Sometimes life has a funny way of working out, even when it feels like things aren’t going as planned. That’s exactly what happened with the Crasten family. Originally, they had signed up for my Wildflower Mini Sessions, but we had to reschedule when their little one, Lincoln, came down with a sickness.
A week later, as fate would have it, I ran into Liz, Ryan, and their sweet son Lincoln at the grocery store. Lincoln, still a little shy, wouldn’t even look my way. Liz, being a fellow photographer herself, and I started brainstorming ways to help Lincoln warm up to me when we finally had our session.
Our ideas paid off because when the time came for their makeup session at the beautiful Loyd Roland Memorial Park in Akron, Lincoln was all smiles. The park’s stunning pine tree forest made for the perfect backdrop, and we stayed along the edges to avoid the sneaky poison ivy that grows there in the summer. Once Lincoln felt comfortable, we had an amazing time capturing genuine, heartfelt moments. I’m so happy with how the session turned out, and it was such a joy working with the Crastens!
4 Ways to Help Your Shy Kiddo Shine in Family Photos
If you’ve ever worried about your little one feeling shy during a family photo session, you’re not alone! It’s completely normal, and there are ways to help them feel more comfortable. Here are some tried-and-true tips to set your kiddo up for success:
Talk About It A Lot Before the Session
Spend the week leading up to your session chatting about it with your little one. Make it fun and exciting, so they know what to expect. Knowing what's coming helps take away the surprises and makes them feel more at ease.
Bring a Favorite Toy
Having a small, beloved toy on hand can make all the difference. It provides comfort and can be included in the photos or used as a little break-time buddy when needed.
Play Games During the Session If your child doesn’t want to look at the camera, that’s okay! Instead, engage with them the way you do at home—whether it’s playing their favorite game, tossing them in the air, or sharing tickles and giggles. This brings out those genuine smiles, and we’ll capture the magic of your family’s bond.
Find a Photographer Who's Great with Kids A photographer who takes the time to connect with your child and make them feel at ease can make all the difference. Look for someone who’s patient, playful, and truly cares about capturing your child’s personality.
At the end of the day, the best photos are the ones that show your family’s true spirit! Which of these tips do you think would help your kiddo the most during your next photo session?
If you’re looking for a mama photographer who gets it and is ready for any challenge, I’d love to work with your family! Let’s make some magic together and capture those special memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime. https://www.tashaskyecreative.com/contact
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