Photo shoot: Tips for Preparing for Your Child’s Session

Your photo shoot is right around the corner! Are you ready? We’ve prepared a checklist of things for you to remember in order to make sure your child is prepared for their big day! Presenting, “9 tips for preparing your child for their session”.

1. Don’t forget to feed your child before the session.

Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting. This little guy is digging some puffs out of the flower his mom brought for his Valentine’s Session. Please avoid colored foods.

2. Bring more than one outfit.

Make sure you always have backup clothes just in case. And we suggest that you don’t change your child into their session clothing until after you have fed her. Also, be very careful with drinks, as well – only clear liquids in a safe cup.

3. Let your child help when picking out their clothes for the session.

By letting your child wear his favorite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him feel more comfortable. If his choice of clothing doesn’t work, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell him he can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session.

4. After her nap.

If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around her naptime so she will be well rested and happy for photos. Unless of course you want a sleeper. That could happen too!

5. Have a bribe in place.

Bring fruit snacks, candy, a toy, etc. and let him know that if he cooperates he will get said bribery after the session. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them if they are good, they can watch Netflix on Mommy or Daddy’s phone. Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him to cooperate. This may only work for older children that understand the concept of ‘after the session’. All bribes should be age appropriate, safe, and they should not cause a child to be upset during the session.

6. Bring along her 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.

7. Talk to your child about the session and explain what’s going to happen.

If your child is informed about the situation, it will be less scary for her when she comes to the session. Tell her that she is going to meet a new friend who is going to take some pictures of her. Let her know that you’ll be there with her and that we are going to have lots of fun. She might change her clothes once or twice and we may ask her to sit a certain way.

8. 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 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.

9. No smile coaching!

Make sure your children are excited about their photo shoot and don’t feel anxiety about needing to smile. As always, your photographer will do their absolute best to elicit real smiles, laughter, and emotions. If your children are already prepared with a fake smile, they will deliver no matter what theatrics are performed for them.

What’s next? Contact your photographer if you need any more assistance preparing for your session. Also, check out more posts under the “preparing for your session” side of the blog.

Do you want to know more about sessions and packages? You can book a session through the scheduler under each session HERE.

Call 815-621-7077

E-mail casi@casiannphotography.com

OR Fill out the inquiry on the contact page HERE for more information.

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