Photo sessions with kids are great! They’re so vibrant and full of life – capturing their personalities is easy! Little ones are my favorite models to work with, but sometimes they need some incentive to look at the camera, smile, or pose. Here are some “bribes” to bring to your next family session with your little ones!
Candy and Snacks
This is always my go-to with kids when parents allow for it! Giving them a part of candy or snacks in exchange for good behavior and smiles is a great way to motivate kids to participate! This works best with older kids who are able to understand the concept of bargaining. Babies don’t comprehend this yet, so it's best to leave that to the older kiddos! Snacks like gummies, fruits, or pretzels work great since they are already in smaller pieces, but any snack that motivates them will work just fine.
Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Puppets
If your kiddo has a special toy, stuffed animal, or puppet they like, this is also a great option. This option is good for babies and toddlers but can work for all ages! This is good for the little ones because it can cause them to smile and look at the camera. One family used an orangutan puppet, which I held to get the baby’s attention. The pictures were amazing!
Anything they like!
Really, anything they like works for a bribe. The advice given may not help you in your specific case, but you know your kiddo best, so use that to your advantage, especially for those who understand the “if I do this, I get that” process. Noisemakers are also great for getting the attention of little ones. The possibilities are endless, but now you have a starting point and some ideas that you can use for your kiddo!
While kids are so fun and expressive, sometimes they need extra help cooperating. The tips above give you some ideas about what could be a good bribe for your kiddos! If you forget, don’t worry! I’ve got tricks up my sleeve!
