Family photo sessions are great – they help you create and remember these special times with the ones you love the most. However, if you’re like me, this day can get very stressful! I want to ensure that you can keep anxiety at bay and enjoy a fun, stress-free family session. If you’re stressed it will show, and we want your photos to be carefree. Here are some tips you can use on picture day to help you relax and enjoy your session.
Enjoy Your Session With These Top Tips
Take some deep breaths
Deep breathing is a common relaxation method. It can quickly calm your stress level and you can do it anywhere. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth, counting slowly in your head while letting it all out. Even better? Try rainbow breathing. Imagine a rainbow in your mind, pretend you are tracing the arc of the colors. Take a breath at the beginning of the arc, hold it to the top, and release to the bottom. Repeat for all the colors of the rainbow. This fun breathing strategy works great with kids too!
Laugh
Laughter is a great way to release tension. It will also help your family relax to get some genuine smiles. Tell a few jokes. Look them up before your session and commit the silliest to memory. Or, have everyone pretend to laugh. They will feel so ridiculous that they will actually laugh (this trick works every time at my senior sessions). Being silly like this will ease everyone into relaxation mode.
Count Down Slowly (In Your Head) From 10
Take a deep breath between each number. If you’re still feeling super stressed, start the process over, back at 10.
Distract Yourself
If your family isn’t cooperating and you are getting stressed, suggest that we play a game or take a walk. This will let some of the energy out and also give us some good interacting photos. Prior to your session, think of a short game that your family would enjoy – it could be something like duck, duck, goose, or dancing to head, shoulders, knees, and toes, etc. If I see anyone getting stressed or not feeling it, I’ll pull this game idea out and we’ll have some fun!
You can also distract yourself by going to your ‘happy place.’ Try to take yourself out of the situation you’re in and let your mind wander. What’s your happy place? Is it the beach? Camping in the woods? The rolling green hills of Ireland (mine)? Go there in your mind and let your troubles fade away.
Trace Your Hand
Take your finger and trace a figure eight on the palm of your opposite hand. This helps relieve stress and muscle tension.
Give Lots Of Hugs And Kisses
Not only will these make for cute poses (kiss mommy’s cheek anyone?), but one of the most effective ways to relieve stress is to hug someone or to kiss them. Gather your family in a big group hug, or give your husband a kiss and let your worries melt away.
Relieve Stress And Enjoy Your Session Using These Strategies
I know photo sessions can be overwhelming for everyone. Kids and husbands are out of their element and acting totally different from normal. As the mama, you feel the need to get everyone back on track, which in turn stresses you out. These tips can help everyone feel a little better. But most importantly, I want you to know that I’ve got you. My experience as a teacher has helped me connect with kids and bring out the best in them. Session with me should be stress-free and fun and I do everything I can to make them that way. So, if you are looking for a Chesapeake photographer who can help you enjoy your session, I’m your girl. Reach out and let’s discuss your photography needs!
