9 Tips for Preparing Your Child for their Session

Tips for Preparing for Your Child’s Session

Your session is right around the corner! Are you ready? I’ve prepared a checklist of things for you to remember in order to make sure your child is prepared for their big day!

1. Don’t forget to feed your child before the session. Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting.
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 (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.) By letting your child wear his favorite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him feel more comfortable. If his choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, 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. If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around her naptime so she will be well rested and happy for photos.
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. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them if they are good, they can watch Netflix on Mommy or Daddy’s Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him to cooperate.
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. We might change her clothes once or twice and ask her to sit a certain way. During the session, we can show her a couple of the photos so she can put two and two together.
8. Bring Grandma (or someone else your child loves). Bringing along reinforcements is always a good plan. If grandma lives close by, or if your child’s favorite uncle has the day off of work, bring him or her with you. You can use this family member to help get your child to relax and laugh.
9. 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.

Whether we have planned your family portrait session in the East Bay, oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Danville or San Francisco, Marin or the South Bay, being prepared makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. I can’t wait to see your family soon! Christina christina@nightingalephotos.com

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