Have little ones that you want photographed by themselves and also as a family? I’ve got you, and I’ve got all the info you need on how to make your session run as smoothly as possible, whether we’re doing an in-home or on-location session! Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks!
Regardless of where you’re doing your session, there are certain things that I ALWAYS recommend you bring to your session when you have little ones. Non-spillable drink cups, clean snacks that aren't messy and don't transfer color, a mobile device (yes, I’m all about that bribery if it’s needed!), a favorite toy (neutral colors if possible incase it ends up in a photo or two), a favorite book, and special incentives (does your child love stickers, the promise of ice cream after the session, a hotwheels car, or candy? Here I go again, encouraging bribery!! haha). These are all things that will help encourage the behavior that we want out of the kiddos during your session -- not just behaving, but having fun and enjoying the session! Again, please remember that with snacks and candy, we want to choose a “clean” food-- think no: blue suckers, cheetos, m&m’s if your kid is a drooly eater with these (mine is!!), etc. Our main goal is to keep them happy and having fun… the rest will fall into place!
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Another thing that I always suggest when it comes to littles and outfits. Have a backup! I love to play -- we’ll run around, jump, dance, you name it… if it’s fun, we’re probably going to do it because it helps them to loosen up, have fun, and give me those natural, real smiles! You know your kids, and they probably love getting dirty, especially when you don’t want them to. Having a backup outfit incase they get wet, drooly, dirty, etc. is always a great idea! It can be the exact same outfit with the tags still on “just incase”, or a totally different outfit that will be a great outfit change and bring your photos some variety! Also, if your kiddo is still in a carseat, I suggest bringing their outfit and getting them dressed on-location. This helps to eliminate wrinkles, and the possibility of a mess in the car.
If you have little girls wearing dresses, please know that what I mentioned above will go for them as well! I will have them run, jump, twirl and play, so please be sure to have them wear bike shorts, bloomers or a diaper cover (in a coordinating or neutral color) so we don’t see any undies or diapers in the photos!
Speaking of outfits-- If you have your outfits picked out ahead of time, please send me a few pictures of them laid out so I can get a feel for what you’re going with! This helps me if I’m bringing any props for the kids to sit on, such as boxes, chairs, blankets, etc. And speaking of blankets, I have a wide array of styles and colors, so I’ll bring some to choose from that match your outfit color scheme and you can let me know what you prefer for your photos! Need help with your outfit selection? Please reach out and I’ll be happy to give you pointers and send photos back and forth with you! I love styling my clients!
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Now when it comes to choosing a location for your session-- if you have a specific location that you would like to go for your photos (even if it’s in your own home!), please (contact me) early in the season so you can choose the spot that you want! Once my dates start getting booked up, locations get chosen by others which structures my day, and then I don’t have as much flexibility after that! Trying to choose between an in-home and on-location session for your family? Think about where your kiddo is most comfortable meeting a new person. Is a neutral location the best spot for them or is at-home their safe space? If you’re thinking a neutral location, a park, forest preserve, or in-town location might be the best option! If at-home is where it’s at, we can do the whole thing at your place, or we can do ½ and ½ and start at home, then find a nearby place that we can jet off to for outdoor photos once your little one warms up to me and my camera!
If you have any other concerns about how to make the best of your session with your little ones, feel free to reach out and we can chat!
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