Let’s be honest, working with kids is a massive part of my career choice. From newborn sessions to family sessions and even weddings, there’s most often kids involved.
If I had a dollar for every time a client told me that I had the patience of a saint as their children run around like crazy clowns, I’d probably be able to retire.
Ok, maybe not, but I’d have a lot of dollars.
Really, I feel like I have to have a lot of patience, while my kids would disagree on that. Especially when it comes to someone else’s kids. I wouldn’t want to ruin the photography experience. Parents are already stressed out enough. They want their kids to be good, and I get that.
But the reality of kids is that they rarely do what we want of them. And that’s ok. If they are running around exploring the studio, that’s ok. I always try to get them to come and sit for a quick photo. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I’ll keep trying. If they want to take a break and build a block tower. I’ll build with them.
In all honesty I’d much rather they run around and have fun when they’re with me, than scream and cry because I pushed them further than they were ready.
Nothing makes me happier than parents leaving less stressed than they came in. I don’t do it for the thanks, but honestly, it makes me smile when parents are walking out and they thank me for being so patient, and letting their kids be themselves. I always tell them it’s my pleasure to leave their kids with a positive experience.
So, all this, just to say. If your kid wants to come in, and be a kid, I’m ok with that. We will work at their pace, and try to reign them in. Come in, be relaxed and in a go with the flow mood will help us tremendously. You might be in a few photos that you didn’t expect to be in. But those are the best moments in the end.
Working with kids is a blessing, and I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to document those moments for you!
