The magic of reading during your family photo shoot

5 reasons to include books and reading in your family photos

If you are reading this, you are probably considering a family photo shoot. I know all the different concerns that my clients have before their session. And one of them is - what do we do, how do we get those images with genuine moments and real emotions? During my 7 years doing family photography I've discovered one activity that always works - it's reading books with your kids. There are so many good reasons why integrating books and reading into your lifestyle family photoshoot can bring a touch of magic, warmth, and togetherness, while capturing beautiful and candid moments along the way. Below I'll let you know the top 5. 

Let's get started!

1. Reading with your kids is great for those who might feel uncomfortable in front of the camera

Because you do what you usually do - you sit down, take a book and read. You don't need to worry what to do with your hands - they are holding a book, or both the book and the little person on your lap. You relax and enjoy the story, so you forget about the camera - you don't have to look at it anyway because it's the book you have to look at! In the meantime, the photos happen!

2. Works for all ages of kids - and not only kids!

You read to your older kids while holding a sleeping baby. Then you read to your toddler, who's trying to chew the book at the same time, or tearing it from your hands because she or he wants to read herself/himself. Often holding the book sideways or upside down, following the lines of letters with their chubby fingers and looking for familiar animals. Then the next stage, when you have a more attentive listener, then a beginning reader. At first very slowly and carefully, then more confidently, with great articulation and making pauses in all the right places for you to laugh. 

It does not stop there. Older kids - more interesting books, showing personal interests and preferences, this is where it gets exciting! It's also a great option for some natural photos with grandparents, who might not have the energy for running around the park and playing - but will gladly sit on a bench and read to their grandkids or listen to them read.

3. Reading will naturally bring real emotions and laughter to your photographs

Everyone stays close together and listens very attentively - so you get a wide range of emotions, tender moments, concentration and attention, smiles and laughter, frowns and shouts of surprise, depending how the story goes. 

4. You can do it anywhere, and it adds amazing diversity to your photos

At home piled up on the sofa, outside in a park, during a picnic, in bed, under a tree or on a tree - the options are endless! Does not matter where it happens, reading always brings more diversity to a family photo session - it's a change of activities between games, running and exploring - a quiet moment together. You can decide to involve everyone, or only part of the family in reading (if a baby needs changing for instance, and one of the parents is busy with it). You can make it kids-only moment, or also involve grandparents. And, you can decide to read one book together, or everyone gets their own!

5. Reading brings unique touch and makes your family photos even more special

It's all about the book - most favourite of yours or your child, the one that marks the season, or the one with a story that really impressed you, a gift from someone very dear, or also a favourite story from your own childhood. A simple thing with so many messages, it tells a lot about your family, your interests and values, your unique style and family dynamics.

Like what I do? While you are here, get in touch, let's chat about photos of your family, and books!

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