How to Make Family Photos Sessions FUN (And get smiles from the kids!)

This is a question I get asked all the time: “How do I get smiles from the kids, or stop people from looking awkward during a photo session?”

Let’s face it, most people just simply aren’t a fan of getting their photo taken, and find the situation uncomfortable, and kids often find the whole thing one big bore (and they’ve probably already been told to be on their best behaviour so they are already expecting the worst!) The result can be images that look stiff and awkward.

To help you get those relaxed happy family photos you’ve been looking for (and get those all important smiles from the kids) I’ve invited professional photographer Melissa Gibson to give me her tips on how she manages a session to make sure she gets the shots that people will love!

I’ve been a massive fan of her work (both personal and professional) for years now, and I also know she has nailed that relaxed fun vice in her photos, website and brand, so it was a no-brainer to have her guest post on the blog to talk about this! There are some golden tips in this post, so I know you are going to walk away with loads of ideas on how to manage your own family sessions.

So without further ado, let me hand over now to Melissa to give you her tips for making family photos session fun….

As a mom of four girls ranging from 4 to 17, I have been around the block a time or two when it comes to getting genuine expressions and reactions in photos. Before I had children, I was a second-grade teacher and I have mounds of nieces and nephews. So, it’s safe to say that I’ve had my fair share of kid interactions. Not to mention, I’m basically a big kid in an adult body so that helps a lot, too.

My photography style is laid back with a bit of posed shots thrown in as well. We all know that Grandma is certainly going to want that everyone-looking-at-the-camera picture to show off to all of her friends; therefore, I always include posed shots of both the family as well as a kid group shot.

All that said, my main goal during sessions is for the family to have fun. Dad and kids are likely coming along to the shoot with gritted teeth and a slight attitude because, well, because the only thing they remember from their last session? A stiff, business-like session with fake grins and expressions. Small kids who are shy and teens who think any adult is annoying. As photographers, we have to get in front of that right off the bat. As soon as they see us in person, we need to give the message that the next 20 to 60 minutes will be painless and exciting. Yes, exciting! And here is where I tell you how to do just that.

1. Everything about my online presence and brand says ‘fun’ and ‘relaxed’.

Avoid showing one personality online and another when you meet the client. Be consistent in your personality and let that reflect in your portfolio. For example, when clients receive my welcome packet upon booking, they notice by my tone that I’m a bit silly, but yet I know how to get down to business. This shows the client that the session will be fun, yet consistent quality images will be the end result.

2. On the day of the session, I happily greet the family and get or review the names of everyone.

This is always communicated via email, but an acknowledgment of names and faces is extremely important in person. I use big hand gestures and my body language puts out a fun vibe. For example, leaning way back saying “Oh my word you’re here!!! You found me!!’ to the kids. Always, always tell the family how great they look. Mom especially since we all know she’s the one who pulled all of this together and is possibly feeling stressed out from trying to arrive on time while doing it all.

3. It’s usually a short walk from where I greet the family to the session spot and during this time I like to chat it up with the kids.

I’m constantly reviewing their names in my head, but one thing I love to do is assign each kid a silly name. This little trick has never failed to get giggles throughout the entire session. Some names I love are Walter, Herman, Twinkletoes, Curly Doodle, and Harry Potter. Any name that is a little goofy to say. They absolutely love this. It makes it easy for me because sessions get crazy and hectic so playing this name game takes the pressure off of me as well as the children. 

4. I like to get the posed shots over with right away and I tell my clients this up front.

“We’re going to go ahead and get this one done, but then we’ll have some fun.” Again, the grandparents really want a somewhat formal shot of everyone looking at the camera so let’s get that first and move on. I’ve loosened up the family a bit by chit-chatting and being silly, but chances are they are probably still a bit stiff and unsure of what is expected. As the one in charge of this session, I could either try and awkwardly coax them out of this, or I could embrace it and move on. That’s why I love a posed shot right away because if you think about it, they’re not relaxed yet which, to me, makes it an easy shot. During this time I’m getting to know them a bit more. Asking about pets, recent holidays, and so on. I always use my silly kid names at this time which causes them to relax and settle in. I am constantly talking to them.

5. Next I grab the kids or just one depending on who’s ready.

Sometimes, it’s better to take one child and be extra silly so that the shy child can watch from a distance to warm up a bit more. If the child is comfortable with it (I do this with my own kids a lot), I’ll grab her by the hand and do a crazy walk or skip saying something funny like, “Let’s go over here away from those guys. I think one of them has stinky feet and we don’t need that in our lives.” At that point, it’s more about me talking to the child and playing around than it is about me taking shots. Of course, I’m pressing the shutter and not missing anything, but the child is more focused on our conversation and my crazy antics or jokes and doesn’t even realize I’m taking pictures.

6. When I’m photographing all of the kids together, I am constantly moving around and being overly dramatic.

For example, I use big body language with hands in the air and say things like, “Oh my word look at your face!! Holy cow it’s the cutest face I’ve ever seen, Herman!!” Just being over the top silly not only gets them to relax, but it gives genuine expressions and interactions between the children. Playing peekaboo behind the camera is another fun game especially for really little ones. If I’m still having trouble getting the child to cooperate, I will play Simon Says, have a staring contest, or have them shout out something I say like, “Purple Pickle Pirates!”.

If I’m working with a teen, I’m less silly and focus more on getting to know the child.

I ask a lot of questions, “Are you on Snapchat? What’s your favorite movie? Do you play a sport?” Then I’ll make funny comments about those answers. One question that always gets a smile is, “Tell me about your girlfriend/boyfriend.” They will either smile because they have one, or smile because I asked in the first place.

7. After I’ve nailed down the individual children as well as a group kid shot, I move on to the parents.

I’m still being silly, but not overly crazy so that the kids start to run wild. Being funny is great, but you certainly don’t want to lose control of the session. I have mom and dad “stand as they would in a cheesy wedding photo” and then I tweak that pose. Remember to keep telling them how great they look; this is very important! My favorite thing to do with the couple is to have one partner think of his or her favorite food, but don’t say it out loud. Then they have to whisper that in their partner’s ear. But wait! There’s a catch! It has to be in your sexiest accent. This one is a no brainer on getting natural expressions out of couples. Nine times out of ten, mom will lay her head on dad’s chest in a bit of a giggle, and then, boom, there’s your money shot.

8. Next, I’ll get shots of each parent with the children and then finish up with one last family photo.

Everyone is very relaxed now and knows how to interact with me as well as each other. I often have them sitting for this one; a couple smiling at the camera and the rest interacting with each other. I ask them to talk about dinner plans, who has the stinkiest feet, pets, and so on.

Of course, as photographers, it’s our job to interact with families, couples, teens, and little ones. It’s also important that we pull out genuine smiles and expressions during our time with them. But, most importantly, to me, is that everyone has fun while doing it. Doing so will not only make for very happy clients and gorgeous images, but it will keep clients coming back again and again. Plus? They’ll tell everyone they know that they had fun. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Melissa is a mom to four girls from preschool to high school senior. She's been photographing her family for nearly 15 years and has now jumped into client work with both feet. Melissa married her high school sweetheart and they all live happily ever after in North Georgia. She shoots with a Nikon d810 and mostly prime lenses. You can find out more about Melissa by visiting the links below!

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM

Thanks so much to Melissa for coming on the blog, and giving us such a value-packed post. I hope you loved it as much as I did! I’ll see you next week, same time, same place. Before you go, if you want some ideas for poses and prompts specifically for children, you can download our FREE child poses and prompts list below!