Prime Ages for Children's Portrait Photography

Many times as a parent, we get so busy in life that we forget the little things. Little things that don't take much time or effort, but that mean the world to us when they get accomplished. Having your child's portrait created is one of those little things. My clients have actually told us they wished they had taken the time to have their children's portraits created more often and in a professional manner, rather than just a quickie session at the retail chain, showing what they looked like on a certain day. You know the ones? The ones that look just like everyone else's portraits? Well, with this guide, we are going to help you to plan your child's photographic future. No need to think about it all the time, just mark these timelines on your calendar, even call far in advance to your photographer to make sure an appointment is set and nothing else can take over that time period. Dedicate your time and your love to ensuring beautiful portraits are created to tell the story of your child. After all, one day, they will be grown up and have kids of their own and these precious portraits will be there to remind you, not only of what he or she looked like, but WHO they were.

The First Year

Your child's first year of life will seem to fly right by in a blink of an eye. This first year, your baby will go through so many changes and start develop a personality that is all their own. When they are newborns, your photographer will capture those sweet sleeping baby portraits and those loving mother and baby portraits as well. At around 6 months when your baby starts to sit up is another great time to have your baby photographed. At this age your baby is laughing, waving around those little arms, showing off any brand new teeth that might have poked out and begins to become the inquisitive person that will put everything they come in contact with into their mouth. By around the 12th month, your tiny little newborn has grown into an energetic, revved up and ready to go child. He is walking around, opening every cabinet in the kitchen looking for some pots to bang together and loves to cuddle up with his mommy before bed. This is such a wonderful time to have your baby photographed as it marks one of the most important milestones of his life...the graduation of his first year. With these 3 photographic sessions you are preserving the wonder of infancy in your baby's first year of life through a custom portrait story of your child.

Age 2

By age 2, your child is filled with many emotions and with that comes various moods. You have all heard the phrase "terrible twos". Well, if you were filled with all these emotions you might get a little upset too! Don't expect to get "Looking into the camera with a big grin" type of portraits. Instead, expect to find a variety of expressions and moods including pensive, rowdy, shy, quiet, laughter and any other feeling that your two year old might be feeling at the moment. Embrace these many moods and let your child express how they feel with their two-year portrait.

Age 3

By age 3, your toddler is taking no prisoners! He wants to check things out, run outside and meet life head on. They are energetic and are much easier for your photographer to engage with to get natural smiles and even on occassion some cracking up belly laughter! This is a fantastic age to think about doing their first outdoor location session.

Age 4

Lots of parents call this the last year as "their baby". Next year they will start school and become a whole new person. But at age 4, their interests are developing and you might find tailoring your portrait session to your child's interest will engage them into creating the portraits with much more ease.

Age 5 and 6

Look out because here comes the age of attitude! This is a favorite age for photographers because 5 and 6 year olds REALLY know how to work with the camera. This is also another fantastic age for outdoor portraits if the time of year is fitting. This age takes direction very well and likes to be involved in planning their portrait session. Let your child work with the photographer one on one at this age as it will allow them to be more open with their actions and not worry about mom standing behind the photographer begging for smiles. The end result will provide beautiful and natural expressions of your child that your whole family will love.

Age 7 through 10

This age group is one that is starting to take notice about the things going on around them. There are many who believe that children, who see portraits of themselves displayed throughout their own home, grow up with a strong sense of confidence. Additionally, portraits can make a child feel loved and important in the family. Don't forget to take this opportunity to decorate your home with portraits of your child and show them just how important they are in the family. Along with their annual portrait you may have other needs such as your child's first communion or other event.

Age 11 and 12

Like age 2, the ages of 11 and 12 are another time when your child will experience new emotions. They are trying to find their place in the world, maintain peer acceptance and become a young adult. This is a time of self-discovery for your child and is the perfect time for a well-planned portrait. They are no longer small children, so props may be a little over the top for them. Instead, you may choose to let them have their portrait created in a place they love and feel good in. Maybe his or her own bedroom, a fishing hole, ballet studio or even their own backyard. Let them have put their own hand into the portrait and define their own sense of style.

Age 13 through 15

Can you believe it? Your baby isn't quite a baby anymore? Your baby has turned into a promising young adult filled with dreams and hopes for a bright future. Their interests are on a much more serious level and they want to be taken more seriously themselves. Now would be a wonderful opportunity to let their style come through various session styles for each year.

Best wishes to you and your family as you strive to create the beautiful story of your child through fine art portraiture.