Tera Leigh

Do you have a photograph of your family that, if you were running from your burning home, would be the one thing you save (other than your family members, of course) on the way out? That is what Custom Portraits will be for you; among you most valuable possessions.

A question I often get, is, when should I get portraits of my children created? Below is an overview of the times of childhood that I feel are best for custom portrait photography.

Infants

Babyhood is so special, yet one that passes quickly. Feedings, bottles stacked up,  mountains of laundry and little sleep seem to be the norm. Every day is a first… first smile, first tooth, first words, and first faltering steps. Be sure to take the time to capture each of these four ages within the Babyhood Stage, completing the first stage in this journey through time.

Newborn

Newborn: In the first week to ten days of your child’s life, they will retain their curl they had in the womb, allowing for unique portraits of the first days of their precious life! This is a great portrait to include items from mom and dad’s work or interests – like posing the baby in a football helmet, fireman’s hat, or items that reflect the decor in their nursery.

3 months: At three months, everything in their world is brand new. They do well both on their tummies and their back, and can show off those newly mastered neck muscles, holding their head up for the photos.

Newborn-3 months: In addition to your newborn’s photos, Babies at this age love seeing mom and dad’s face more t han anything else, so we suggest a Relationship Black and White portrait which enables us to come in close and showcase the intimate relationship developing between mom, dad, and baby.  We often feature dad in this portrait because he has bigger and rougher hands which create stunning imagery when holding a newborn or very young infant.

6 months: At this age, a baby is strong enough to sit up and focus on the camera.  Their personality shines through as they giggle and react to the camera, the lights, and sounds.

9 months: At 9-months, babies at this age are increasingly aware of their surroundings. Since baby now has good posture and great facial expressions and does not push away from mom this type of portrait is ideal.

1 year: Active could best describe this age! Crawling, walking, and climbing… this age is on the move!  This is also the perfect time to do a “Smash the Cake” session – giving you priceless photos of your child enjoying the mess!

Toddler

Having a toddler is among the most challenging times; many changes take place during these years in language, motor skills and moods. As their personalities develop, taking photos “on the go”, and incorporating the child’s favorite toys, clothes, and places is perfect for this portrait.

18 months: Although on the way to becoming a completely independent little person, a toddler of 18 months is still grasping onto their parents, but ready to explore the world.  In addition to an individual action portrait, it is a great time to take a Relationship portrait, allowing the toddler to relax in mom or dad’s arms or lap while, holding hands while walking, or swinging  around in daddy’s arms.

2 years: This portrait is the halfway mark between toddler and school child. It is a busy age full of  never-ending energy, and exploration.  Their interests and “likes” and “dislikes” are clear, and it is a great time to showcase their favorite toys, etc.

3 years:The beginning of a learning adventure that is so fun to watch: they are playful and love make-believe and games.  This personality portrait catches the child in a loose, journalistic style.

Childhood

Childhood begins a more social period in the child’s life, where they begin pre-school and school.

4 years: An outdoor portrait at the park or place with activity space is perfect at this age. Action shots (running, jumping, etc.) show their unique personality and mannerisms.

5 years: This is an age of change;  baby faces begin to elongate, and teeth loosen and fall out. This is a great age for a more formal portrait.

7 years: This is the age that gaps between Childhood and the next stage of Youth.  This is a great age for a portrait with all the children together, as well as for photos in a familiar place – such as a park or school athletic field.

Youth (Pre-teen)

These are the years when a child breaks away to establish an identity. They pay attention to friends and are influenced by trends, teams, and the world around them.

10 years: It is easy to miss photographs these years because of busy schedules, braces, and shifted priorities! Boys, especially, can become camera shy if you don’t do yearly portraits with them. It is a key period that you don’t want to miss documenting through custom portraits!

12 years: This is the final portrait before teen years when everything about your child will change, yet again. This is also an important time to get a family portrait.

Teen Years

The Teen Years is the final stage before your child leaves home. Statistically, parents take less candid photographs at these ages making it even more important to capture these special moments with a portrait. Even though digital cameras are plentiful, these snapshot photos rarely make it into frames, let alone onto the walls of your home. Without prints, the photos may be lost forever because children don’t always appreciate the importance of saving photos.

16 years: Definitely a milestone in life, it seems many things change at this age. “Children” start driving, become more independent, text nonstop, start dating and stop asking our opinion! This is a great age for a series of portraits, including a book of photos, to document their interests, and unique personality. Cars, sports, activities, and other interests should be incorporated into these photos.

18 years: This is the traditional “Senior” portrait time.  With contemporary styling, these are “rock star” photos, taken on location with props and several clothing changes.