Babies & Childrens Sessions

With baby & children's portraits both photographer and parents must be prepared for anything to happen. Children are bundles of total unpredictability.

Try not to make a big deal about the photo session. Don't get the child overly anxious, like they may get when going to get a needle at the medical clinic. Don't threaten them with repercussions if they don't behave. I don't want them to be scared of me. Tell them for example:

Say: "Tomorrow we are going for a visit to see a special 'almost-Auntie' Donna who has toys and treats and wants to take your picture because you are so cute and special. She has lots of bright lights and music and toys and she will ask you to sit on a table, but that is OK and it will be FUN.

Don't say: "You are going to have your picture taken tomorrow. I want you to be good and do what the photographer says, or else I will be very disappointed and angry with you. I am paying good money for this, and I want the pictures to look good, or else!

Some of the tools I have on hand to help in unexpected situations:

• safe area to run,
• baby gate,
• baby changing area,
• diapers,
• baby wipes,
• kleenex,

• cherios,
• goldfish crackers,
• arrowroot cookies,
• juice boxes,
• music -play ,
• music- lulabies,

• toybox,
• squeeky toys,
• lacy eyelet diaper covers,
• dolls that sing,
• pretty party dresses for girls,
• boys & girls denim overalls,

• no camera tripod for toddlers to trip on,
• a fluffy white dog named Lacy who does tricks,
• warm & comfortable studio
• clean white shirts, ...
• view just a small sampling of costumes

How to prepare for nudie & almost nudie newborn & Infant baby portrait:

• Loose-fittiing clothes & diapers - to reduce clothing creases in baby's skin
• Avoid tight fitting shoes & socks too
• Get baby used to being on stomach, as they do not sleep in that position.
• Get baby used to being in the nude & on a firm surface, without being swaddled. Play time in a nice warm room, on a big towel or blanket on the carpet is good. Put baby on both tummy and on back and side regularly during this awake practice time. This is a great time for parents to just stare at their precious babe.
• Choose session appointment at a content time of day or evening, but not to worry, you or baby will not be rushed.
• Baby should be recently fed, but not too well-fed, just go through your regular routine.
• Clean nose & mouth
• If Baby is going through the baby acne stage, you may want to re-schedule session until after the bumps have gone down. If not, I can remove the minor rash and bumps with digital magic, but when the work is extensive there may be some additional processing cost to retouch the photos.

How you can prepare for babies & children portraits:

• Choose plain clothing in solid colours: avoid busy patterns and brand names on shirts and socks and hats, if possible. I am partial to whites, irory, beige, pastels for timeless portraits.
• Choose clothing the child likes, maybe in their favourite colour and not something itchy & scratchy.
• Don't put girls hair in pony tails if they hate the elastics and will inevitably pull them out, as they will then have hair dents. By all means put hair in pony tails if that is how they wear it a lot of the time at home though.
• Feel free to bring props, such as a favourite toy, soothing blankie, what they snuggle with in bed with, special handmade baby sweater made by Nana...
• Brink a favourite music CD that gets child excited. I also have an extensive children's music collection, to get those happy feet moving. Or email the music file and I will surprise your child playing the song he/she loves.
• Clean nose & mouth. Slight sniffle is almost inevitable, but please postpone session if child is sick with cold or fever as the unhappiness and illness will show in their eyes. I can remove the redness and drips from nose with digital magic, but I can't remove the sadness in a sick child's eyes.

Here are some questions I may ask you:

Think about the style of photography you prefer. As a photographer I create a 'picture of an idea'. Leave it in my hands and I will surprise you with my creation OR have some input by telling me what you have as your vision.

Are you more traditional or more contemporary?

Where will you be hanging the portrait? What room?

What colour is the wall?

Do you want full body, or a close-up of face.

Do you prefer colour of Black & white?

Do you prefer a portrait / vertical portrait or a horizontal portrait.

Do you likes props? or prefer simple?

Do you prefer white /light blackgrounds or dark / black backgrounds?

Do you want baby parts photos...dimpled tooshes, wiggly toes, pudgy feet, clenched hands...