Creative tip 20: How to get your kids to say yes when they want to say no | London Children Photographer

It’s been nearly three months since my last creative tip and since I’ve done a “photoshoot” of my own kids. With a mother who has a camera to her face, my kids are pretty much fed up with my requests for snaps. But I’ve learnt something over the years. I’ve learnt the secret ingredients to making a good “cake”. For me and for my family. And I’m sharing them here.

I’ve been thinking for a while I’d like to get some photos of them in the bath. For several reasons. We have a small bathroom so it’s a challenge – water is involved and I fear for my gear. I wanted to experiment with how flash works in such a tight space. And I just want memories of their bath routine – frankly one of the worst and most demanding family routines for us! If my husband and I had our way, they’d have their baths only once a year.On Christmas Day.

So it’s a game of compromise with my kids. When I have an idea that has anything to do with photos, I mention it to them first, like it’s no big deal. It’s just an idea. Always, the first answer is a resounding NO. Sometime later I will mention it again. It’s still a NO, but this time I’d give them some reasons why I’d like to take their photos and why it’s important to me. I especially explain it to the oldest. They start to mellow. Often the younger ones just “follow” the eldest…

Then I listen to what they have to say. Most of the time, they want to strike a deal. In this case, they’d only agree to bath photos if they can wear their swimming costumes. Fine. If they can have lots of bubbles. Easy. If they can make sculptures with the bubbles. Please do. And make plenty.

And then I strike a better deal… If you play with the water this way instead of that way, not splash on each other too much, put your heads together and laugh and look happy etc etc… then you get to dry each other’s hair {instead of me doing it}

or watch something on TV…

And because you’ve been so so brilliant and great kids, you can have a treat! So there, everyone is happy with a little time, some patience, a win-win deal and an unexpected reward.

To see my posts on the Creative tips series, click here