We had such a great time with Baby E and Big Sis A at their portrait session!
Thanks, A & E (and mom & dad, too) for a wonderful time! You can use your password to visit the online gallery to see all the images. Enjoy!
Plan Ahead
- They grow fast. Can they still fit into the clothes you hoped they’d wear?
- No scratchy clothes! Kids are honest. If they are uncomfortable, it will show in the images. Remove tags from clothes. If cheap netting was used in the petticoat of a dress, have it replaced with soft tulle.
- Little boys hate ties. If possible, find an alternative way (a sweater vest or a Cuban style shirt) for them to be dressed up.
- Any little girl who doesn’t yet understand how to sit lady-like (knees together, ankles crossed) needs to wear bloomers to match the dress. Solids are best. Pantaloons (or gaucho pants or long shorts) are better. If criss-cross-apple-sauce is the best post you can get from her, make sure her “Underoos” will be covered.
Bribery
Bribery will get you—and your images—everything!
- Kids work well with rewards. Tell them exactly what you expect of them at the session and that if they follow the rules, you’ll reward them.
- Let them know that if they don’t follow the rules, they will not get the reward, even if their siblings earn it.
- Keep the reward simple: ice cream, a new book, etc. so you can reward them immediately after the portrait session.
Schedule
- On portrait day, keep as much of their usual routine as possible, especially for meals. Before the session, serve them a snack and a very hydrating drink leaving time for a potty break.
- Make sure they get their nap. Even if you have been bribing them and they are excited for portraits, follow their routine and make sure they lay down for a few minutes.
- Dress them last. It may be easier on you to dress them first and then get ready, but while you are fiddling with your hair and makeup, they are on their best “dressed up” behavior. Then, by the time they get to the session, they are ready to rip the uncomfortable clothes off and play, especially in a new environment and in the presence of someone new. Let them play and burn off some energy while you get dressed.
Seeing to Their Needs
- Bring emergency snacks and drinks that they like.
- Bring a blanket that you think coordinates with their outfits.
- For babies and toddlers, bring toys that make noise so we can use them to get their attention.
We had a blast with these kiddos (names withheld for their privacy and safety) for their Christmas picture to send to Santa!
click any image to go to the full gallery online (password protected)
click any image to go to the full gallery online (password protected)
click any image to go to the full gallery online (password protected)
JB, it was great to spend the afternoon with you and the kids. Thank you for your generous donation at the charity auction and purchase of the session. Happy Holidays!
Thank you all for a lovely portrait session. We had so much fun and can’t wait for the next time!
We had a "super-fun" (bonus points for anyone who can tell me what that’s from) session with the Mayes family. These are just a sneak preview of a couple of images while we get the rest of them edited.
Oh. So. Fun!
A’int. She. Sweet?
Thank you all for a lovely session. In spite of the heat and approaching bed times, we had a blast and can’t wait to get the images edited for you!
Photographers, Austin, TX
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