To capture your baby, child or family for the seasonal picture, for an event, or for memory making always brings up the same questions:  What should we wear? where should we go? should we pose? 

Well, one of our favorite local photographers, Elizabeth Dranitzke from PHOTOPIA, agreed to answer some of these basic questions.  Her answers are listed below…enjoy!

What should kids wear?

Bright colors are the best. I always say to just be yourselves and to dress your kids in clothes you and they love.

Do wardrobe changes work or do they throw off a session that is going well?

It depends on the type of session and the child. In general, if a baby doesn’t mind being changed it’s easier with younger ones to change outfits without interrupting the flow of the session. I don’t recommend it much with older kids.

My goal is to keep everything as natural and fun as possible, not have the session look like a fashion shoot.

Do you recommend posed or not posed photos?

Not posed! But with groups and families sometimes more posed portraits can be a starting point – then when the giggles set in the fun starts.

With a range of ages (1 – 6), how do I get the whole group to cooperate?

Did someone say giggles?

What should I do ahead of time to prepare?

Discuss the details with your photographer and trust their expertise. Know your kids and their best time of day and plan your portrait session accordingly. Then plan outfits ahead of time and bring back up outfits that day. Get haircuts a week or so in advance and for mamas, take some time for yourself to look your best too.

Should I plan on using bribes? What is the best way to get them to cooperate?

This was one I never would have suggested when my first child was a baby but now I know better. “Positive Incentives” are your friend and the smallest suggestion of a wee mint, trip to the ice cream or toy shop afterwards etc. can do wonders for some kids, though not for others. The best way to get kids to cooperate is to make it fun, listen to their suggestions and keep it low-key.

Should I get involved or leave it to the photographer?

Speaking of keeping it mellow….while you know your kids best, trust your photographer to know how to work with your kids. When I need a parent’s familiar face right next to me to elicit a smile I ask…and I do really rely on parents for this. Sometimes I will ask parents to walk away, maybe go enjoy a quiet moment alone and have a smooch so I can connect more effectively with their child.

Best age to photograph?

It’s always the best time to have professional portraits of your child! I love photographing newborns and teens and best of all, documenting the many different phases of one child, siblings or family over time. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve “missed” hiring a photographer for newborn portraits, one year portraits or other milestones. Start now and you’ll be glad you did.

As parents, we all know how quickly time passes and you just can’t get that back.