Why I Let Them Play During Photo Sessions | Andover Family Photographer

Three kids make a face as their parents kiss

Why I Let Them Play During Photo Sessions | Andover Family Photographer

Life With Kids, Sessions

Children are meant to play.

They learn by playing. When kids play, they learn how to get along with others, how to control their body, how their actions affect others, and how to follow a set of rules for a group.

Three children pose on a cobblestone path

As an elementary teacher, I know that kids do not have nearly enough time to play. School is so rigid, with the expectation of behavior and self-control at all time.

By the time family time rolls around, the last thing that they want to do is to be still so that they can get their photos done.

I make sure that family sessions contains a mix of silliness, sassiness, and self-control.

Kids like deals.

I am a master negotiator, able to get smiles and silliness out of a session, and then bring them back in when I need to. As a result, kids feel like they can be themselves.

Portraits of children with yellow fall leaves in the background

Kids Want a Game Plan

Children who return to me year after year often show up with a “master plan.” They already know what their “special pose” is going to be, whether it’s a dab, a weird face, or a dance move. I let them do these, because they feel invested and heard. Therefore, they are more willing to cooperate with the adults to get the best family pictures that the parents want as well.

We Need to Let the Giggles Happen

Let the silliness happen. If I feel it needs to be reigned in, I will let you know. If I feel that I need to have a quiet conversation with one of the children or make a deal, I will.

Father and Children and Mother and Children

They Need to Be Active Participants

We want kids to enjoy the experience. We hope they leave feeling like they had fun and their ideas were heard. Most of all, we want them to return next year.

Like a previous middle school client said, “Wow. Family photos didn’t suck as bad as I thought they would.” That’s a completely reasonable goal when photographing busy and active kids!