6 Tips to Prepare Small Children for Pictures with Father Christmas
How to Prepare Small Children for Pictures with Father Christmas
It’s not quite Christmas without the obligatory pictures with Father Christmas and if this is the first time your baby or toddler will be having their photo taken with Saint Nicholas, it’s particularly exciting. However, if your child isn’t great with strangers, you might be feeling a bit concerned about whether you’ll be able to get any good photos at all – these tips should help make the experience more pleasant.
Before the Shoot
Tip 1 - Get your child excited.
When a child sees Father Christmas in real life for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming. The hat, the bright red suit and a giant white beard can all be a little too much for some children. However, by getting them excited and showing them what to expect, the whole process might go a little smoother. Watch a few Christmas movies or read them a book about it to get them acquainted.
Tip 2 - Visit in advance
Another way to get your little one used to the idea of Santa is to visit the location the day before your photo shoot so that you can show your child what Santa looks like, and what they can expect during the meeting.
The Day of the Shoot
Tip 3 - Get there early
Standing in a long line full of hyper children can be stressful for you and your child, so it’s best to get there early if you can. Plus, seeing Father Christmas earlier in the day will ensure you see him at his jolliest.
Tip 4 - Work around your child's schedule
Obviously, if getting there early is going to interfere with your child’s naptime or snack time, you’ll want to work around that. A well-rested child who has a full tummy is likely to be more amiable.
Tip 5 - Be ready to be in the photographs
If your child is feeling nervous, you should be prepared to be included in a shot or two to get them to feel comfortable. This means making sure you arrive photo ready just in case.
Tip 6 - Keep calm and go with the flow
Many parents are disappointed when their child doesn’t pose for photos, but this is something you can’t predict or avoid so it’s best just to roll with it and enjoy the experience as much as you can. And anyway, pictures of your little ones dislike of Father Christmas will be a talking point for the future!
I hope you find these tips useful. If you would like any more information about booking EBM Photography for a shoot or an event, then drop me a message here. Or sign up to receive more tips direct to your inbox.