"Finally, Photos that show your kids smiling & looking at the camera. (we know... Impossible.)"

Changing our perspective as parents on how children should behave in a photoshoot might help at your next family portrait session! Making it a memorable one that will bring a smile when you hang it on the wall.

The art of listening to our kids is becoming clouded as technology evolves and sprinkles addictive traits that make it nearly impossible to put the tablet or phone away for both parents & the kids.

Before anyone raises their eyebrows, I love technology and full disclosure- I'm in all social media platforms. With that said, let's continue on the journey to make your session, a memorable one.

Rule # 1. It's all about creating the right energy for the ambiance that you are looking to get in your photos. It is important to create your own happy atmosphere in order to project all that positivity & happiness to the camera. In Izzy's photoshoot we assured him that snacks, music, along with his favorite stuffed animal would be with him throughout the photo session. However, our key item for the ambiance was for him to choose his favorite outfit & props. Which happens to be a full-blown tuxedo with a homburg hat. That's right a homburg hat, this kid has a bright future.

Rule # 2. Let kids be kids. Please don't expect kids to become Drill Marines after a million grams intake of sugar. If the kids have a high presence of glucose levels, the best remedy here is to have them run laps around the park or do a push up & sit up competition. This will enhance a healthy rich tonality color to your kids face. As a photographer my favorite activity is to be part of this competition and snap improv photos to ease in the presence of the camera.

Rule # 3. Patience. Let me repeat that "PATIENCE" if there is one item to take away it is patience. Patience, provides the following: Improved relationships (how excellent is that?), Better decision making (choosing the right photographer?), Reduces stress (much needed for a photoshoot!), Increased productivity (time is money & money is time), Resilience (never giving up on a photoshoot?), the list goes on. I'm sure the point is understood, patience.

Rule #4 Expectations. Prior to photographing Izzy-Owen, I provided a list of items to his parents introducing the idea of a photoshoot that would take place. My task as a photographer is to communicate an idea and potential outcomes. Similar to going to the Olympics, the mind must be trained to understand that performance is a must and expected from kids.

Usually, this conversation can go like this: Photographer "Izzy what's a favorite thing that you can't live without? Penguins, Izzy replied. Good, if you want to see that penguin again you are going to need to focus really hard!" Done, expectations are set. In all seriousness, explaining to kids how much it means to their parents to capture the pictures is important and makes a big difference. They feel involved and have some sense of direction, most importantly they feel in control. Talk to your kids :) say yes to photoshoots!

Rule #5 Boundaries. Without them we would live in a world of despair. I promised Izzy that we would pause at any moment he wished & whenever a snack, water or a break was needed- he was directing the photoshoot. I also promised him a feast following the photo session! The best chicken "nuggies" in the world were going to be served on the lunch table with a complimentary side of ranch. It is true, not all photographers are created equal and generous as I am (full disclosure: lunch expense was included in the invoice. Work smart, not hard). Boundaries are important! How long is the photo shoot, how many meltdowns allowed, etc.

Rule #6 Last & final rule, have fun! It's all about enjoying life and living every movement to it's fullest! As cliche & silly as this may sounds, I don't think this is practiced enough! Tell your kids how awesome they look! Give them confidence & positivity! Less yelling, more cheering! This world will thank you for it & is much needed.

Izzy was surveyed & his feedback is tremendously & greatly appreciated. He wanted to voice-out his favorite part of the photoshoot, which were the photos with the espresso cup filled up with the finest quality H20 from the mountains of Fuji. The most dreadful part of the photoshoot was receiving confusing directions from the photographer on how high or low the newspaper should have been held. The conversation went something like this: Izzy, Higher... no, Lower... No... Higher... No... Lower.... Wait.... No higher.... No Lower.... "Jesus Christ, Joseph, Mary and all the disciples, Yes... Perfect.

I wish everyone reading this article much success & health, but most importantly patience. Because without them, perfect photos like Izzy's would not exist and if you continue to doubt if you will ever have amazing photos of your own kids. Yes, it can be done.