Are your kids heading back to school tomorrow? Mine started last week, and before they were delivered to their school, they were photographed. I see on social media, that many of us have this tradition. In order to have great results, here are three tips for those early morning photo sessions:

1. Put the kids in the shade. Your prize winning roses might be the best backdrop for your back-to-school photos. But, if those flowers are in the sun in the morning, think of plan B. Most kids wilt, squint and complain in the sun. To snap up better results from them, keep them comfortable. Change your angle if you need to avoid your neighbor's bloomers hanging on the clothes line. Get low or stand over your kids to get rid of unnecessary background.

2. Don't say "smile." During photo sessions I hear parents say to their children, "Don't smile like that." Mostly they are referring to that crooked jaw, squinted eye thing kids do to get the photo taken so they can get back to playing. To grab some natural photos of your kids, talk to them from behind the camera. Ask them who their teachers will be, who they are excited to see, ask about their secret crush... If that isn't working- go for the king daddy of all kid humor: bodily functions. If you surprise your children from behind the lens, they will surprise you with their results.

2. Allow the kids to show their emotions. If your child is apprehensive, afraid or nervous- there's no reason to force a "perfect" photo. Have them give you an action based on how they feel. Let them jump, shout, put their arms up or hide behind their sibling if that's how they feel. Sure, we all hope to capture that perfectly smiling photo, but it's a big day for the kids. Allow their feelings. If you can't get them to smile before the big day, have your camera ready when you pick them up- they will have a whole new set of emotions to offer when they get to see you again!

Whether you're excited or sad to see the kids go back to school this year, I wish you peace and productivity!

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