Top 5 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier

Family portrait season is upon us and trust me, I KNOW how stressful preparing can be.

If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins.  If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.

3. Be prepared.  If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic.

5.  Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.

Tips on Finding The Right Photographer for YOU

Photographers are not a “one size fits all” type of profession. Every photographer, like any artist, has their own style, niche, and services that they offer. This is why finding a family photographer can be a challenge. But—GREAT news, even if you and I don’t seem like the right fit, there IS a perfect photographer out there for you and I am here to help you find them! Are you a “bright and airy” lover? Are you looking for an event or wedding? Then most likely, I’m not the gal for you. And although it can suck to turn clients away, we all have our own niche and styles and I would be MORE than happy to send you to some of my talented colleagues. NOW—If you’re looking for a moody, maternity, newborn and family photographer who loves coffee and spending too much money on props—lets chat!!

Are you on the lookout for a new family photographer? I’ve put together some tips that might be able to help you narrow down your search to help you get exactly what you are looking for out of the photography experience.

Editing Style

What is the photographers editing style? I know from experience, that photographers spend HOURS learning and practicing their craft and, sometimes, it can even take them a while to find their own “style.” But once we find a style we love, we do nothing but work towards perfecting it! The way one photographer shoots, or even edits, will not be the same that another one does. If a friend recommends someone they love, but you aren’t too fond of their editing style, that doesn’t mean that photographer is “bad”, they are just not right for YOU. When searching for your perfect photographer, take a look at their portfolio. Do you love close ups? Candids? Does their style fit what you’re looking for? GREAT—you’re halfway there!

Price and Product Inclusions

Another big factor when it comes to booking a photographer and the part every parent usually dreads—PRICE. Packages can seem pricey and I know that it can seem scary, but look into what the photographer is offering. Do they have client closet for your to access for your session? Do they include props? Do you get products with your gallery? How long is a session? ALL photographers offer different packages and sometimes it can be confusing or overwhelming, but I promise you they are here to help guide you through. Some photographers offer a flat rate of $xxx and include all images, while others charge a session fee and offer products separately. Some offer one option, while others offer multiple. Its A LOT of information to process, but don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Before reaching out, you should have a set budget in mind. This will not only help the photographer help you find a package that fits your needs, but it will help you know exactly who to message and who no to message ahead of time. Do you want digitals only or do you want wall art and prints as well? Do you want all of your images, or only a few keepsake? There are all questions you should be asking yourself when on the hunt!

Location

Location location location!! Knowing where a photographer is based out of is clearly a very important fact to know. Are they close by? Are you willing to travel? Are THEY willing to travel? Make sure you ask yourself and your potential photographer some of these questions when inquiring. Do they have a studio? Do you WANT a studio location? Most photographers are open to suggestions on location, but some have specific places they love to stick with because they know the area. Voice to them the ‘vibe” you are going for and ask if they any locations they think can fit that!

As a photographer, I can promise you that we want all of our clients to get the absolute best experience out of their sessions. These are YOUR memories, so its important that you get exactly what you are are wanting! —And if I happen to check off anything off your list, or if you have any more questions more me—lets chat and get you set up!

Why You Should Invest into Our Baby Plan and Photograph Your Baby's First Year of Life

The first year of a child’s life is filled with so much growth. It’s incredible to watch your little one grow from a helpless newborn into a laughing, smiling toddler. Capturing the moments of their development as they happen allows you to hold on to memories that can seem so fleeting as they pass, but as parents of an infant, it can be challenging to remember to photograph the little everyday moments and memories that will mean so much to your family later.

That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular sessions with a professional photographer to capture your child’s growth, especially in their first year. Babies grow and change incredibly quickly, and you don’t want to miss a moment!

Our Baby Plan takes place after your newborn session and allows you to continue coming back for each of your child’s milestone at a discounted rate.

Sitter Session

After your child’s newborn session, it’s a great idea to schedule a session at around 5-8 months to capture all the changes they’ve gone through in that time. At this point, your baby should be able to push up on their arms and hold their head up, which is perfect for making eye contact with the camera. No more sleepy newborn poses! Your little one is showing off more of their personality every day and will be wide-eyed and alert during this session. Your photographer will be able to capture some adorable moments of your baby on their tummy, back or sitting up. Your baby may even be starting to crawl at this stage or scoot around on their bottom to move around the room. Before you schedule this session, be sure that your child can sit up unassisted to minimize the risk of them toppling over during the shoot. Even if they’re fairly steady though, you’ll want to be sure to be within arm’s reach, just in case! These are great photos to compare to your newborn images to see how much has changed in just a few months

First Birthday Session

Around a year is when you’ll notice major changes in your baby—they won’t seem like such a baby anymore! At this time, your child may begin to take their first steps and will be showing off new teeth in their smile. A one-year session is a great way to really capture your child’s personality, and it’s a chance to mark just how far not only your child has come, but how far you’ve come as a family. You’ve survived the baby months and are moving into toddlerhood—a new adventure all its own! These are also a great way to document their FIRST BIRTHDAY! First birthday sessions typically involve a theme chosen by the parents, a fun cake smashing, as well as some more posed, neutral portraits. Below are some examples of some fun themes I’ve done.

As your child grows, you’ll want to capture the changes in their appearance and their personality. But as the parent of a baby, trying to take regular photos of your little one is just another item added to your to-do list—and something you just may not have time for. To capture quality images to hang on the walls of your home and share with family and friends, schedule sessions with a professional photographer. That way, you get the beautiful photos you want, and your child will have images to look back on as they grow older.

"Do I really NEED newborn photos"

When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer, no one bats an eye, right? This is a huge milestone/event in your life that you wanna document forever, so you spend money and find a professional you love, to cherish this day. So why is it questionable when it comes to your BABY?! Your life is about to change, and I truly think it is SO important to document this time as your newborn will grow and change so fast. You created LIFE, a whole miniature version of yourself, shouldn't you want to document this milestone forever?!

As a mama of two beautiful babies and one angel baby, I look back their photos and can put myself back in those moments. I can remember every detail through photos, that otherwise may have been forgotten. The shape of their nose, the way they used to smile, etc. When you have a TANGIBLE item to look back on and hold in your hands, that once held them, it's priceless.

As someone who wishes she had more time and more photos of loved ones lost, to help spark those special memories, trust me when I say it's worth it.

The newborn photos are worth it. The milestone photos are worth it. The family photos with YOU in them, are WORTH IT

The Most Common Questions About Newborn Sessions

Children grow up so fast, and having photos of your little ones at their newest can help you remember years later how tiny they truly were.

As you’re preparing to welcome a new addition into your family, consider booking a newborn photo shoot to capture this wonderful moment in your life. And if you’re unsure what a newborn photo session entails, I’ve compiled this list of common questions parents have.

What’s the best age for newborn photos?

The ideal age for a newborn session is between 5 and 14 days. At this stage, babies still spend most of their time sleeping and often still snuggle up in positions that are similar to those they held in the womb. Remember that babies grow fast, and after two weeks, your little one will start stretching their arms and legs more and will be less comfortable with posing—and less likely to stay asleep for most of the session.

How early should I book my shoot?

If you want to have a newborn session, try to book it as early as you can. You only have a small window of time in which to take these photos, and you want to make sure your photographer is available. I would reach out to your photographer in your first or second trimester.

What if my baby arrives later than expected?

Your photographer will understand that babies come when they’re ready and not on any schedule. They’ll hold time around your scheduled session to make sure you’re guaranteed a space when baby arrives.

How long is a typical newborn session?

Most sessions last about three to four hours. If that sounds long, don’t worry—you won’t be taking photos the whole time. A large portion of your session will be spent feeding and comforting your newborn to make sure they’re content for portraits.

How should I dress my baby?

The majority of newborn photography involves nude portraits to capture the tininess of your baby, so you’ll want to dress your infant in something that’s easy to put on and remove. If you’d rather your baby dressed in photos, your photographer most likely has an array of tiny outfits and wraps to dress baby in for their photos. 

What should I bring to my session?

Your whole diaper bag, of course—pacifiers, extra diapers and wipes, and extra formula and bottles, if you formula-feed. You also want to bring a change of clothes for yourself—if you’re going to be in photos with a naked infant, there’s a good chance you’ll get pooped or peed on. And be sure to bring along any props you want included in the photos, like a blanket or a toy that has special meaning to you or your family.

Be sure to ask your photographer any other questions you may have and don’t be nervous! Your photographer has experience working with newborns and parents and will know just how to pose and photograph your baby and capture those precious memories of this special time in your lives.