Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Last year was a nightmare. My older daughter was fine but my normally well behaved 4 yr old flipped out on the photographer. I am so stressed about this year. Honestly, the photog was great but my kid was just not having it. I was shocked. She even threw a jumbo ornament prop and the poor photog. I swear she is a pretty chill kid but I fear a repeat this year.
Anyone else have a normally well behaved kid FLIP out during pictures? I am dreading this year UGH

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Oh you are definitely not alone! I am already getting hives thinking about getting my 2 year to sit for her pictures. She too broke ornaments last year but she was only 16 months so I think it was excusable last year. She never ever sits for pictures. For my younger dd newborn pictures she was a nightmare, running all over the photographers house. I decided just to try getting their Christmas pictures at BRU this year because I can't see spending a lot of money and wasting a photographers time when I know my dd has no attention span for taking pictures. All I want is one single photo of my two girls together, one in which neither is crying and if at all possible they are looking in the same direction.

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

This thread has potential

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Posted by brownie

This thread has potential

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

My DD went through a phase last year where she just refused to take pics, she would run away and hide. Needless to say, she was beyond awful last year for her Xmas pics, we ended up leaving with not a single pic. I was mortified........I never saw her behave that way in my life. As soon as we left, she was fine. She just did not want her picture taken for whatever reason.

Anyway, this year she is obsessed with having her picture taken, go figure, but I am skipping the professional pics. I ended up getting some beautiful pics of her myself last year after her professional pic meltdown so I will just take them again this year. It's just easier, I know how she'll behave with me so it's less stress.

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Last year dd was a nightmare at JCPenny. With her cousins too. She would not sit for anything. She was awful. Crying screaming, nothing i gave her worked. Part had to do with the wait time, over 1 hr with an appt, and the photographer was not friendly or helpful. My nephew did more work than she did. haha

This year we are doing it with a real photographer in hopes it will be less stressful haha. I hope it works better

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Which is why I just can't do it.
I can't take her to any of the places like Target, Picture People, etc- because i know she will NOT sit up there and smile for a stranger.
She gets very clingy in situations like that.

And as far as hiring someone for a private session- same thing. I worry she will not sit for them, or act out, and I will have wasted a LOT of money.

So it's me and my camera. And I have to tell you, I got some GREAT ones last year. Tons of compliments on my card.

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

This is why I kept my 2yo in the stroller for the pictures last year :) He hates to take pictures and won't except bribes. We got one decent shot but definately stressful

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Posted by brownie

This thread has potential

Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Many kids at a certain age will not - or do not react well to studio sessions. Its why you see so many outdoor sessions for minis now. This is really where a professional photograph will guide you to what will be best for your child based on your honesty of how he/she behaves and their age. As mentioned some children become shy - that is where a photographer needs to work with the child to get them be comfortable but at times (been there) it doesn't work. Sometimes shy kids need more than 20-30 min photo session to be engaged.

I will also add are you waiting for thirty minutes in a waiting room, are you rushing to get to a mini session, or you stressed? A lot falls on the circumstances leading up to a photo session. IF your in a waiting room for thirty minutes your child ain't going to be happy to sit for another thirty minutes. If your panic stricken getting ready for a photo shoot with outfits, dragging everyone in the car during the child's nap time, your kid will not be happy for photos. Also, sometimes a bad day happens - it happens to everyone, a pro will reschedule if possible because honestly they want the photos to be just as amazing as you want them. I will add lastly, people also need to understand what a perfect photo is in your head might not be a perfect photo for your family. I see the example of both children looking and smiling at the camera - yea that is cute but how about them both being happy and just engaging with themselves or with you? Sometimes those images are the most pleasant experiences for your child and family. They are also the most incredibly beautiful shots instead of forcing them to look at the camera and say cheese which is just in the end cheesy.

Message edited 10/18/2012 12:15:09 PM.

Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

I don't think it's a drama thread - not sure where that came from...

My DS started opening the present prop at PIcture People - they didn't have any back up wrapping paper either so they were rude about it. I offered to go buy them a roll and re-wrap the present!

This year, I'm going to try to take it myself.

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

Posted by Katareen

Posted by brownie

This thread has potential

Ummmm....why???? Lol

Re: Kids flipping out getting xmas pics

I'm just gonna let my 2yo use my ipad during it, so what if it's on our xmas card? .

But seriously, we are going on sat. and I'm nervous.

I booked jcpenny- if we don't get a single decent shot is it rude for me to say thank you but not purchase? Do people do that?