A shoot with your child or children can feel stressful. As well as making sure everyone has the right outfits and everyone can make the date you have that additional stress of will the kids behave?

In my experience, it is the parent’s worries that normally make for worried youngsters. So let me re-assure you now everything will be fine.

Make sure your children understand they are coming to a photoshoot and they are going to have a fun time. Explain that you want nice pictures for yourself and relatives.

During the shoot itself, don’t stress about your kids. If you are calm they will be too. In particular, when required that you have to keep smiling at the camera regardless of what your youngsters are doing.

Of course, you might want to offer a slight bribe for the sake of good photos. It might be some sweets, some cash, a new toy, some additional TV time or a little treat out afterwards.

In the shoot, always use the bribe positively, “remember we are going to get ice cream afterward if you are good.” But don’t say “that’s it, no ice cream for you!” – once the bribe is taken away it doesn’t work anymore.

Generally, kids are terrific during the session, I treat them as though they are special and often the photographs of them messing around will be your favorites. The only occasion I might play Mrs. Grumpy is if they are likely to get injured or are too close to the equipment, but that is very uncommon. So just enjoy your session and have a fun time!