Planning your little ones 3,6,9, and12 month pictures? How about those toddler and preschool pictures? Do you have a plan?
Here is some ideas to think about when planning your picture session.
1. Timing. If your little one takes naps on a schedule be sure to plan around those times. Also make sure to plan around a time that is not a normal meal time for your little one. One more thing make sure that you don't plan your photo session right after a trip to the doctor. You want this to be a comfortable fun event for your little one.
2. Theme. make sure you bring along an outfit or two ( especially depending on the age) that will go with your theme, accidents happen and it is best to be prepared. If these are milestone pictures you may want to use similar themes or backgrounds to really make the growth of your little one stand out. You could go with an overall theme like playtime, birthday or Holiday as well to add a little fun and sweetness to the pictures. Be sure to discuss this with your photographer before hand.
3. Outfits. I do not suggest to many outfit changes as this can stress out your child. If this is family photos you could go with a color theme for your outfits. This can be visually appealing. Also if you know your photographers ideas for background or settings you could chose an outfit that will compliment the theme of the setting for your photo session. Such as a white T-shirt and jean overalls could be really cute with a toddler pulling a wagon with a few teddy bears in it outside in a park. If this is a milestone picture you could chose an outfit that can grow with your child and be used to show how much your little one has grown. One last thing on outfits for your photo session. Chose outfits that are comfortable for your little one to be in. This can help to make the whole experience more enjoyable for you and your little one.
4. Props. Your photographer will probably have props already and a few ideas for your photo session, but if you have a special heirloom or a specific item you want to use be sure to tell your photogapher before hand if at all possible. You could use a simple prop in your milestone pictures. Especially if it is an item special to your little one like a favorite teddy bear. This can also make your photo session more relaxing and enjoyable for your little one.Also make sure all of the props are safe and are being used in a safe manner. An example of this is would be propping up a barely able to sit up alone infant in front of wings on a stand (safe) on a cement floor with no padding under or around the baby (not safe).
5. Weather. Be sure to plan around the weather in your area. If it is summer and it gets extremely hot in the afternoon then plan your photo shoot to be in the morning before the heat or indoors if later in the day. Reverse that for winter. Also check with your photographer when scheduling any outdoor sessions about the ability to reschedule if there is inclement weather on the day of your photo shoot. Especially if you booked off of a special they were running.
6. Photographer. There is no need to just grab the first photographer and go. Take the time to look around. Ask some of your friends if they have a photographer they like. Look on places like twitter, pinterest and facebook. Many photographers who post on these places will have pictures posted from other sessions they have done so you can get an idea of their work ahead of time. Find out the cost up front and what that includes. Many smaller photographers run deals and specials that are just as economically priced as your in store photographers( except maybe Walmart). Also remember many smaller photographers will be more capable and willing to take the time to help you achieve some very one of kind pictures at a pace that can be more relaxing than at some of the bigger places. A smaller photographer may have fewer props or backgrounds ( or the programs to fake them) available. So talk to your top picks of photographers ahead of time to see what they can offer you.Also if you have shy child you might ask if you can set up a time for your child to meet the photographer ahead of time so your child has the opportunity to be come comfortable before you put them in front of the camera.
7. RELAX . have fun. Enjoy the time and memories you are literally making. Don't stress out over getting that perfect shot. Your little one will sense your stress and it will make the whole thing a miserable event for everyone involved. Trust your photographer who will use all their abilities to get that perfect shot for you. Also some of those not so perfect shots turn out to be more special and meaningful than the planned one. Allow your little one to be themselves. Don't push them to hold something or do something they simply don't want to. They will still give you that perfect smile when they are relaxed and having fun too.
Well thank you for reading.
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