All I want is for them to be looking in the camera together. ‘Is this too much for a mother to ask?’ This is where my desperation grows, and I get a bit Nazi/Freak like.

This calls for Bribe Number Three…eggnog. I look Blaze right in the eyes, and I say, “Blazey, do you want some yummy eggnog?” He lights up for a second, and I shoot. Now he’s mad because I asked him a question and left him hanging while I shot more photos. “Blazey, momma will give you some yummy eggnog if you sit with sissy for five more photos. Can you do that? It’s the “yummy” eggnog.” His sister is salivating next to him, and she’s sold. “C’mon Blaze! Have a good attitude so we can get back inside and drink eggnog,” argues Pascaline. And for whatever reason he buys it!

In the end, I decide against this shot for our family Christmas card photo. Brian asks me why. “They look too perfect. Too cutsie looking.” He shakes his head and makes a wise move…leaves the room. 🙂

BTW, Blazey got his eggnog!

Exercise for “Bribing Your Kids for a Christmas Photo!”

1. Dress the kids up warm and get outside. I love the wool coats, hats, gloves, scarves, you name it for the Family Christmas Card Photo. The kids are probably cabin feverish with this crazy weather so load them up with a cheerio snack, and let them get some cold air in their lungs (seems to calm them down). Plus, you can’t go wrong with the natural lighting!

2. After a couple shots, move the kids to a chair. Whenever I’m taking shots of a couple children at one time, I like to have them sit. Keeping their bottoms stationary keeps all their wiggles at bay. 🙂

3. Be prepared for them to hate this whole thing. That’s when you break out Bribe Number Two! Pick a simple bribe that isn’t messy (stay away from cookies or granola bars that get sticky). Keep it a simple, novel snack item, something they can’t have every day or any time of day. Vitamin gummy bears twice in one day was a HIT with these two. 🙂 (It’s always the little things!)

4. Focus on trying to get them both looking in the direction of the camera. Have a friend or spouse snap their fingers or jingle their keys right above the hood of your lens. Here are some more tips on having someone help you!

5. Shoot away! When they start to meltdown, bring out the last attempt, Bribe Number Three! My kids don’t usually buy a fourth bribe, so I make that last one count. And I tell them “five more shots” but of course I have my camera setting on multiple shots, so with every time I hold the shutter down I get at least five shots. (i guess that makes it more like 25 more shots :)…so bad!)

6. Be okay with not having all of you in the shot if your little ones are under four. I’ve done so many family portrait sessions, and it’s so hard for children to look right in the camera when every one else is. I think it’s better to capture them, keep them from getting super stressed, and let go of people seeing you in the shot for a few more years (just my opinion).

7. Last, but most important, hang in there. Look for those quick moments of joy. Even though the kids were NOT into this photo session with mom, there was this brief moment where they got really goofy. I ended up picking one of those for our Christmas photo. The silly joy on their faces makes me think of this season in their life. Yes, they fight. Yes, they throw tantrums. But they’re also REALLY silly at times, and these moments make me smile. As they grow their humor will change, and I love that our family Christmas card photo totally represents the silliness of the age they are. The silly moments come and go fast so be ready and if you miss it, no worries, you’ll be that much better at catching it the next time.

I’d love you see your results after bribing your kids for a family Christmas card photo!  Post them to my Facebook page, I’d love to give you feedback!

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