Kids/Child Session

Children Session Tips

Your Child Portrait Session will last one hour and includes any additional Family Members. I suggest bringing 1-4 outfit changes, any specialty items you may have, a drink and snack if needed, hair bows, hats, sunglasses, necklaces, headbands, etc.

Preparing your child for their portrait session is the first step in creating a portrait you will treasure forever.  Here are a few simple steps you can take at home to help me help you when you bring your child to the studio.

Relax .... sounds too simple to work but when a parent is nervous or apprehensive, children (especially under the age of 4) tend to get nervous and apprehensive right along with them.  So take a deep breath.

What to wear ....  I've found one thing to be true...they tend not to be real formal people.  This is not to say a new Easter outfit wouldn't be good or that it has to be in jeans, but keep it comfortable.  Here are a few little tips that can help you select an outfit that will both photograph well and have a happy child in it:

· Keep it simple.  The more complex the outfit the more likely it is that part of it will be out of place during the session.  Children are not miniature adults...they tend to move a lot more.

· Make your child the star of the show.  In other words, select an outfit that doesn't compete with your child for attention when you look at the image.  Strong primary colors are great on traffic lights because they grab your attention but they're not good on children because you have trouble looking at the child.  The same is true of high contrast outfits (e.g. light top with dark pants or vise versa) such as black and white together.  As a rule of thumb, put light colors together and put dark colors together...mid-tones can go alone or with either light or dark.

· Patterns are fine if they are very subdued...a strong pattern competes with your child for attention.  Clothing is replaceable...children are one of a kind.

· Shoes are optional...don't spend a great deal of time searching for the perfect shoes.  In most cases I prefer bare feet and so do the children.  Simply put, I'd much rather see cute little toes than the bottom of a shoe.

· Hats...are great but to avoid crushing their hair or making them mad, bring it and I will add it toward the end.

 Totally confused yet?  Don't be...these are not carved in stone rules...they're just suggestions.  If you're not sure, just bring 3 or 4 things and we'll help you pick the ones that will photograph best.

What to expect .... When most people arrive at the studio, they need a moment to get settled in.  That's why we plan on taking the first 10-15 min. to let you get comfortable and let your child get comfortable with me.  This is play time but it's important because it lets your child get comfortable with me and it lets us see what kind of things your little one reacts to.  During this time, the best thing to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the show...the silliness is about to begin.  Remember, it's okay to arrive a few minutes early but avoid coming too early because in most cases there's a session scheduled before you and we don't want to use up your child's patience just waiting.

 Bribes ....  I'm not above a little bribery as a last resort but we caution parents not to start with a bribe.  In other words don't promise a special treat or trip if they're "good' while they're here.  A properly placed bribe is a thing of beauty and can be highly effective if done at the right time.  As a general rule...let us bring up the bribes and you can save yours as a last resort...it's rarely needed but nice to know it's there just in case.