The Power of Bribery

Why Bribery is OK During Children's Photo Session-

Before

Picture day can be a very very stressful time if you have children. Finding the right outfit and a date that everyone is available on already causes you a headache. Once you have that down though, everything is smooth sailing. You have prepared everything to be perfect, and then your worst nightmare happens - your children wont cooperate. Even after you've coached them for the past two weeks and the entire car ride leading up to the session , then your kiddos still just aren't having it. You've tried all the usual tricks and nothing is working. Sounds terrible right?

After

Well I'm here today to save you from this nightmare, and help you prevent this from even happening. Behold the power of bribery. I know some people frown upon this, however they probably haven't tried to get a two-six , and a 10-year-old to sit in one position together, look at the camera and smile. It is no easy task! As a photographer, Im going to give you the green light and tell you that is OK to bribe your kids for the sake of good photos.

We have a very limited amount of time to get all the photos that you need, and I don't want you to be stressed out or feel crunched for time because little Timmy is having a meltdown , is hiding behind his hands the entire session or sticking his tongue out at me. So, I welcome bribery with arms wide open.

Happy Baby after she had her favorite drink.

Every child is different when it comes to bribery. They all have different personalities and like different things. Some children are motivated by candy, others cash. You just have to find out what works best for your children.

Here are some suggestions that I've noticed have worked.

• Candy or fruit snacks ,

• Favorite drinks like juice , chocolate milk etc.

• Dinner at their favorite restaurant after the session

• That awesome toy they been drooling over

• Extra screen time (tablet, Tv)

• A sleepover with friend

• Cash

• Extended play time

• They don't have to eat their veggies that night at dinner

• They don't have to do chores the next day

• Give them back a privilege that's been taken away the last time they were in trouble

While these are not the only options. I thought I'd give you a starting point to brainstorm your own ideas to help get your children to cooperate.