5 Tips For Your Child’s Photography Session
Do you want 5 tips for your child’s photography session? We have all been there. It’s the day of your child’s photography session and he won’t sleep, she won’t eat, his hair won’t cooperate, she has a bump on his forehead. You name it, it happens and it seems like it is always on the day of your child’s photography session. Here I am going to help you muddle through some of those difficult situations and give you some practical ideas that will help you prepare for your next photography session.
Hire A Professional!
Professional photographers who know how to photograph children will make your session not only easier, but, the results of the session will be amazing. Many professionals will have at least one other person to help during the session. While one photographer is in charge of the camera, lighting and all of the technical parts of the session, the other photographer will be “playing” with your child and will help him become comfortable. After photographing children for a number of years – in our case over 30 – photographers who are experienced, become child “specialists” or almost “psychologists”. An experienced professional knows exactly how to get great results from your child. Don’t settle – hire a professional – it’s worth it.
Never Say “SMILE”!
Most children when told to smile will do so, but, many times it is forced and very unnatural looking. Professional photographers know how to get that smile without ever having to say the word. Also, some of those sweet natural expressions many times ends up being the most favorite expressions for many parents. Let your photographer handle it. Most photographers want one of the parents in the room, but, they prefer to photograph the child without the parents help. If the parents help is absolutely needed, the professional photographer will know when to ask the parent to step in. I know it is hard, but, let the professional handle it. Stay quiet. If you tell your child that their smile looks funny or their expression is wrong, they will be uncomfortable and will not give natural expressions. If you see that your child is not natural, pull your professional photographer aside and tell them quietly and privately so that your child does not hear.
Don’t Worry If Your Child Isn’t In The Perfect Mood
You may think your child is in a bad mood. Maybe they didn’t sleep well or maybe they didn’t eat as well as they normally do. Maybe they just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Whatever the case, your professional photographer should be able to coax that child into a great mood. They should be able to get wonderful response. By the end of the session, that child will want to stay and play with your photographer. Not only will the child give your photographer great expressions, but, you will be excited to see your previews. You will know that your photographer went the extra mile to get that great expression from your little one.
Schedule A Consultation/Play Date
If you have never worked with a particular professional photographer before, you will want to meet beforehand and ask if you can also bring your child. The way that most professional photographers will handle this meeting is by first talking with Mom and absolutely ignoring your child. Your child may think you are taking him or her to the Doctor. He will know that the photographer is not going to hurt them. Instead, the little one will find that we are there to have fun and play with them. Most consultations last only 15 to 30 minutes and can make a huge difference in the way your portraits turn out. During this time, discuss with the photographer clothing choices, backgrounds, type of session, etc. By the time you leave the consultation, you and your photographer will be on the same page and your child will be comfortable with the photographer that you have chosen.
Choose Carefully Clothing and Hairstyles
We Help With Clothing and Items to Include in the Portrait
In most cases, you will want to choose clothing that is complimentary, but, does not distract from your child’s beautiful face. When choosing really busy patterns or flowers, it will truly draw the eyes away from your precious little one. Clothing should be timeless. In other words, try not to pick clothing that is trendy. It might be cute today, but, twenty years from now you make look at your portrait and wonder what you were thinking. This doesn’t mean that you need to go buy a whole new wardrobe. Even jeans and/or overalls can be considered timeless. Jeans never go out of style. When you think about clothing, just remember that you want to be able to enjoy it today and 25 years from today. Follow this link to see great examples of timeless clothing. Hairstyles are also important. Be careful to choose bows or ribbons that are not too distracting. If the bow is larger than the child’s face, it will be distracting. Schedule haircuts at least a week before the portrait. Two weeks before the portrait is really preferred.
These 5 tips for your child’s photography session are just a few ideas to help you get your child ready for their professional portrait. Kevin and I would love to schedule a consultation with you and help you plan your perfect portrait session. You can contact us at 405.751.0004 or email kevin@whitakerimages.com.
Oh, and if you contact us within 7 days of receiving this email, we will be happy to offer you a half price session!
God bless you!
Carolyn Whitaker
Whitaker Portrait Design, Oklahoma City
