When I was little, we would go to JC Penny for the annual cousin family photo and it was torture every. single. year. 
I remember my auntie doing the 'booty dance' on the other side of the glass as this poor photographer tried to stop the little ones from crying and keep all eyes on her. We were promised ice cream after the photoshoot which kept us from running out of the studio but the final product ended up with forced smiles and at least one of us crying in the final photo. 
I think those experiences are what make me so passionate about making family photos fun and stress free. 
Here are five tips to make your family photos a GOOD TIME and as natural of an experience as possible (with maybe a little booty dance thrown in.) 

1. Don't force kids to do anything they don't want to do

There's this liberation that kids and parents feel when you tell them they don't even have to look at the camera if they don't want to. (Most forced photos come out with the kids squirming while looking away and the parents pointing at the camera anyway.) but there's so much beauty to be captured when you surrender, allow kids to just be themselves and allow yourself to be fully present with them. 

2. PLAY

 Photo shoots are supposed to be FUN! If they're stressful you're doing them wrong (or you're at JC Penny.) It's a time to create and play. Running, playing tag and messing around make for the best photos + experience for both you and your little ones. The best thing you can do before a shoot is to let go of any expectations and create an experience for you to spend time with your family in an environment where you can relax and play. 

3. Ask kids for ideas

Your full time job as a kid is to make things fun which make them EXCELLENT at posing ideas. Leaning into kid's creativity and ideas can create an environment where the whole family is doing something that feels natural (no matter how crazy it is. If it's their idea, they'll be into it.) This can make kids feel like they're in control which puts them in a good mood instead of forcing them to do something they aren't feelin'. Asking for games or dance moves can create natural laughs and fun photos not to mention amazing energy which is what you'll remember about the shoot. 

4. Bring good energy to the shoot

Photos and videos are just captured energy so creating an experience with fun and relaxed energy means you'll look back at your photos or videos and feel that same energy. That's the goal. (I can remember the stressful energy at JC Penny so when I look back at those photos I feel that same stress.) You can prepare by making sure you take care of yourself and family before your shoot and plan your shoot in a stress free environment where you guys can play. 

5. Surrender and be present

The most important piece of advice for your shoot is to totally surrender to the present moment and enjoy your shoot no matter how your kids act. Letting go of the illusion of 'picture perfect' photos and just letting whatever happens happen while being present and enjoying the process is how we create magic together.

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