How to Prepare Parents for Contemporary Custom Photography

It’s time to discuss a major issue. “My child won’t remain still for even two minutes, much less two hours, during a full photo session.” Have you considered this? Have you ever wondered why professional photo sessions take so long? The truth is that 1.5 to 2 hours isn’t very long; it just seems long when compared to the 15-minute slots offered by big-box movie studios. Even the best photographers need it to get the kind of sincere shots you’re looking for.

All children are so different from one another, and they have a wide range of personalities. It takes time to build a relationship with them, for them to get used to having a camera pointed at their face, and for them to start being themselves rather than acting silly or shaking the “cheeeeese” in their heads. When a child doesn’t have enough time to get used to the new surroundings, people, and directions, you can’t expect genuine expression or interaction from them. In my own sessions, I intentionally schedule periods of posing and play while paying close attention to the kids’ responses. I put my camera down and we go check it out together if they start to get sidetracked by something. We’ll try another position if they start to fuss while lying on their belly. We take a break and do something silly for a short while if they become bored with an action or activity. These rest periods are crucial! They foster a culture of trust, keep things moving forward, preserve a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere, and frequently open doors for the best and most genuine expressions.

By asking their children to stop playing or sit still, parents can inadvertently break the energy. Since Johnny digging in the sand isn’t exactly what they had in mind hanging on their wall, they understandably want to make sure they are not wasting any time. But that’s the cool thing about working with a pro photographer. You’ve loved what you’ve seen of his or her work, you’re paying for their time and talent, and they’ve done this a number of times with excellent outcomes. The preparation of the pasta sauce in the kitchen as you would at home would not be appropriate in a fine dining establishment. (At least, that’s what I hope.) You have to trust someone to do their job when you entrust them with handling something important, whether it’s a decision, an experience, or a purchase. Additionally, photographers must adhere to this rule! Trust that even if the process differs from what you’ve seen before, the end result will be well worth it even if they choose sitting times, prices, business policies, etc. differently!