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Want to get the most from your newborn session with your strong willed independent toddler (or sibling of any age!!)?
Well first things first… please. don’t. worry! I mean it. I’ve seen all ends of the spectrum of shoots, I adapt to your family and have become very good at reading the room! And can I reassure you now… we always get ‘THE’ shot. Along the way I’ve picked up some handy tips, and tricks which may help you and your littles….
For the parents! Beforehand….
Timing.
I try my best to host newborn sessions in the mornings. It works better for babies too (and avoids afternoon witching hour)!! But where possible, let me know when toddlers nap time is and let’s avoid it! If that means dropping mum and baby off while dad does loops in the car then that’s ok. Not all of the time is in front of the camera so let’s make it work for everyone.
Prep.
Some toddlers love the camera, but lots are understandably nervous at first. Let them know beforehand what they are doing, where they are going. Maybe buy a photo frame for their bedroom that they could get involved with. Or a toy camera. It’s helps get them on board and understand.
Outfits.
You carefully curate the perfect family outfits and they don’t want to take off the clothes they are already in. Get them involved in their outfit choice- it really does help. OR! This is the perfect time for a secondary outfit! Even if it’s a jumper that they can ‘come to studio in’ but also matches the brief. It averts the tantrum and happens to be a perfect match should they not want to change.
When you arrive…
Please relax.
The classic of if you relax, they will too really is true. I’m a mummy of two and I am well versed at reading the room. Let’s all settle in and let the magic begin. Ultimately the toddlers lead the session and I invite them to join in with ‘games’ or hidden tricks which have never let me down. But don’t worry if they don't want to talk the second the come in, or they want to suss the place out before making themselves at home. There is plenty of chances for them to join in.
Toys. Snacks. Bribes.
I hold a few ‘camera friendly’ toys in the studio (aka… aesthetically pleasing in colour!) but if there is something from home then bring this too. Dried snacks work wonders for little ones and I have plenty of games at the ready to help the interaction of their new baby. Whether it’s a new toy to open, or getting to watch their favourite film on the iPad, feel free to bring something that will make your toddler feel involved when their moment in the spotlight is over. Once their work is done (please keep treats hidden until after), they’re welcome to curl up and enjoy their reward- and yes… that means biscuits too.
‘Look at the camera’….
Ok, this is a weird one to get your head around. Please don’t worry where they are looking. I know the shots you would love as parents and I promise we will get them in time and as they relax. But they don’t always need to look at the camera to capture the most beautiful connected images. The ones where they are looking down at baby, smirking to you to the side or eyes closed in for a cuddle are just as cute, if not cuter!! In fact I’d go as far to say that my favourite shots are when everyone is looking at newborn and toddler is looking straight at the camera. They will always do the opposite and it works like magic!! With the best will in the world; the times you’re pointing at the camera and then they look, we can’t use the image because everyone’s hands are pointing at the camera!! I have very noisy way of them to look. Just be prepared for bells, sounds, psssst, and lots of joking and singing.
As a mummy to a fiesty little lady, and a strong willed baby boy, I know the worry and stress first hand about attending a photoshoot; the concern about how they behave. But as your photographer, please hear me when I say, your family is perfect just as you are, and that means embracing all of the fun, character and life that your littles bring to a session. Let’s capture all of the memories, all of the moments and have all of the fun along the way.
If you have been worrying about how your little one will be at your session, please let this be your sign to book your maternity, newborn and family. Embrace the love with the chaos. These really are the best moments and I you won't regret it for a second when you see your gallery.
Ready to book your session? I can't wait to hear all about you and your family.
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