Whether you're a new parent or a very experienced one, the
following tips can be very helpful when trying to get your child to
cooperate for pictures.

** If your child relies on a pacifier, try to allow limited use of it prior to
the session.  It can leave a red ring around the mouth.  

** Diaper designs will normally show through most light colored
clothing.  One solution is to get the diapers which have the characters
only on the front  of the waistband and put them on backwards, not inside
out.

** Look at the bottom of the shoes.   This is a distraction in a quality
portrait.  My preference is that I photograph infants without shoes.
Barefooted poses are very natural, beautiful and make great timeless
portraits.

**If you are planning on having portraits taken with little or no clothing
(even if only for a portion of the session) do not put on any restrictive
clothing before arriving as it will leave red impressions which will show
in the portraits.  If the child
has an impression mark, DO NOT TRY TO RUB IT OUT,
this will just make the area red and larger!

**Only ONE visitor (usually mom) is allowed in the studio during a
session.    Unfortunately, more people means more distractions.  So in
favor of a successful session, only one visitor, please.

** Don't use up all those smiles!  I'm sure this sounds silly but an infant
who is played with a lot prior to a session can tire of being "happy".  They
need a rest so don't worry about keeping
your child happy prior to the session.  They will be
ready when you get to the studio.

** If by chance your child refuses to put something on or do something
you want done related to the session, ignore it until you get to the
studio.  Many times I can get things done where a parent can't.  Just relax,
it will all come together.

**During the session, I will always ask you for assistance if I feel I need
some help, but in most situations it is best to remain silent and allow me
to capture the child's attention in the manner that will permit me to
create that beautiful portrait.

**Do not try a new haircut the day before a session or a new hair style
the day of the session.  Nothing I can do will change or correct the hair
to make it more pleasing.

**Do not talk with your child about any type of problem he or she may
have with smiling or any other unnatural facial expression they sometimes
make.  Please discuss it with me privately and I will work to correct it.  

**Many children at this age are less cooperative and will cut up or show
off if mom or dad are around.  More often than not, if I take them to the
studio by myself, they will be more
responsive and I will be more successful in capturing a
wonderful portrait.

**Do not discuss photography with your child.  This is not important to
the child when coming to see me.  

**An ill child will photograph as that child feels.  Ill includes a fever,
ear infections, serious teething , colds, runny noses, etc.

**Do not allow your child to have a sucker, candy or colored juice before
a session.  The purple mouth, red lips or green tongue will show and it
takes an hour or so for the color to go away.

**Please do not try to bribe your child.  A child learns early that a bribe
is offered when something is wanted of them that they normally do not
want to do.  For a young child, a reward for performance must come
quickly after the offer is made.  What two year old is going to be patient
for a reward two hours later?

**DO NOT TELL YOUR CHILD THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE THEIR PICTURE TAKEN
OR ANYTHING RELATED TO THE ACTION OF PHOTOGRAPHY!   Simply telling
them that they are going to go and play sets a wonderful mood for them.  
Also, do not build it up out of proportion, a simple mention once or twice
is enough.

**Try the clothing on and check for fit early enough to make changes if
you need to.  See how the clothes fit both standing and seated.

**Light colors (pastels) for infants and children are the preferred choice
for clothing.  Darker colors and loud patterns tend to be distractions
and take away from the most important part of the picture, your child's
expression.

**Visible bumps, bruises and scratches will be seen in the photographs.  
Retouching can correct theses flaws, but there is an additional charge
for this service.

Plainfield Illinois Baby Photography | IL Family Photographer | Southwest Chicago Children Photography