Taking portraits of children and babies always always always presents its very own unique set of challenges, but it also always presents it’s own unique set of joys, as well as plenty of laughter (or at least it should).
Typically, your little one’s personality and good looks are what is going to make the picture most adorable and precious, but there are a few things that you can do to make the session easier & more enjoyable – not just for them but for you & me as well!
So, first and foremost – let me start off by just saying there are really no rules, well… except my rule that all rules go out the window. This means, quite simply, that all sleep schedules, feeding schedules, etc. go out the window. Fear not, throwing rules out the window for our 1 or 2 hour session will not completely sabatoge all your parenting efforts for the next 18 years. I promise. Essentially, my only request is that regardless of schedules, your rules or preferences at home, etc – that you tend to whatever needs that may arise. If they are hungry, we feed them. If they’re thirsty, they drink. If they want to be held, you hold them. It makes them happier, us happier, and results in better pictures. Really – a 10 minute snack break is better than trying to turn tears into smiles for 30 minutes. Which leads me to my next point…
Parents of children: even if you just ate, even if you’re on your way to eat… please bring NON colored snacks & drinks. And for the record, goldfish are not a non-colored snack! I promise your pictures are better without orange fingers and purple lips from goldfish & grape juice! Try not to pack too many activities into the day we’re doing our portraits, and that they get a good nights sleep (and nap if applicable) before portraits. You’ll be happier, they’ll be happier, I’ll be happier. In the event that they’re not perfect little angels (which I realize never happens), that’s ok… but beware I might mistake them for one of my own little heathens!
Along those same lines, I also understand that your children have likely never met me – and we will take some time to get to know each other. We will have fun, play games, and do a little running around. I pride myself on portraits that show their true personalities, not portraying perfectly well behaved children who are sitting perfectly still, with their hands folded in their lap. If that’s the look you’re hoping to achieve, I believe Sears is usually running a special! We will try to sneak in a few posed portraits and head shots, but we won’t make a huge fuss over it if they’re simply not in the mood for sitting still… it’s usually not in their nature, but we’ll do our best!
Leading up to the day of your portrait session – remind them that we’ll be taking pictures, and that we’re going to have a lot of fun. Allow them to bring their favorite toy, book, or keepsake. Tell them my name (it’s Angela, by the way!), and even show them the website if they’re old enough to enjoy looking at pictures.
And finally, don’t worry!