5 TIPS FOR CAPTURING CANDID MOMENTS DURING FAMILY SESSIONS
When I first started out, family sessions were my biggest struggle. I felt so much pressure before during and after the session. Mom usually arrives very stressed, from trying to pick the perfect outfits for the whole family, making sure the no one spills on their shirt, or gets into the mud, all the while trying to make herself look like she doesn’t wear yoga pants and no make up every other day (trust me, I’m NOT judging, I’m actually describing myself here). She gets out of the car fiddling with every ones hair, checking her makeup and hair, fussing at her husband to get off the phone, you can just read the stress all over her pretty made up face.
Then, theirs Dad’s face….you know the face of complete and utter disgust that he is missing the LSU game on a Saturday evening, because they are playing during golden hour. You can’t miss that face. He doesn’t want to be their. He hates pictures and his wife knows he hates pictures, so in return, his wife is annoyed that he can’t just suck it up and act like he’s enjoying the ONE thing she asks of him each year.
Then you have the kids….Ohhhh the kids! They’re moods are all over the place. They’re either tired and cranky because it’s nap time, or they’ve been in school all day, or they’re in full throttle ready to take full advantage of the situation (you know, the situation where, “we’re with a stranger, so Mom’s not going to punish us or fuss at us for acting up, in front of her”….yeah, that situation)!
So there stands you, thinking in your head, “oh yea, this is just gonna go grrrreat”, while on the outside you put on your biggest smile, and project your “perkiest” voice.
So exactly how do I get everyone to loosen up and warm up? Here are 5 little tips I’ve found to work for me.
TIP NUMBER ONE
Don’t let them know you’re shooting!! You know, fib a little….tell them “y’all just relax for a second, I need to adjust my camera settings”….this is when you can get the sweet shots of Mom making sure everyones cheeks are clean and shirts are straight etc.
TIP NUMBER TWO
Gross words! If the kids are giving you the big cheeeeeeese grins, or even the whole family at that, it’s time to loosen them up, I do that by blurting out those inappropriate words like, “fart”, “barf”, “dog poo”….sometimes the parents are appalled, but they catch on quick, once they see those genuine laughs and smiles. 🙂
TIP NUMBER THREE
The old faithful tickle! I mean come on, this one should be a given. No kid is immune to being ticklish and no parent can resist the sound of their child’s giggle!
TIP NUMBER FOUR
The whisper, the kiss, or the tight, tight hug! No one can resist smiling when you’re listening to a secret, whether you understand whats being said or not. No baby can resist a big, fat, kiss on their chubby little cheeks. And a big, tight bear hug, while being coached from the Photographer “tighter, tighter, TIIIIIGHTER” is always good for some real and silly grins and giggles.
TIP NUMBER FIVE
Let them play! If the baby wants to play in the leaves, encourage Dad to go play in the leaves with him. If the kiddo’s want to run through the water, make sure you to leave time for them to do just that. I guarantee that is when you’ll get their most authentic smiles and emotion!
I hope these tips help someone when they’re stuck in a rut during their next family session, trying to get the family to just relax and enjoy just being together as a family.
aimee fauci says
I always love your photography tips! I think my Photography Pinterest folder is basically ALL of your tips.
Sixth-Bloom says
Aimee that’s GREAT! I love it!!!!!! Keep on pinning 🙂
Caden says
Just keep this going, I’m learning a ton! What camera do you have? which lens is your favorite?
Sixth-Bloom says
Caden! Thanks for stopping by!!! I shoot with the canon mark iii and my favorite lens is the 35mm 1.4!! If you need help deciding on equipment I’d be happy to give you some direction! erin@sixthbloom.com
Stacey Joy Stegg says
Jenny,
Your photo’s are AMAZING!!! Thanks for the tips, I’m a fairly good cell phone photographer so, these tips will come in handy! LOL
Sixth-Bloom says
Stacey! Yes these tips can translate straight to that smart phone!! 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Neatly Packaged says
Such great tips!! Thank you for sharing 🙂 I know the tickling always worked on me!
Stephanie Pass says
I am loving all these series of tips you’ve been giving for better photography! I need all the help I can get! And this is perfect because as soon as the weather turns a little nicer, I want to do some portraits of my 3 kidlets.
Sixth-Bloom says
Stephanie! YAY! I hope these tips help make a very successful session with your three kiddos!!!
Artney Walker says
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I’m not a photographer, but I’m definitely taking notes! I would love to get better even if it’s just for spontaneous or family photos.
Sixth-Bloom says
Artney! Thank you for stopping by! Yes! you can learn even if it’s just for your personal use! That’s what this blog is about as well!!!
Shirley Wood says
The gross words tip has always worked for me. I don’t know why but my grands always forget I’m going to say them and laugh every time!
Sixth-Bloom says
Shirley! That’s GREAT! Love it
Raquel C says
These photos are stunning!! I am an iPhone photographer, but I have only just a few of those moments. I am glad you shared this and I will definitely be using these tips soon.
Sixth-Bloom says
Raquel, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such sweet words! hope these tips will be of help to you in the future even with your iPhone photography!
Sarah says
These are some amazing tips. I love catching a real smile, I always tell my BF when he is taking my pictures is that you can never take to many, we can always delete.
Sixth-Bloom says
Sarah! The beauty of the Digital world!
Jess Jannenga says
I love your photos, so crystal clear and just gorgeous Great tips as candid moments can be so hard to capture. I wouldnt have thought of some of these
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Sixth-Bloom says
Jess, thanks for stopping by, hope these tips were of help to you!!!
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
These pictures are GORGEOUS! Your tips are so sound, you CLEARLY know your stuff and do a darn good job with it.
cominguprosestheblog.com
Ritter says
I usually don’t leave comments; I’m a bit of a n introvert but I found your blog real personable and full of fun, easy and very helpful photography tips. Thank you!