Laughter is the Best Medicine and Makes the Best Photographs! | Xenia Family Photographer | Dayton Family Photographer

Hi, friends; I’m a Xenia Family Photographer! One of the most common things I hear from parents when they are scheduling their family session is “I hope my children behave!” And I totally get it! But to be honest with you, that’s one thought that I personally never have! Here’s the thing- kids are going to be kids! So, we go with the flow here. No worries! My goal during a session is to get you all laughing; it’s good for the soul and it’s great for your pictures!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

There’s a reason why people say that “laughter is the best medicine.” Laughter boosts your immune system. It’s good for your heart, it lowers your stress hormones, and it can even help you to live longer! It’s also good for your mental health- it triggers the release of endorphins and makes you feel good!

But best of all, laughter brings you closer to others! Especially when you’re laughing together. It’s a bonding experience! Science also shows that our most vivid memories are tied to moments of heightened emotion, whether sad or happy. So, the more you laugh, the happier you will feel, and the more vivid your memories of this moment will be! And when you look back at these pictures in the future, when your kids are no longer little, you will feel an intense reaction when you see them! It will be like you’re right back there in the moment with them!

Xenia Family Photographer Session Tips

First and foremost, we keep the session fun and carefree! The best pictures happen when you’re laughing, especially as a family! So, I will let your little ones run around and be silly. This is the easiest way to keep the mood light and yours spirits bright! Laughter is contagious, once you start, soon enough everyone will be laughing too! I’ll take full advantage and snap lots of great photos for your family.

I focus on getting your children to be laugh and have fun because if they are having fun, then they are going to smiling and if they are smiling, then that is going to make some amazing photos!! If you have active children, don’t worry! I have some great active posing prompts (like the run and hug!) that will allow them to move but still get great photos! And if your kids are more reserved, then I have some funny little tricks to try!

Laughter Makes for the Best Photos

I also highly recommend prepping your kids beforehand so that they know what the expectations are for the session. Kids like routine and predictability, so we will do our best to give them that. Of course, if this is a new experience for them or if it’s your family’s first time working with me, then your kids might be shy or reserved at first. So, we take the first few minutes slow, and let them get used to me and the camera. Before long, they won’t mind the new circumstance and they’ll relax and have fun.

I recommend bringing along bribes, too- candy or little snacks is usually a big hit. Something like bubbles is a fun option too; I’ve never met a child who didn’t love bubbles! Usually, they chase them around and try to catch them. This always gets everyone laughing!

I follow the lead of the children. If your kids want to run, we run! If they want to be held and snuggle, then you hold them and snuggle! Tickling is a good bet here too; it’s hard not to laugh when you hit the right spot!

Laughter with the Last Resort | Xenia Family Photographer

If I notice that I have a little one that is shy and doesn’t really want to smile, I have a few silly tricks up my sleeve. I have a small arsenal of silly jokes and silly faces, as well as posing prompts (usually involving running or throwing your child up into the air, sometimes tickling!).

But usually, all I have to do is ask something silly… like “Did you just toot, Mommy?!” They are instantly laughing saying, “No, no, no!” It just lightens the mood for everyone- Mom, Dad and children! This is ridiculous, I know! But kids always think this is hilarious and hopefully you realize by now that we will do whatever it takes to get the whole family laughing and get some amazing pictures.

If you’re looking for a Dayton area or Xenia Family Photographer, then I would love the opportunity to laugh with your family! Reach out to me here to get started.

Talk soon, Janelle

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