Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
Tips for a great newborn and family photo session
Posted in Newborn Photography by Charis Elisabeth
Your newborn photo session is not just about the sweet, adorable new baby. Yes, your baby is the star, but every person in your house is part of this story for newborn and family photos in OKC. Not just baby, not just mama, I mean everyone including the new big sister who has been anxiously practicing on her baby doll for months, the dad who has been a door dasher for the random cravings the last 9 months and the big brother who shows his love by farts and loud yells.
These photos are for you all of you and that is what makes an at home newborn session different from a portrait sitting. You are not just getting pretty photos of the baby but you are also documenting the season where your family became this new season of you.
A huge part of getting photos you actually love is choosing a photographer with real experience working with children and families not just babies.
Photographing a sleeping newborn is a skill and photographing a family with a two year old who only wants Mama to hold him, a dog barking and said parents who havent’ slept in days is another skill. When you are booking an okc newborn photographer make sure they are the later one.
Patience and understanding with children is something that turns a stressful morning into something to be enjoyed.
Along with making the right choice of family photographer here are a few tips.
Prepare the Family
Get the family excited about it! Kids sure can read us so even if you are dreading it a bit, don’t let them hear that from you. Your attitude becomes their attitude. Tell them a new friend is coming over and what to expect. Plan a special treat or activity as a reward to look forward too.
Prepare your clothing at least a week ahead
Or better yet it before baby comes, while you still have a bit of brain space and not running on fumes of sleep. Pull everything out and have the kids try it on. Make sure things fit and nothing is too scratchy or big or uncomfortable. Uncomfortable kids make grumpy kids.
My clients do have access to my client closet where there are lots of pieces for mamas and that can help make one thing a little less stressful.
Prepare them the day of the session
Make sure everyone eats real food before the session. No donuts before hand or the sugar crash will affect everyone! And the great thing with doing it at home? Lots of snacks in easy access which makes for a good break when needed too.
And another tip that is kinda of hard but really does make a difference – try not to have your kids watching a show or TV before I arrive. I know it’s so useful when you’re trying to get ready but it’s really hard to transition away from the screen and if I’m the one that makes it happen then it makes me the “bad guy.” (understandably so!!)
Lean In and Let Go
Once I arrive you let me take charge. Kids usually respond much better to me than mom and dad giving them competing directions. Also I’m new and different and that helps too. You do not have to manage them and try to force them to look at me. And also don’t be embarrassed or stressed by how they act. Smile as you talk and love on them and everything goes much better.
Letting go of things having to be a certain way and jut letting the love of yoru family come out makes for really beautiful photos!
If you looking for a family or newborn photographer, then hi there! I’m Charis (an top 5 OKC newborn photographer) I keep sessions relaxed, in your own space, with snacks and snuggles welcome and zero pressure to perform. Connect with me here and let’s capture your people the way they really are.
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