Crestwood Park Family Session – How I keep Your Little Ones Laughing

Subject: The Bri’s Crestwood Park Family Session

Location: Crestwood Park Royal Palm Beach, FL

This Crestwood Park family session has a special place in my heart, because The Bri’s were my first family shoot when I started back in 2019! Little Judah was still in momma’s belly and now he is all big running around with his big sister.

In a previous blog post, we talked about preparing your little ones for family photos. And today we’re going to talk about how I keep the little ones laughing during a family session. Capturing kid’s genuine laughter and joyful expressions during a photoshoot can create some of the most heartwarming and memorable photos. However, making kids laugh on cue isn’t always easy. Here are some of the things I do to keep the little ones laughing during a family session.

1. Start with a Warm-Up

I like to introduce myself to each kiddo, ask them their name, their age and show genuine interest in them. After that, we do some ice-breaking activities such as play a running game, or have a little dance-off. Warming up can help the kids relax and get into a playful mood, making it easier to capture those genuine laughs.

2. Being goofy

Kids respond well to humor. You may see me making funny faces, silly sounds, and just acting right out goofy to elicit laughter. I encourage parents to do some of that, too. The more fun we’re having, the more likely they are to join in.

3. Props & Toys

Props and toys can be a great way to keep kids entertained and amused. I ask parents to bring an aesthetically pleasing, small toy that their child loves. I myself have a few toys that call baby’s attention to look into the camera. Often times I use our surroundings too – by asking a little girl to find and smell a flower, or by having a boy fetch me a stone, etc.

4. Play Interactive Games

I bring games that involve movement and interaction to the session. simple games like “Simon Says,” “Peek-a-Boo,” or a tickle fight can produce genuine laughter within the family. Sometimes I have the parents chase the kids around. These games make the session enjoyable for the little ones, and I absolutely love the sweet candid shots I get as a result.

5. Keep the Session Short and Sweet

Kids have short attention spans, so I try to keep the photoshoot brief. I Aim for a 30-60 minute session with breaks if needed. A shorter, fun-filled session is more likely to keep their energy and laughter high. I photograph all the involving the littles first, offering a small break while I capture other family combinations, and the parent’s photos are usually left for last so the kids are free to relax or play when they are done.

6. Stay Patient and Positive

Patience and a positive attitude are key. If your kids aren’t laughing right away, don’t get discouraged. Let’s Keep the mood light and continue trying different techniques. Our positivity will be contagious and help create a joyful atmosphere.

Making kids laugh during a photoshoot is all about creating a fun, relaxed, and engaging environment. By incorporating humor, playfulness, and their favorite activities, I can capture those precious, genuine moments of joy. Remember, the best photos often come from natural interactions, so let the kids be themselves and enjoy the process. Can’t wait to shoot your next family session!