I have photographed several families that consist of four kiddos and I'm always blown away by the parents. Four kiddos is a LOT and as chaotic as it can be, the parents always seem to go with the flow... even when they don't feel like as if they are.
If you are a parent of four children (or almost any amount of kiddos), you know firsthand how challenging it can be to get everyone on the same page (literally), especially for a photo session. Whether you’re trying to coordinate outfits, get everyone to brush their teeth, or simply get everyone in the same room, it can feel like an uphill battle. So when it comes to family photos, it’s no surprise that the thought of getting everyone to cooperate and smile can feel daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and preparation, you can have a relaxed and enjoyable family photo session with all of your kiddos.
Here are some tips to help make the process as stress-free as possible:
• Plan ahead
The more organized you are, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed on the day of the photo session. I always send a questionnaire and a welcome guide to my families to help us make some plans for your session. But, on your own, you can start by picking out outfits for everyone ahead of time and laying them out in a convenient location (guest room, your closet, etc.). This will save you time and stress on the day of the photo session, as you won’t have to search for clothes or try to coordinate outfits on the fly (unless you want to let your kiddos pick out their own outfits the morning of and let them fully be themselves, because that can always be FUN!)
•Make it fun!
One of the best ways to get your children to cooperate and smile is to make the photo session a fun experience. Consider bringing along some of their favorite toys if your session doesn't take place at home. Definitely consider a session at HOME! Being home allows for everyone to relax and feel like themselves without anything forced! The more fun your children are having and comfort they feel, the more likely they are to cooperate and smile naturally.
• Don’t worry about perfection!
It’s natural to want everything to be perfect for a family photo session, but try not to get too hung up on the details. Your children are going to be their authentic selves, and that’s what makes the photos special. Embrace any imperfections and know that they are a part of what makes your family unique. Take it from Elsa and just "let it go"!
With a little planning and some creativity, you can have a relaxed and enjoyable family photo session with your children. Don’t stress about perfection – just focus on having fun and making memories. The resulting photos will be a treasured keepsake for years to come.
I know that this mama was feeling the overwhelm when considering doing family photos with new twin baby girls, a preschooler, and a kindergartener, but I assured her that we can make it happen in the comfort of their own home and we did! The kiddos are so cute and sweet. Dad got into having his photo taken, especially ones with his wife in them with him (too cute). And mom RELAXED! Love!
Thank you so much for reading along! I’m Sabrina, owner of Sabrina Jill Photography, a Charlotte NC photographer specializing in colorful and busy families in south central North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed the Relaxed Family Photography I shared and if you are interested in talking with me more about a documentary family session, let’s connect. Not quite ready, but know you want to keep me in mind for the future? No problem! Follow me on Instagram or subscribe to my newsletter!
Sabrina serves Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties including: Charlotte | Lake Norman | Plaza Midwood | Ballantyne | Uptown | South End | Sedgefield | Davidson | Mooresville | Dilworth | Myers Park
