6 ways to get adorable (and stress-free) holiday pictures with your kids

By tweaking your professional photography session strategy, it can be a happier experience for everyone.
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Last year’s holiday card featured kids running off in two different directions—and that was after a dozens of attempts and a few tears on your part. But like the eternal optimist you are, you want to give it another go. The good news is that by tweaking your professional photography session strategy, it can be a happier experience for everyone. And, soon enough, the proof will be in that dreamy holiday picture you always wanted.
Here’s what to do, mama:
1. Plan outfits plus a backup
At least for you, planning coordinated outfits for the whole family is half of the fun. But your kids may have different feelings when they are instructed to get dressed in a stuffy shirt and bowtie. Give yourself the best chance of success with your selected outfit by giving them the chance to get comfortable in it in advance. If it still doesn’t go over well—or there is a last-minute stain crisis—keep an alternative on hand.2. Limit the distractions
If your kids are used to running wild outside, wrangling them for a picture likely isn’t going to be a pleasant experience for anyone involved. Consider moving the photo shoot indoors to a studio such as JCPenney Portraits , which is designed for the sole intention of capturing family photographs. As a major bonus, an indoor session means you don’t have to worry about proper lighting, which means you can schedule a time that’s conducive with naps and meals. (Tired and hungry are not good combinations for family pictures. Or anything, as you already know.)3. Pick a photographer who specializes in baby talk

4. Embrace your kids’ phases
By remembering the whole point of family pictures is to documents a moment in your lives, it should be that much easier to say, “Sure, he can hold onto his favorite teddy bear.” Happier kid. Happier mama. Happier memories. A bit harder to cope with when all you really want is a picture of your kids smiling? Accepting that it may not happen. As much as this may pain you while sending out this year’s round of holiday cards, know that your child’s unique expression will probably grow to be your favorite part of the whole picture.5. One word: snacks
Revisiting the point about how hungry kids don’t make for the best photography subjects, bring along your full arsenal of fuel. Now also isn’t the time to stick strictly to apples and carrots. If you think the promise of some fruit snacks will help them crack a smile, that seems like a worthy bribe.6. Give kids some creative control

To schedule your professional photography session today—book an appointment with the pros at JCPenney Portraits who can help you capture all the magic.