The moment someone says everyone look at the camera and smile, the smiles disappear. After years of photographing families on Bonaire, here are ten tips I share with every family before their session.
1. Arrive with Buffer Time
Running late adds stress, and stress shows in photos. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Children settle faster, parents breathe slower, and we ease into the shoot.
2. Let Kids Be Kids
The best family portraits often happen between the posed shots. A child tugging a hand, siblings whispering, a toddler pointing at a bird. Your job is to be present with them, not to control them.
3. Plan Around Nap and Snack Times
A hungry or tired child is a difficult subject. Schedule your session well away from nap time and bring a small snack.
4. Talk Up the Location
Tell your children you are going to the beach or the lagoon, not to get photos taken. Children who are exploring have the most genuine expressions.
5. Do Not Beg for Smiles
Tickling, silly sounds, asking children to name their favourite superpower always works better than asking for a smile. Trust me to bring out the real expressions.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothes
If your outfit pinches or makes you self-conscious, it will show. Choose clothing you feel genuinely good in.
7. Skip the Heavy Styling
Natural hair photographs beautifully in the Caribbean breeze. Overly stiff styles do not survive wind and humidity anyway.
8. Trust the Process
There will be a moment where you think this is chaos. This is normal. Some of my most beloved portraits come from the messy, unplanned moments.
9. Switch Off Your Own Camera
When parents pull out their phone, children look at the wrong lens. For one hour, let go and be fully present.
10. Relax and Enjoy It
Children mirror their parents energy. When you are relaxed and playful, they are too. The session is an experience, not a performance.
Reserve your date here – golden-hour slots fill up fast.