5 Secrets to Stress-Free Family Photography in Hong Kong (From a Stepmom Who Gets It)
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It's Saturday morning in Hong Kong. Piano lessons at 10am, football at 2pm, and somewhere in between you're supposed to get family photos done. Your kids are already complaining about the heat, and you're wondering how to fit this into your packed schedule. Sound familiar? As a stepmom to two energetic boys in Hong Kong, I've been there – and I've learned exactly how to turn photo chaos into magic.
If you're preparing for family photography in Hong Kong with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children don't always make things easy - trust me, I know! Here are five secrets that will make your next Hong Kong family photo session seamless.
1. Don't make a huge deal out of it.
If you're stressed out, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Generally kids will be more relaxed if you're having fun during your family photography session.
You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace - like letting your energetic son carry around his favourite toy car because he won't go anywhere without it. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.
Don't forget we are creating memories, capturing your Hong Kong family as they are right now.
2. Make your family photo session fun.
I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't enjoy helping plan and direct the session - whether it's selecting a location as we wander together through Hong Kong or giving them a chance for a silly face or to do a big jumping pose.
Letting them have fun or feel in control helps get the balance of the natural photos you're craving, the silly photos they want, and a few grandparent pleasers.
When in doubt, my years of experience with families and now raising my two step-sons means I have lots of fun games up my sleeve to keep them engaged and make the whole session feel seamless.
3. Be prepared. A few things to think about for seamless family photography in Hong Kong.
Timing is everything in Hong Kong. Let's work around your busy weekend schedule - those piano lessons, football practice, and family activities. We'll also plan around Hong Kong's heat and crowds by scheduling during cooler morning hours or golden hour timing when the light is beautiful and temperatures more comfortable.
Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes long, and we'll plan together to make sure your family is prepared and ready.
Let's plan the session around nap and meal times - no one is happy when they're hangry!
Try to pack light but keep the essentials - water & snacks. Snacks go a long way to keeping kids engaged and encouraging them along.
If your domestic helper usually joins family outings and you'd like her included, that's wonderful! We can make time to capture a few special photos with the woman who helps your family the most in Hong Kong.
If you're planning to bring a stroller, let me know so I can plan our route accordingly.
4. Be patient. Great family photos come to those who trust in the process.
Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much.
The best family photography often comes from letting kids explore and do their own thing during our Hong Kong adventure.
You can see how picking the right location often helps everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed.
5. Have a chat with me & with your children before the family photo session.
In my pre-session questionnaire, I ask Hong Kong families to share special interests or details about their children.
This helps me prep for the session and have topical conversations to distract and engage your children during our family photography experience.
Favourite toys, movies, after school activities are all great things to share.
This, along with telling your children leading up to the session that we're going to meet mummy and daddy's friend Nicole and she's going to take special photos of us, will get us all off on the right foot and help make your Hong Kong family photo session seamless.
As always, if you are looking for more guidance or interested in booking your own family photography session in Hong Kong, please get in touch!