7 Tips to Help You Prepare Your Children for a Portrait Session

Hype it up

It’s all about mentally preparing them for your session. If they have an idea of what to expect and it’s framed as a positive experience, your child will be more relaxed on the day.

In the days leading up to your session talk to your child about what you’ll be doing, of the studio and the lady who’ll be taking their photo. Talk about the experience as if they’ll be visiting a friend and present the session as something fun; you can even get them involved in any planning and preparation.

You can also show them my about me page on my website where they can see what I look like along with my studio. That should help them feel less anxious and more relaxed for your session.

Keep clothing comfy

Tags in my own clothes can drive me nuts with irritation, and it’s often the same for kids. An uncomfortable outfit can make them irritiable and finicky, so ensure that they’re relaxed and happy in what they’re wearing. Trust me, I know you may have had your heart set on that adorable headband, but photos of a smiling child are better than those a miserable one in fancy clothes.

And on the subject of clothes, it’s recommended to bring a spare outfit just in case. Kids being kids, there’s always the chance of a spill or muddy knee so it’s best to be prepared.

Snacks & Naps

Hanger is real and it can quickly derail a family session. Try to ensure your little ones have had something to eat before your session- if they’re hungry, there’s no calming them down. You can also bring some non-messy snacks with to your session just in case. Don’t forget to bring bottled water with too, especially for a summer outdoor session.

Also try to book your session for after nap time. A well rested child is going to be a much happier child who’ll be more keen on having their photo captured. You don’t want photos of your little one all red-cheeked and miserable.

Prop it up

Every child has that one toy or book or shoe that is special to them- I know some mom read that last one and went ‘yup’. Bringing along that special item can make your child feel more comfortable and even including it in a few photos makes for a great memento too. You could also include a special keepsake or family heirloom, or any prop that you want to include. If you can’t think of anything, then it’s not necessary.

No cheese

Resist the urge and fight your first instinct of telling your child to smile or ‘say cheese’ or ‘no, give me a real smile’. It’s the number one way to get those forced smiles that you don’t want. What you do want are those sweet, genuine smiles where their whole face lights up.

So be silly; you can always stand behind me and pull faces, give me bunny ears with your hands, whatever gives your child the giggles. You can also let me know beforehand what makes them laugh so I can use it get the heartfelt smiles you want.

Give a bribe

There’s a reason I keep a jar of treats in my studio, when all else fails it’s hard for a child to say no to a sweet treat. It helps them stay focused on the session and more motivated to co-operate. You can also promise your child something special for after their session, like an ice cream, a small toy or anything your child loves.

Have fun

Children pick up on a vibe real quick. So if you’re anxious during the session or feel a bit stressed, they’re going to follow your cue. Take a deep breath, relax and trust that I’ve got this. If they throw a bit of a wobbly, please don’t stress it at all- I’ve probably seen worse from my own kids. At the end of the day, your photos are not just a record of what you look like, but who you are and what your children are like at that point in time.