaps, but YOU aren’t in any of them!
I have worked with children my entire career. My parents were also foster carers whilst I was growing up, so trust me when I say I have seen it all! I also have my children, so have my own fair share of ‘tantrums on the floor in the shopping centre’ stories!
“My Husband hates photos!”
The first biggest worry that families have, is that sunset is the worst time of day for their little ones. I get it, it’s witching hour for my children too.
The second biggest worry is that the Dad hates photos! (Trust me, I’ve heard that one from almost every family I’ve photographed). I do actually joke that Dads are the ones you have to worry about more than the children!! (And most often, I am right haha!)
The thing with social media these days, is that people see their friends’ photos and assume their kids did everything they were asked and the session went smoothly from start to finish.
“Children aren’t performing seals – even for family photographers!”
Well I’m going to let you into a little secret. Children aren’t performing seals. They don’t turn up to the beach at the worst time of day when they are hungry and tired and have all these picture perfect moments. If they did, everyone would be getting family photos taken!
It actually takes a lot of work (and praying!) to get those beautifully happy family photos you see on my Instagram.
So what are my top 3 tips for a successful family session?
- Bring DRY snacks! The dry bit here is really important. Sunset in Cairns generally falls over dinner time. We are lucky that our sun never sets really late, however the dinner thing is definitely an issue! To keep little ones going, bring something like crackers, chips, even slices of apple. Just anything that can’t be squashed into clothing or all over the childs face! Even just a quick break to have a snack can keep them going that little bit longer, and with a smile on their face.
- Never pre-threaten your children. Don’t make it out that having photos taken is going to be hard and that if they don’t ‘perform as expected’ they won’t get ice cream. That’s enough to put anyone off. Instead, talk about your photographer like a friend. Talk about them by first name and how fun the experience is going to be.
- Keep your expectations low. Anything will be a bonus then, right?! Seriously though. Don’t come in with a Pinterest board of ideas and leave disappointed that your child didn’t behave like that picture perfect board you pinned! It’s great to have an idea of the types of photos you love, but remember, most people only share the good ones 😉
Remember, behind every smile, was a child who said NO!
Cairns Family Photographer Lizzy Hannaford Photography specialises in family photography, and is based on the northern beaches of Cairns. Her main focus is maternity, newborn, baby and family photography.
I would love to photograph special memories for your family in my Trinity Park studio, or out on a beach or field location.
If you would like to book a photoshoot with me, please click here, or email me directly at lizzy@lizzyhannaford.com.au
