Your session is right around the corner! Are you ready? I’ve prepared a checklist of Tips for Preparing for Your Child’s Session for you to remember to help make sure your child is prepared for their big day!
Don’t forget to feed your child before the session.
Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting. Make sure those snacks aren’t messy.
Bring more than one outfit.
Make sure you always have backup clothes just in case. And we suggest that you don’t change your children into their session clothing until after you have fed them. And also, be very careful with drinks – only clear liquids in a safe cup.
Let your child help when picking out their clothes for the session.
Letting your child wear their favorite shirt or shoes (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.), etc., will help them feel more comfortable. However, if their choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell them that they can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session.
Have bribery in place.
Bring fruit snacks, candy, a toy, etc., and let them know that they will get bribery if they cooperate. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them they can watch Netflix on mommy Mommy or daddy’s Daddy’s phone if they are good. Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him to cooperate.
Bring along their favorite toy or blanket.
This will help your child be comfortable in new, unfamiliar surroundings. Just be prepared 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 pictures of it.
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 them when they come to the session. Tell them that she will meet a new friend who will take some pictures of them here. Let them know that you’ll be there with them and that we will have lots of fun. For example, we might change her clothes once or twice and ask her to sit a certain way. Then, we can show her a couple of photos to put two and two together during the session.
Bring Grandma (or someone else your child loves).
Bringing along reinforcements is always a good plan. For example, if grandma lives close by or your child’s favorite uncle has the day off of work, bring them with you. You can use this family member to help get your child to relax and laugh.
Wear sturdy shoes.
It is a good idea to wear good, sturdy shoes to a session like this, as. It’s hard challenging to chase a little one around in flip-flops or heels. I may ask you to grab your child if he keeps running out of the frame during the session. Or o I may have us walking around exploring, so we need to be prepared to keep our feet safe and comfortable.
Bonus Tip: If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around their naptime so they will be well-rested and happy for photos.
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