Your Child's Portrait - Timing it Right

We've talked about the right photographer and the perfect photographic setting for your child's portrait but now it's time to get down to real brass tacks - what is the appropriate timing for a child portrait.

Age wise, children can and should be photographed at various ages to capture just how they are at each particular stage of their growth. A gifted photographer can handle newborn subjects as easily those in the terrible twos, or even the rebellious teen years.

When it comes to appropriate timing for a particular portrait session, there are several things to think about before you call to make your appointment. While these circumstances are particularly important for smaller children, they can apply to older children as well as mom and dad.

• At what time of day is your child in the best mood: Throughout any given day, children have cranky moments and happy ones, and for most there is a pattern to it. Quite honestly, this is true even for teenagers and adults. Some people are just morning people and others need to be left alone until later in the day. Schedule your child's portrait session within that period during the day when they are typically in the best mood.
• What is your child's daily schedule: Think about meal and nap schedules and avoid scheduling a session right before a meal, most of us are cranky when we're hungry, or during the middle of their normal nap time.
• What else is going on in their lives: For example, if a two month old has his eight week check up scheduled for a certain day, either schedule his portrait session for a day prior to the doctor's visit or for several days after. Children can be irritable and not feeling their best after vaccinations. Or say your pre-teen is getting her braces off soon, consider an appointment beforehand. Or vice-versa if she is getting them removed in another month, wait and schedule the portrait for a beautiful reveal of her new metal-free smile.
• Did something come up in the 24 to 48 hours before the portrait: It happens. Babies teeth, children get sick with ear infections, colds, the flu. And so do parents. Consider the particular situation, can it be taken care of so as not to interfere with the portrait, i.e. some babies respond well to Anbesol when teething. If not, call and reschedule. Good, quality portraits do cost money and they are worth it but not if someone isn't feeling well and it shows in the image. Your photographer should be accommodating and more than willing to find a more suitable time for your session.

Tomorrow, we'll wrap up this series "Your Child's Portrait - Nightmare or Dream Come True," with preparations tips before your portrait session.