I started writing this thinking I would only have 3, but all of these had to make the list. Each type is special and so worthy of capturing. So, here are all 7 of my favorite types of child portraits.
1 - 1st Year Milestones
From the newborn session to the sitter session to the 1 year cake smash, capturing baby's first year is so special. It's amazing how much they change in 12 months.
2 - Toddlers
You've got to capture them when they still have that adorable squishiness to their face, arms, and legs. Their silliness, joyfulness, and carefree nature is beautiful. Those shy ones get to me, too. Probably the most!
3 - Four Year Portrait
Before all of their baby softness disappears and they start losing their teeth, it's so sweet to capture the innocence of childhood with a 4 year portrait. There's something sweet, angelic and perfect around years 3-4, and it photographs beautifully.
4 - Birthdays
Some kids, especially girls, come to an age when they want to celebrate turning a year older with portraits in their own style or some type of theme. Sometimes both. Now, granted I'm not a proppy photographer, there are some themes with minimal props I've had the chance to do that I love. A glitter session I thought I'd never do and a mother's wedding dress session have been my two favorites so far. It's so fun to help a child create their vision.
5 - Siblings
Priceless is the photo when all of your babies are close to one another and peaceful. What happens 5 minutes later might be a completely different scenario. But that sweet capture of siblings is something mom and dad, and even the siblings, will cherish.
6 - The forgotten in between years
Somehow between the ages of 8 and 18, the importance of child portraits gets forgotten. Maybe it's because we settle for the school photo. Maybe it's because we don't think they change as much. Or maybe it's because we feel like the 15,000 photos we have on our phone should suffice. Then senior year rolls around and we finally schedule a portrait for our child. But those years in between have a lot to do with how your senior turns out. A lot of growing and changing and personality happen during those years. Their self-esteem is being formed, and what better way to show them how important they are than to have their portrait taken and hung on your wall?
7 - Seniors
For so many years they have had their photos taken the way you want them. When they're seniors, they get to have a little more say and lean in to their personality. They're still a child at heart, but they're navigating the future and trying to figure out what adulthood and exploring the world on their own will be like. And it's their last full year at home. Getting to capture this time is an honor.
So, there are my favorite types of child portraits. Pretty much every stage of a child's life...but I love them all.
Comments