family photography
PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILY SESSION
cotswolds & cheltenham photographer claire westaway
time to shine…
This guide should help you prepare for your photo session so you can totally relax on the day.
The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kids are, and I promise you, that will shine through in your photos.
let’s go…
what if the kids aren’t keen?
These things happen. Kids are kids - they have big feelings and putting them into a different situation (like a photo session!) with someone they don’t know (like a photographer!) can understandably leave them feeling a bit unsure.
But, your job is not to worry about this. Your job is to look calm, serene, and keep smiling throughout. My job is to capture the beauty within the chaos. To capture the real moments in an authentic yet beautiful way.
And trust me, it might take a little bit of time, but in the end I normally win even the most stubborn toddler round! I have some tricks up my sleeves that I use with kids (and adults sometimes too), to build their trust, find their happy place and create those genuine smiles.
fun
Believe me, my photo sessions are fun! I include lots of games and silliness for the kids as well as plenty of cuddles and snuggles. The more you throw yourself into this the better as the kids will follow your lead.
proper smiles
“Say cheese” is not a phrase you’ll hear me utter on our photo shoot so I ask that you don’t say it either! Otherwise you’ll end up with the forced smile where they look like they’re in pain that you find in most school photos! So, there will be one or two photos where I ask everyone to look at the camera and smile but other than that I will do my very best to get natural, genuine smiles. It might not always happen - and I will always totally respect if you’re child is just not feeling like smiling that day - but I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve that work that magic! Again, the more you join in the fun, play, reassure them, bring your own ‘in-jokes’, and smile yourself, the better it will be.
snacks
Try to have your kids fed with a snack (preferably nothing messy!) before I arrive. Anything that makes them happy will make for an easier session! If they need to stop for a snack, just let me know! I have kids, I get it.
Naps
If you have little ones, and especially if we are running an outdoor session at sunset, try and get that nap in. And I know that’s not always possible but the more rested your child is the better. If you can avoid a late night the night before we’ll avoid bags under the eyes and if they’re had a rest before the session, we’re more likely to get those big genuine smiles.
bribes
I wouldn't recommend offering bribes, at least not during the session. If you promise your kids something like ice cream, we're likely to get cooperation for about 10 minutes before the complaints about "where is my ice cream?" start rolling in, and the session starts to feel like a drag rather than the FUN. I am used to working with all kinds of kids, so if you are calm and serene, I will work with your kids to get the shots you see in my portfolio. And if we really need the bribe? Let's save it for the end of the sessions when you can surprise them with it and get a magical 10 minutes more of cooperation!
This is Claire
Feel free to introduce me to your kids ahead of time. Show them my photo and let them know a little bit about me so it’s perhaps not so daunting…
I’ve got three boys who love football (we’re a Man Utd family) but will also sit and watch Strictly Come Dancing with me
My favourite breakfast is pancakes with chocolate spread and bananas
My favourite films are Moana, Paddington 2 and The Greatest Showman
My top dinosaur is obviously a triceratops, closely followed by a pterodactyl
I can’t wait to meet you all!
