One of the most common things parents say to me before booking a Personality Portrait session sounds something like this: “I love the idea, but I have no idea what actually happens.”
As parents, many of us have lived through at least one photo experience that felt more stressful than joyful. There is often pressure on kids to behave, to smile, and to cooperate on command. So when something feels new or unfamiliar, it is natural to wonder how your child will respond.
Here is what I want you to know right away. Personality Portraits are designed for kids as they are, not how we hope they will perform. There is no expectation for a certain expression or behavior, and there is no right way to show up.
Below, I am walking you through what to expect before, during, and after a Personality Portrait session so you can arrive feeling calm, prepared, and confident.
Before You Arrive: How to Set Your Child (and Yourself) Up for Success
The best preparation for a Personality Portrait session is actually very little preparation! You do not need to practice smiling, coach your child on how to behave, or hype this up as a big, important event. In fact, the less pressure, the better. These sessions work best when kids feel like themselves, not like they are expected to perform. Keeping things casual and low-key goes a long way.
How to talk to your child about the session
If your child asks what is happening, keep it simple. Something like, “We are going to visit Caeli, and she is going to take your picture,” is perfect. I recommend avoiding phrases like “you have to be good,” “you need to smile,” or “do what the photographer says.” While these comments come from a good place, they can unintentionally create pressure or anxiety. My job is to guide your child through the experience, and they do not need a pep talk beforehand.
What to bring with you
You are always welcome to bring a favorite comfort item, security object, or a toy your child loves and that you do not mind being photographed with. These items are part of your child’s story right now. Including them often helps kids feel more comfortable and can make the images feel even more personal and meaningful.
And yes, snacks are always welcome. Non-messy options like apples, cheese sticks, or marshmallows work best. They are simply another comfort tool to help your child feel at ease. If you want to have a special treat or reward for your kiddo after their session, Chocolate Therapy is located in Wayland Town Center and has delicious ice cream!
Walking Into the Space
Personality Portrait sessions are intentionally simple, and that starts with the setup. The space includes a large white paper backdrop, a weighted backdrop stand for safety, and one light with an umbrella. The paper backdrop is meant to be walked on and meant to get dirty. Your child cannot mess it up. There is nothing precious or fragile about the environment, which helps kids relax as soon as they walk in.
For safety reasons, I do ask that children do not touch the light or umbrella. In all of my sessions, this has never been an issue, but I like parents to know ahead of time.
You will not find bright colors, busy props, or visual clutter in the space. This is very intentional. A simple setup helps prevent overstimulation and keeps the focus exactly where it should be, on your child’s expressions, emotions, and presence.
From the moment your child arrives, the tone is relaxed and easy. I greet your child directly, speak to them at their level, and often start by asking one very important question: “What music do you want to listen to?” There are no forced smiles and no rushing, just a calm, friendly welcome that helps them settle in.
The Five Minutes: What Actually Happens
Those five minutes matter, but they are never rushed. I talk to your child, not just to you, and explain that there is no right or wrong way to do this. They do not have to smile. They can stand, sit, move, or simply be. My priority is making sure your child feels comfortable, both physically and emotionally.
There is no posing and there is no “say cheese.” Instead, I use gentle prompts and allow space for natural expressions to unfold. Some kids jump right in, while others need a moment to observe and warm up. Both are completely okay.
During the session, I ask parents to take a step back and let me lead. That means no prompting your child to smile and no coaching from the sidelines. When parents engage during the session, kids naturally shift their attention away from me and toward you. If I need help at any point, I will absolutely ask. Quiet support from parents is incredibly helpful.
Why there is no posing
The reason there is no posing is simple. Posing creates performance, and performance hides personality. These portraits are not about creating a perfect image. They are about capturing who your child truly is in this moment of their life.
If Your Child Is Shy, Wild, Serious, or Emotional
Every personality is welcome here. Quiet observers, thoughtful souls, high-energy movers, silly comedians, and big feelers all belong in front of my camera.
Shy does not mean unphotogenic. Serious does not mean unhappy. Wild does not mean chaotic. These differences are what make each portrait meaningful. My job is not to change your child. It is to honor who they are right now.
After the Session: What Happens Next
After your session, you will receive a private online gallery featuring black and white images from your child’s Personality Portrait session. You will receive a minimum of five images, with three digital images included. You will also have the option to upgrade to the full digital gallery or order prints and products directly through my professional print lab.
Your gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session date. The gallery experience is designed to be simple and streamlined, making it easy to move your images out of your camera roll and into your home, where they can be seen and enjoyed every day.
A Final Thought
You do not need a perfect child or a “good” photo day. You simply need to show up with your child as they are. That is always enough.
If you would like to learn more about why these portraits matter so deeply, you can read more here: Personality Portraits: A Timeless Preservation of Childhood.
To stay in the loop about upcoming Personality Portrait Pop-Up events and be the first to grab a spot, I invite you to join my email community.
I cannot wait to photograph your child and celebrate exactly who they are right now.
