How to Have Fun During Your Photo Session!

I've been been photographing families and especially children for a few years now, and the reasons I love kids is because they are so relaxed and loose for getting their picture taken. To help the few kids that are shy or the parent (me included) that tend to choke up when the camera points on you, here are 5 No-Fail ways to have fun during your photo session!

1. Family Hug - I like to bring everyone in for a big family hug! This is great for creating a connection- driven images and brings wandering or excited kiddos back to being engaged in the session.

2. Dance off! - This is perfect to have parents especially do! Kids will be thrilled to see their parents participating in wiggling and dancing making it a memorable experience!

3. Stare Off- This can be played with grown-ups and kids of all ages, this connection-driven game helps capture those intimate moments together. Simple bring two subjects together and stare at each other while counting to 10. This can create beautiful tender moments or silly ones!

4. Tag- It never fails during a family shoot, the kids take off running! Instead of stressing and trying to rein them in, join them and play a game, Don't worry we can take a rest afterwards.

5. Everybody Look- This game is to get those traditional family shots together. I'll get at least one frame of everyone looking at the camera, then I'll instruct everyone to look at the person whose name I call out. This usually follow with an adorable tickle fight!!