{Oh fer cute!} Capturing the first moments/weeks/months/years of a child’s life is one of my very favorite things!
In the professional photography world, there’s a general statement that goes a little like, “kids and animals are the hardest subjects to photograph.”
Luckily, I’ve been specializing in child portraits here in central Minnesota for years. Along the way, I’ve learned {sometimes the hard way} what works and what doesn’t. While not every child is the same, I’ve put together some tips that might just make your session a little easier on your child {and you}.
Tips for A Newborn Session
- Schedule session within 10 days of birth.
- Arrive with baby on a full tummy, if possible.
- Plan on stopping at some point during session to feed, change or soothe baby. Sessions can take as long as two (2) hours.
- I often use mom or dad’s hands/arms as a prop. A fresh manicure for Mom is a must! {Have dad groom nails as well.}
- The studio will be very warm, dress accordingly.
Three-(3) Month Session Tips
- Keep baby in shirts without a collar or hood. Baby can’t sit up yet, and those will cover baby’s head/face. • Since a baby typically doesn’t like getting dressed and undressed, arrive at the session with the baby in layers. Start with photos of the shirt on top, then pull that off to have a different look. Then photos of the baby in a onesie or diaper. You will have a much more patient baby this way.
- Don’t worry about socks or shoes for baby.
- Save the overalls for the six-(6) month session, since they tend to ride up too high and cover baby’s chin.
- Babies at this age have a short attention span and frankly, there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to posing. Consider doing a mini-session.
- It is difficult to get a photo of the baby looking at me and smiling. Mom or Dad will be close by baby, getting him/her to smile.
- Plan session between nap times if possible, and arrive with baby on a full tummy.
Six-(6) Month Session Tips
- I call this age the “honeymoon” stage! I love it! Work with your baby in the weeks leading up to the session to get him/her sitting up unassisted.
- Plan on doing a few photos of baby in a diaper. Those chunky rolls will disappear fast and are so adorable now!
- Since a baby typically doesn’t like getting dressed and undressed, arrive at the session with the baby in layers. Start with photos of the shirt on top, then pull that off to have a different look. Then photos of the baby in a onesie or diaper. You will have a much more patient baby this way.
- At this age, the attention span is typically long and we are able get a variety of poses and outfits.
- Since baby isn’t standing yet, bare feet tend to look best.
- Schedule session when baby is happiest (which typically seems to be the morning). Arrive with baby on a full tummy.
Nine- (9) Month and One-Year Session Tips
- Two-to-three (2-3) outfits usually work well.
- Bring snacks or water for in between outfit changes.
- Arrive with baby on a full tummy.
- For the one-year session, consider bringing a smash cake for the last set.
18-Month and Two (2)-Year Session Tips
- Have low expectations for what we will capture. Kids at this age are very busy with a very short attention span. Getting them to sit still for five seconds is very difficult.
- One outfit is ideal, but be prepared for two or three just in case he/she is doing great and will tolerate changing clothes.
- I let the child “run the show.” Try to relax and enjoy watching the chaos instead of getting frustrated with them. They will want to use every prop I have, and I don’t fight it.
- Schedule the session for a time of day that doesn’t interfere with nap-time, and arrive with child on a full tummy.
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