My kids are like most kids their age, I think. We talk about events and outings before we go, and they get really excited about the prospect of that thing. They prattle on endlessly in the car, about wherever we’re going, the people we will see, how the event will play out.

Then as soon as we arrive, it’s like they forget they’re people, and they freeze like deer. They barnacle onto my legs, or beg to be picked up, tripping me and pinching the inside of my thighs with their little death grips. It doesn’t even really matter how many times we’ve seen someone, or how well we know them. It’s not a question of IF they will barnacle, but rather for how long.

The environment has a lot to do with the length of time (if we’ve been there before, if it’s a comfortable place for them), but even with long-time friends and family, no amount of coaxing can unbarnacle (just made up a word) them from my legs or arms until they’re ready to do it on their own.

You might relate. Especially when you take your kids to an unfamiliar location, with an unfamiliar lady holding unfamiliar equipment. They definitely can’t get out of the car and immediately start smiling for photos.

That’s totally expected, though. That’s why sessions are scheduled for an hour, so we have time to let little kids (and even big kids and adults) warm up to the idea of a stranger with a strange camera. I offer the option of holding the session in or around your home, so the location is familiar and comfortable (which is really half the battle).

I like to start the session just by chatting with the family, with the camera in my hand. How has your day been, or what do you have planned for later? What did you have for breakfast this morning? I ask questions that the kids can understand, could anticipate the answer to, that they could answer themselves if they wanted to. They hear us chatting about ordinary daily life, with details that include them, and the little snap-click of my shutter starts to be part of the conversation, too. Pretty soon they’re looking at the camera, and maybe even smiling as I make funny faces at them.

In the meantime, I get to document the barnacling (made up another word): how they snuggle into you, cling to your neck, and grab your arms, legs, hair, face… all the little ways they find comfort in their mom. Those are the sweet moments you’ll both want to remember when they’re older.

So as much as you might feel the urge to encourage them to let go and be ready for the camera, instead relax and embrace the moment. Comfort them the way only their mama can, and let me worry about getting the photos. There doesn’t need to be any pressure.

Ready to schedule a spring session? I’m booking April and May now. Schedule a call and let’s chat about your family’s photo needs.