Everyone wants to get family pictures with kids where they smile and look happy and relaxed. The secret of such photos is calm and happy parents.
Photoshoot definitely could not go as planned, perhaps the child will be capricious or will refuse to pose. And that's okay. The main thing is not to be nervous and give him more freedom.
I take minimalist style photos and have collected references that match my vision here: https://www.pinterest.com/anna_zhe/motherhood-studio-portraits/
Of course, you can show me photos you like from another sources. This references will help me to understand you better.
0-2 weeks
During this period, we can take photos of details: feet, tiny hands, child in the arms, family portraits. I do not take newborn photos in gnome costumes and other ridiculous outfits, don't wrap (I think wrapping for a photoshoot could be dangerous). For this photoshoot you don’t even have to prepare clothes, because it often seems unnecessary and distracts attention from the baby in the photo.
1-4 months
During this period, I can take family portraits, the moment of breastfeeding, but posing should be very careful (I actually recommend to wait with a photoshoot until baby can hold a head).
We still can take pictures of the details: feet photos, tiny hands, but you need to understand that at this age the child is already more active, in order to catch a good shot we need to spend more time.
Naked child looks natural at this age, but if you prefer you choose natural color clothes (white, beige, brown, black are the best for my style pictures). Make sure baby's clothes colors matches yours.
Also in studio we can use clothes from my shooting wardrobe (it’s not a problem if baby will leave stains on my rentals fabrics and clothes, beautiful photos as a result worth taking the risk). Just tell me in advance what clothes I'll need to prepare.
4-9 months
This is the best time for “Mother&Baby” or family studio photoshoot.
At this time, the child already can hold his head, but does not yet crawl away to explore the world. And we can capture the moment of breastfeeding, family portraits with a beautiful light.
Naked child still looks natural at this age, but if you prefer you choose natural color clothes (white, beige, brown, black are the best for my style pictures). Make sure baby's clothes colors matches yours.
9 months - 5 years
During this period, children can’t stay still, and that's okay. We should give them more freedom and just take photos as they let us, and sometimes ask them pose the way we want. Photoshoot should be more like a game for your child.
Please do not force your child to sit still, this will only spoil everyone's mood.
5-10 years
Adults should adapt to the mood of the child and be calm and happy. Of course, from time to time it will be possible to take staged shots, but it’s difficult for children to stay still for a long time. We don't want to see photos with their unhappy faces, right?
Don't plan for more than two family looks.
Clothes for children should be in the same style as the clothes of their parents.
After 10 years
Child are already like adults. Take some food and discuss with me the clothes that you’re planning to take to a photoshoot. But the general recommendations will be the same as for adults.
What clothes is good for a photoshoot:
- plain bodysuits (preferably light ones);
- jeans;
- shirts, t-shirts, plain T-shirts;
- plain dresses, not too shiny and without prints;
- leather or jeans jacket;
- shoes (same style as clothes). For studio photoshoot soles must be perfectly clean, otherwise they will leave stains on paper background.
How to prepare for a studio shooting:
- choose the right shooting time. For younger kids is better to schedule photoshoot for an after sleep time, so the child will have a good mood;
- feed your kid before the shoot and take food and water with you to the studio;
- prepare a change of clothes just in case;
- for infants and toddlers, I also recommend bringing their favorite rattling toys to help them look at the camera.
Of course, at any age, you can do lifestyle shooting at your home and outdoors in summer. Usually the problem is only in bad weather: in Tallinn there are often cold winds and parents cannot dress their kids beautifully because of it.
Also, there are ticks to the grass. I believe that after home, the studio is the most comfortable atmosphere for a photoshoot with kids.