When hiring a photographer for professional portraits, you have certain expectations. I know I do when I hire someone to take our family portraits. Those expectations are usually something like this…
But, let’s take a moment and get real. Life with kids is a beautiful mix of peace and unpredictability. And sometimes those picture perfect moments? Well, they just aren’t happening the way you thought.
Here is how I work with those times and these repeat clients are my testimony. Oh my gosh. These kids. ❤️ They are polite and friendly and outgoing and just darn sweet. So, here’s what I like to do. I first assess how the littles are generally feeling when they arrive. In this case, all four were just as I described them. They even wanted to help me carry my equipment and check out the few props I had brought with me. We take a few running-around-the-place kind of shots and then try to get right to the group picture. Hmmm, maybe not quite yet! A few individuals, then try again. Nope, not looking promising today. At which point, parents and I have a little chat….how important is that glorious all-kid pose to you this time? Important? Well, then let’s try once more and if it’s still not happening, maybe it’s best to do a reschedule. Time lost….15 min or so. No biggie. In this case, Mom was most wanting individuals of littlest and whatever else we could get so we decided to go forth. And I’m so glad we did (and she was also).
You may be wondering about the kiddo body art above? Mom said, “leave it be!” Another good reason to always ask before breaking out that cloning tool! 🙂
I’ll admit that it’s a more comfortable situation when you’re working with repeat clients if you realize that maybe that “all kid” perfect moment may not happen that day…because repeat clients already know that we’ll decide on the best solution and they don’t immediately go into panic mode. But, have no fear new clients. Good communication is important to me and I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to test out before that conversation begins. And one final word. I have to tell you that, in hindsight, some of those pictures that photographers took of my children when they were not cooperating as I had envisioned? I’m so glad that my photographer included some of those in my gallery because those images are often times the ones that we enjoy the most over time. They are definitely good conversation starters!
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