This post is sponsored by Dearfoams, however all opinions are my own.
Good Morning! I heard on the radio the other day that there is only two and a half months left of this decade. Can you believe it?! 2019 is coming to an end and that means the holiday season is fast approaching! It’s time to start thinking about this year’s family photos and holiday cards. I really do look forward to these pictures every year and seeing how much our family has grown. I just signed up for my good friend and photographer’s mini sessions this weekend! I am trying to prepare as quickly as possible, but I’m not too worried about how the actual session will go. As a lifestyle blogger with two small (and inattentive) kids, I take photos with them almost weekly and think of myself as somewhat of a pro now. I definitely have a few tricks up my sleeve that help with the process and will get you the shot you need for front and center of your holiday card.
One of our favorite things to do around the holidays and even sometimes for family photos is to get matching pajamas. Something new we are doing this year is getting matching slippers too! These ones from Dearfoams are so festive and I love that they have a personalized pair for every member of your family – including Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Lil Bear and Baby Bear styles, as well as extended family. They are such a fun and festive way to keep our toes warm and the super soft memory foam insoles are so comfortable. I love having them all season long to wear as we decorate the tree, bake cookies, watch movies in front of the fire, and especially on Christmas morning while we open gifts.
I know taking family photos with small children can be challenging, so here are some of my tips to make it a little easier and help you get the perfect shot!
Tip #1: The Photographer
In my opinion this is the most important part! Your photographer needs to be someone you trust and who can help you create the vision you have for your pictures! First, find a photographer who has an editing style you will love. If these pictures will be hung in your home, pick someone whose editing style will match your home style. Second, make sure the photographer has experience working with young kids. It is so important to hire a photographer who can grab kids’ attention, make them laugh/smile and make the photo session more enjoyable for them! I’ve seen some photographers just tell them to smile (that never works) or some who wear silly headbands with antennas to entertain them and grab their attention. It makes such a huge difference!
Tip #2: Plan Ahead
You know your child best, is there a time of day when they are the most joyful? Mornings, after a nap, etc.. Plan to shoot at that time. Scope out locations in advance and make a plan of what poses/angles would work there so you are not wasting their limited attention span brainstorming on the spot. I also try to think of locations that would be fun for the kids to get more candid photos. Playing in the sand at the beach always gets a smile on their face which is why we shoot there most often.
Tip #3: Get Your Kids Involved
Talk about the shoot in advance and get them involved in the preparation. Shop for a new dress, pick out props they like.. letting them have a say in the build up will help encourage them to be excited for the big moment. It will also help to prevent them from being unhappy in uncomfortable outfits or nervous about the unfamiliar situation which will all show through in photos.
Tip #4: Outfits
If your kids are old enough to have an opinion (insert my sassy five year old here), then let them help pick the outfits! It’ll only make the family picture experience more difficult if kids are wearing something they hate or are uncomfortable in. That is another reason why I love holiday pajamas and Dearfoams slippers. Everyone is happier when they are most comfortable!
Tip #5: Stay Calm
It can be easy to get frustrated when things aren’t going the way you envisioned, but remember to stay calm. Some of my favorite photos of our family are the candid and unposed ones. So don’t worry if your kids aren’t looking directly at the camera or sitting still. Just laugh and have fun!
Tip #6: Rewards
Plan something fun to do as a family after pictures such as grabbing ice cream or a treat. This way, kids know if they smile and behave for just a little bit, fun will be coming! Plus, bribes really do work! Last year my husband kept skittles in his pocket and every so often let the girls have one, haha!
I hope you found these tips helpful and they inspire you to document your precious memories! Family pictures are so fun to look back on year after year, it’s amazing to see how your family has grown. I also think having matching family slippers is going to be a yearly tradition now too!
Be sure to checkout out Dearfoams slippers and their entire holiday family matching collection! I just saw they have teeny tiny “baby bear” ones that are so stinkin’ cute! They also have “big sis” and “big bro” which would be adorable for a holiday pregnancy announcement. We absolutely love ours and have been wearing them nonstop already!