A mommy and me photo session is an ideal way to share a fun experience with your child.
Though mommy and me sessions usually occur during a new pregnancy, they certainly don't have to. If you just want some time to bond with your child, a mommy and me photo session is a perfect idea.
The question is, how to do you make the most of a photo shoot with your child?
Here's a few tips that will help you get the best possible photos.
If You Have a Newborn, Opt for a Studio Session
It goes without saying that if you have a newborn child, you need to be able to control the photo shoot environment more so than if you have a toddler or older child.
Having the mommy and me session in the studio allows you and your photographer to work together to make the studio a comfortable temperature. You can also more readily control the noise level. That's important because the best opportunity to get a shot of your baby is when he or she is asleep.
Another alternative is to invite the photographer into your home. What better place to make your baby (and you) as comfortable and relaxed as possible?
Coordinate Outfits
Note that "coordinate outfits" is different from "matching outfits."
To coordinate outfits, keep an eye not just on the colors of the outfits, but also any patterns or textures.
Though patterns and textures are a great way to add interest to a portrait, if the pattern or texture of your outfit clashes with the pattern or texture of your child's outfit, the image will simply look busy.
You want the style of the outfits to coordinate as well.
For example, if you plan on wearing a maternity gown that's long and flowing, consider having your daughter wear a similar gown, perhaps even made of the same material. If you have a son, consider focusing on the color of your outfits or the material of the outfits to get a consistent look.
Mix and Match the Poses
Mommy and me sessions are ripe for variety when it comes to posing.
If you have a newborn, you can hold or cuddle your baby in your arms or lay them on your chest.
If you have a toddler, hugs, kisses, and tickles make for wonderfully meaning portraits as they capture the essence of your relationship in a more meaningful way.
If you're pregnant again, consider having your child hug or kiss your belly, that way you can show off not just your relationship with your child, but his or her love for their soon-to-be brother or sister.
As you work with your photographer, they will likely mix and match these looks, with some more heavily posed and formal and others more candid and natural-looking. That's just the kind of variety you want!
Timing of the Mommy & Me Shoot
In photography, timing is everything. But as you certainly know, timing is everything when it comes to your child's mood and attitude as well!
Though the best time for outdoor portraits is in the early morning or late evening hours, neither of those options is likely the ideal time to have your child in front of the camera.
After all, you want your little one to be happy, energized, and cooperative, so consider their daily schedule and the times that work best for them to get some high-quality photos.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these tips is designed to make your mommy and me session more successful whether you've hired a professional photographer or if you have a friend or family member coming over to your house to take a few photos.
Each of the above tips is simple and easy to implement, but they can have a strongly positive impact on how the final images look.
Above all, have fun during your mommy and me session. The more you're in the moment, the more you think about your child and your love for them, the more those feelings and emotions will come through and the more meaningful your photos will be.
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Founded in 2009, PhotographyTalk has helped thousands of photographers develop the knowledge and skills they need to take better photos. Beyond providing top-notch educational tools, PhotographyTalk seeks to inspire and empower photographers of all skills levels to maximize their potential. PhotographyTalk has been featured in Huffington Post, Inc. Magazine, Forbes, and many more.
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