As a mom, I completely understand the feeling of wanting nice family photos. That’s partially why I became a family photographer… to capture those picture perfect moments for other families! Getting toddlers (or even teenagers for that matter) to cooperate for photos can be quite the feat… I’ve been in the thick of it too with kiddos who want to be doing ANYTHING else.
While there’s something to be said to bringing along snacks and treats to your photo session to coax those sweet smiles, I have become an avid believer in activity incentives for immediately after the photo session or in the days following. Snacks can get messy and sometimes end up in the photos whereas activities become something to look forward to and you can build excitement for the fun that is going to follow photos. Here are a few things we’ve used as parents to bribe our children into taking nice family photos.
Ice Cream After Photos
It’s no secret that kids love a good ice cream treat… So why not use it as a reward for the kiddos after they give the camera those award-winning smiles?! This is a great activity right after photos because they can get a little messy in their pretty clothes and it’s an immediate reward that you can hype up during the session. We typically like to go to Kopp’s for the outdoor area with the waterfall that little ones often ask for.
Visit the Zoo
Gear up for a day of seeing animals and riding the train or carousel at the Milwaukee County Zoo! If your kiddo has a favorite animal they want to see, make sure to talk it up and maybe plan to circle back before leaving for the day. Having an animal to talk about during the photo session can also create some fun moments for pictures in having your little one pretend to be the animal or make their sound. The possibilities are endless for both interactive photos at your session and a fun activity to look forward to after.
Beach or Pool Day
Beat the heat and enjoy the summer weather with some swimming time at the beach or local pool! If your kiddos enjoy a splash in water this is a great activity to take advantage of these fleeting summer months. Sweeten the deal with a picnic lunch including their favorite treat as a reward for doing such a great job smiling for family photos.
A Trip to the Library
If rain is in the forecast, don’t let it get in your way and choose an adventure to the library in exchange for cooperation during family photos. There are often activities for kids at the library in addition to storytimes and getting to bring home some of their favorite books. We love doing the puzzles at the library and getting the little shopping cart to fill up with books we’re going to take home.
Activity incentives can be difficult the first time you introduce it when asking kids to smile. But if you follow through shortly after the photo session, they will remember the fun that was had during the photo session and the adventure afterwards so your future bribery should work like a charm. Get in touch to schedule your next family photo session and let me know which activity you plan to reward your kiddos with after so we can use it for those sweet smiles during your session!
