9 tips for preparing your child portrait photography session

So you have booked a child portrait photography session and it is now right  around the corner! Are you ready? What do you need to do to get them prepared for their session and keep them happy? I’ve prepared a checklist of things for you to remember in order to make sure your child is prepared for their big day!

1. 1. Don’t forget to feed your child before the session. Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting.

 

1. 1. Bring more than one outfit. Make sure you always have backup clothes just in case. You never know if they will spill something on them or slide in some mud at an outdoor session. I suggest that you don’t change your child into their session clothing until after you have fed them. Also, be very careful with drinks, as well – only clear liquids in a safe cup.

 

1. 1. Let your child help when picking out their clothes for their child portrait photography session (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.) By letting your child wear his favorite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him/her feel more comfortable. If his/her choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell them they can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session.

 

1. 1. If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around his/her naptime so they will be well rested and happy for photos.

 

1. 1. Have a bribe in place. Bring fruit snacks, candy, a toy, etc. and let him/her know that if they cooperate they will get said bribery. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them if they are good, they can watch Netflix on Mommy or Daddy’s Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him/her to cooperate.

 

1. 1. Bring along their favorite toy or blanket. This will help your child be comfortable in a new, unfamiliar surrounding. Just be aware that this will probably become a prop in some of the photos, so bring something that is pleasing to the eyes or has sentimental value and you’d be okay with photos of it.

 

1. 1. Talk to your child about the photography session and explain what’s going to happen. If your child is informed about the situation, it will be less scary for them when they come to their portrait photography session. Tell them that they are going to meet a new friend who is going to take some pictures of them. Let them know that you’ll be there with them and that we are going to have lots of fun. We might change their clothes once or twice and ask them to sit a certain way. During the child portrait photography session, we can show them a couple of the photos so they can put two and two together.

 

1. 1. Bring Grandma (or someone else your child loves). Bringing along reinforcements is always a good plan. If grandma lives close by, or if your child’s favorite uncle has the day off of work, bring him or her with you. You can use this family member to help get your child to relax and laugh.

 

1. Wear sturdy shoes. It is a good idea to wear good, sturdy shoes to a session like this, as it’s challenging to chase a little one around in flip-flops or heels. During the session, I may ask you to grab your child if he/she keeps running out of the frame. Or I may have us walking around exploring, so we need to be prepared to keep our feet safe and comfortable.

 

With these tips you can prepare your child for either an indoor studio styled session or outdoor session. Booking a child portrait photography session is a great way to get updated portraits of your child to capture their personality as they grow.

I would love to begin planning your Brooklyn Child Portrait Photography session in my home studio. Check out more of my children photography gallery!

If you are interested in a custom child photography session with Andria Lancaster Photography and would like more information, please click the link to learn more about me and the custom photography session experience.