Top Photo Session Tips for Littles | OKC Family Photographer

Plan accordingly for weather…

By rule of thumb, if you need to book a session in the cooler months, November through March, my biggest advice is to book an indoor session, either in your home or at a studio. Unless you have a child that loves the cold, most children have about a ten minute or less tolerance window for it. When I say cold, I mean under 60 degrees. I’ve seen sessions go south very quickly due to the cold air making kiddos fussy. It’s not worth it, mama! Book that session indoors or wait for warmer weather. April through October is usually the best time here in central Oklahoma!

Hold off on trying to get your child to smile…

I know it’s so tempting to jump in right away and try to get your child to smile. I appreciate your enthusiasm to help, I really do. And honestly, I love it when you help me. I just like to ask that you are patient in offering that help.

Many times, at the start of a session I usually have your little one’s attention right away. I’m a new person and they are interested in what I am doing. If you jump in at the start their gaze will go from me to you, moving their eyes away from the camera. As your child grows used to me and my attempts to make them smile wane, this is when I will call you in to help me. Just a little patience on your end makes a huge difference in gaining as many smiles as we can throughout your session!

Don’t force your kids into it…

I usually always try to start sessions off with the smiling family picture. The beginning of our session together is when I have everyone’s closest attention. As the session progresses, we do more candid/action type pictures. However, sometimes kiddos need to warm up to me first. If your child(ren) need some time to warm up to me, please don’t get on to them or threaten them. Kiddos will feed off of your frustration. Instead, let me guide the session into the playtime portion of the shoot first and then as they warm up and grow more comfortable, we can attempt those smiling at the camera shots.

OKC Family Photographer, Lauren Grigg, specializes in photography of the early years in central Oklahoma including maternity, newborn, baby, and family photography. Based in Yukon, OK, Lauren travels to surrounding areas including Oklahoma City, OKC, Edmond, Mustang, Piedmont, Okarche, Guthrie, Stillwater and other central Oklahoma communities. 

I love to travel, and also work with families outside of this area as long as it is no more than a 2-hour drive! I would love to start planning your own family session! To see more of my family portfolio, please click here.

Your experience begins with a style guide to plan your family’s wardrobe and ends with a full digital gallery of gorgeous images full of timeless images. Even more special, I offer packages and à la carte artwork including a variety of exclusive fine art prints, albums, and other heirloom tangibles. 

If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click here or email me directly at hello@laurengrigg.com.