My top 10 games to play at your family session
My number one tip for your photoshoot ? just PLAY with your kids ! This is the best way to get authentic and natural looking photos, that will reflect your family and your kid’s personality.
So if you get the picture of what I am saying, a family photoshoot is a bit of a workout or a crazy chaos ! You just need to embrace it and prepare yourself for it. I don’t want you to police your kids or be constantly behind them. The session is the opportunity to let them get wild!
1/ The airplane
That’s a classic, right ? it works with babies, it works wit kids of any age. I might ask you to throw them several times in the air, so be ready, warm up your arms !
2/ Whisper a secret in Mum’s ear
This is the perfect prompt to get your kids very close to your face and get some beautiful close-up shots. It makes the photo intimate and usually create a lot of emotions and a laugh or giggles !
3/ Piggy back or Dad’s shoulders
They just love being on our back like if we were their little horse , right ! or being super tall on the shoulders, to see the world :)
4/ The nose rub
This is a funny one , most of the time very ticklish. It does trigger a big laugh between your kid and yourself and I love capturing this explosion of emotions.
This is also a good moment to ask your kid to hold your face in their hands, and everyone close their eyes. That’s how we get a super emotional photo, like if we were freezing time on the love between you two.
5/ The flip or the twirl
If all the previous games haven’t done the trick, then we need to flip them around ! Usually boys would love that. Simple and effective to get everyone laughing. Just don’t drop your kid on the floor okay !
With little girls, we can prefer to twirl them while holding them on your hip. It’s good for shy kids who prefer to stay in Mummy or Daddy’s arms.
6/ Red light - green light
A classic in school and in every culture, whatever the name we give it !
7/ Tickle time
An easy trick to make everyone laugh. It works 99% of the time and produces some funny faces on kids .
8/ Catch me
Great game to do for outdoor sessions, when I ask the kids to run after their parents of after a sibling. They like the challenge and being a winner. It sets a great start of a session and warms up the spirits.
9/ Peek-a-boo
Great for sitters sessions between 7 to 10 months old or even for smash cake and birthday sessions. We use a blanket or the curtains.
10/ Blanket swing
Another great game for outdoor session. I will usually bring a blanket to sit on the floor and we can use it to place your kid in it and each parent hold an end of the blanket to swing your kid.
Every child is unpredictable and we all have our moods, but most of these games will help us get great photos and variety in your gallery. Before your session, I will also ask you to complete a questionnaire to get to know you better and understand your kids preferences.
Go to the session with an open mind, no expectations and positive mindset. Patience is key and being able to relax will be your main job!
We will go with the flow and you rkids will lead the session.
If you feel more relaxed about what to expect during a session, then let’s get in touch .
