I used to take my kids in to portrait studios for our "special" pictures - the birthday photos, Christmas gifts for the grandparents, etc.  We would spend hours getting everyone ready and driving to the studio, struggle through a miserable session (Just one smile, Honey, and then we can be done!) and then I'd end up spending way more than I had budgeted.

When I got the pictures home, I was always just a bit disappointed…it seemed that the photographer, no matter how good, could never quite capture the full essence of my children; there was always a special something that was missing.  Having no training in photography myself, I felt we had no other option than to suffer through these sessions - after all, we were dealing with professionals. :)  They were trained to do this!

And then Valentine's Day surprised me one year, and it was too late to pop in for a portrait sitting.  In desperation, I decided to go ahead and attempt to get one decent shot of the kids by myself.  I was scared out of my wits, so I compensated by writing a plan to follow.  And you know what?  It worked.  I found that special something that was missing, and I've been satisfied with my own photography ever since.  (I've saved
hundreds of dollars, too!)  If you're willing to try, you may be surprised at just how good your own photos can be.


Preliminary Work


Think about those moments when you are watching your kids and they are so beautiful you could just burst…that's what you want to capture.  Think about their place in space at those times.
That is where you want the camera.

Next, start gathering pose ideas.  The mailings your local portrait studio sends to you are often a good place to begin.

When you see something you really like, set it aside for your Idea Notebook.

Now decide where and when you'll have your session .  The weather may dictate whether your session will be indoors or out.  Natural lighting is best, if possible - and a slightly overcast day is just about perfect!


D-Day (Or should it be P-Day?)  Prep the Scene

Prepare the backdrop, if necessary.  A spritz of water may be all that is required to remove the wrinkles from a fabric backdrop, but be sure to allow time for the fabric to dry fully before you start shooting.  (And yes, I learned that one the hard way. :)

Gather and assemble all props and accessories.  This includes your camera and a tripod (which I highly recommend if you will need a hand for entertaining).
Set out your Idea Notebook nearby.  If you'll be shooting for longer than thirty minutes, you may want to have drinks with spill-proof lids handy.  Nothing breaks up a photo session like a trip to the kitchen for some water - or having to change an outfit because of a dribble!  And speaking of outfits, get them ready to put on - check for spots and wrinkles before Pic Day, if possible…you'll have plenty to do that day as it is.


P-Day: Prep the Subjects

Hungry, tired, and dirty kids will not magically transform themselves into tidy little angels just before your photo shoot.  Naps, snacks, and a bath can make the difference between 30 minutes of fun and giggles and an hour of torment and tears.  Allow plenty of time for these things so you won't be rushing your subjects and feeling tense, yourself.


Showtime!


Now the fun begins!  Start working through your poses, but don't get bogged down in rigidity.  The more comfortable your kids are, the more natural they'll look.
And don't be afraid to move around yourself - this photo was taken while I stood on a picnic table at a local pavilion and looked down at my dancing daughter.



Whew - We're Done!


When you are satisfied with your session, let the kids go.  (20-30 minutes is a pretty good session for a toddler; you will be able to tell when you've lost them.)  Now that you're done, you can relax and START SHOOTING! :)

My best shots are usually the "post-shoot" pics, when my kids relax a bit and get silly.
I keep the camera out and snapping for a while afterwards, as the kids explore their surroundings and play with the props.

So you did it - congratulations!

Now all you have to do is edit your pictures (if desired) and print them.

You'll find that each session gets easier as you gain confidence and as your subjects get accustomed to the game plan.