I have a lot of clients who book family or maternity sessions with me but then tell me that one or more of the kids is shy, or more reserved. It’s usually listed as a concern because they’re worried about how their child will do during the session. Of course the expectation that most clients have with family photos is fun, happy, smiley photos. Here’s how I approach any and all human beings who take some time to warm up 😉
First let me start off by saying, that this little guy is Bodie, and I am completely in love with him, and his beautiful hair. Sweetest boy ever! His parents didn’t say that he was shy necessarily, but that he does need some warm up time before his personality comes through-and it definitely did! You’ll see as the session goes on, he quickly warms up to me. I’m so happy that they let me know this ahead of time, because I like to tailor my approach to everyone uniquely, and base the entire session off of what will make them feel the most comfortable. So here’s how I do that!
- I give the kids (or adults haha) time to warm up to me. They see that I’m interested in getting to know them, but I’m also engaging with mom & dad a lot. When they see us laughing and talking, I’m (hopefully) no longer a stranger in their eyes, but a friend.
- I don’t force them… to do anything. I give them suggestions- take it or leave it, their choice! I also give parents prompts as we go, and let things unfold from there. If their parents are the ones engaging with them, then it’s not as scary!
- I try not to be too over animated. Sometimes (a lot of times) I’m hyping kids up for their session. We’re playing and being goofy, running wild, etc. But this can be a lot for some people! I read the room. My entire session I’m reading the room. Seeing what makes you smile, what makes you shy away, what makes you giggle, etc. If whatever I’m doing works for everyone, we roll with that! And if it doesn’t work, we move on to something else.
- Snuggles allllways make everyone feel good!
Lastly, I want to say that I am fully aware that I’m not always going to have extra smiley kids during my sessions- and I’m totally okay with that. People are who they are, and I accept every single person, big or small, for who they are during my sessions. At the end of our time together, all that matters is that YOUR time together has been beautifully documented.
Contact me here to start chatting about your family or maternity session!
