Young Family Christmas Photos//Orange County Family Photographer

Four solid recommendations that I can come up with to get rad family photos:

1.)  Have an activity planned. It takes the kids attention away from the camera and lets them interact with the parents naturally.  

2.)  Don't pressure your kids to smile, laugh or look at the camera.  It will happen and you probably won't even notice it during the session.

3.)   Bribery.  Always have something in your back pocket, that is literal and metaphorical.  Put some candy, snacks whatever your youngster likes in your back pocket to keep them going strong through the session(avoid things that stain their teeth or take ten years to chew, however).  Older kids and teenagers are little trickier, but promise them something for after the session.  Whether it be their favorite restaurant, desert, or a trip to a favorite store, it is something that will keep them engaged.  For babies I recommend something to get them to look at the camera(rattle, favorite toy, jumping like a maniac behind me, baby talk etc.).   

4.) Enjoy the session.  This isn't the days of Sears and JCPenney.  You are out walking around in a beautiful location.  It's no different than most family outings, there will be some tears, bickering, impatience etc., but you will overlook all of that when you see your families beautiful smiles.  

-Andrew Helwich

Orange County, Los Angeles and surrounding areas family photographer.