Tips for Parents & Family Portraits
If we are capturing your littles ones, it’s best to avoid scheduling their session before rest times. We all tend to get a little cranky before bed time. I recommend a time when they tend to have the most energy or 1 hour after they’ve had a nap.
Try not to let your kids fall asleep on the way to the session. They may not be in a photo taking mood when they wake up.
Photo shoots can be stressful for children. It’s okay if we need to let them do their own thing for a moment. I will be capturing candids in between!
It’s okay to play around a little during the session. Lift baby up to the sky, tickle your kiddos, let them explore their surroundings a little. These provide great moments for candids!
If your child has a favorite toy, book, or stuffed animal, it’s not a bad idea to bring these comfort items to the shoot.
Snacks are usually a GREAT incentive for kids! (Preferably snacks that aren’t too messy!)
If you have older children, it can be helpful to walk them through how they can assist and be a great role model during the session.
If there’s a specific person your child responds well to, you’re welcome to have them stand behind me to help get the best smiles! (Try your best to stay behind the camera for the best eye contact on camera.)
Playing your child’s favorite music softly from your phone can help them relax and sometimes even dance!
Don’t forget to shower your kiddo with compliments throughout the session! This will help build their confidence and (hopefully) encourage them to continue cooperative behaviors.
If your child doesn’t do well with pictures, let’s discuss activities and settings that will make them the most comfortable. We will get better quality and happier photos if they are able to things that are more natural and in their element.
Finally, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and spent nearly 9 years working closely with adolescent boys in foster care everyday. I know the importance of limiting stressors, providing incentives, remaining patient, giving gentle redirection and allowing breaks as needed. The more relaxed we remain during the process, the better your little one will feel!
Trust the process, take a breather if needed and I’m sure the photos will come out just fine!
Meet Your
Photographer
Hi friends, I’m Kandace! I’m based in East TN and specialize in weddings, branding and lifestyle portrait photography.
Although Tennessee is where I now reside, I’m available for booking in my hometown (Kansas City, MO) and beyond!
I’ve been snapping candids of my loved ones since I learned how to use a disposable camera back in the day, so it’s no surprise I turned photography into a career. As time has passed, I’ve learned how precious the moments we capture and the connections we build in the process are.
With a decade of professional photography experience, lifelong passion for leaving a positive mark in this world, and a natural eye for capturing raw emotions, my goal is to provide you with heartwarming memories and framable moments that will last a lifetime.
Kandace
