As a parent, you want the best when it comes to capturing your child’s most special moments, and that’s exactly what Personality Portraits are designed to do! These sessions are fun, quick, and laid-back, allowing your child to express their true personality in front of the camera. If you’re wondering what the process looks like from start to finish, let’s walk through it step-by-step to give you a clear idea of what to expect:
When you and your little one arrive at the studio, you’ll step into a warm and welcoming space designed to make your child feel comfortable and at ease. There’s no need to stress about getting everything “perfect”—our goal is to have fun and let your child’s natural charm shine through. Once we’re settled in, the magic can begin!
One of the best ways to make sure your child feels confident during their Personality Portrait session is by dressing them in an outfit that reflects who they are. Whether they want to wear their favorite superhero cape, a colorful dress, or something quirky, it’s all about choosing an outfit that makes them feel good. Encourage your child to pick something they love—this helps bring out their confidence and joy in front of the camera!
Does your child have a favorite toy or stuffed animal that they take everywhere? Feel free to bring it along! Personal touches like these can add a special layer of comfort and make the session even more meaningful. Whether it’s a beloved action figure or a stuffed bunny, props can help your child relax and spark those natural smiles and giggles.
There’s no need to worry about achieving “picture-perfect” poses or making sure everything goes exactly to plan. Personality Portraits are all about having fun! Let your child be silly, make goofy faces, or strike their favorite pose. These spontaneous moments often lead to the most authentic, heartwarming images that show off who they truly are.
When scheduling your session, try to pick a time of day when your child is at their best—whether that’s after a nap, post-breakfast, or a time when they’re most energized. These short, 10-minute sessions are designed to work with your child’s natural attention span, so you won’t have to worry about them getting bored or restless. We’ll capture everything we need in just a few minutes, leaving plenty of time for fun.
Personality Portraits are all about capturing your child’s individuality, and one of the best ways to do that is by letting them take the lead. Let them choose their outfit or decide on their favorite pose or silly face. This allows them to feel involved and gives us the chance to capture their personality at its best. Trust me—some of the most magical moments come from their own creative ideas!
For younger kiddos, it’s always a good idea to pack a few clean snacks or treats as a reward for cooperation or as an energy boost during the session. A quick bite of their favorite snack can help keep the fun going and give them a little extra motivation to show off their best smiles!
Finally, the best thing you can do during the session is to relax and keep the vibe positive! When parents are calm and upbeat, it helps the child feel more at ease, too. Personality Portraits are meant to be an enjoyable experience, so embrace the silliness, laughter, and genuine moments as they come. The more relaxed everyone is, the more authentic and heartwarming the final photos will be.
After the session, I’ll work my magic behind the scenes to hand-edit the best shots, ensuring each photo is a beautiful, high-quality image you’ll cherish forever. Once the edits are complete, you’ll receive the final gallery of stunning portraits that capture your child’s personality in every shot!
Sarah Schmidt is a family photographer with a passion for helping families preserve their legacy through honest storytelling. She serves families living in the Northern Virginia and greater Washington, D.C. areas.