Creative and Fun Ideas for Photographing Children Authentically

Photographing children can be a delightful and challenging experience – at the same time! Children’s genuine expressions, boundless energy, and candid reactions provide endless opportunities to capture truly memorable moments. As a mom of grown children, I cherish any images I have of them from when they were little. I take great pride in capturing these moments for you and creating professional, timeless artwork of these memories to live in your home.

As a children’s photographer in DC, I’ve found that the key to photographing children authentically is creating an environment where they feel comfortable and free to be themselves. Here are some creative and fun ideas to help you capture the true essence of childhood in your photos.

How to Have a Successful Children’s Portrait Session

Let them be kids – This tip is the most important! You don’t need to worry about them “behaving” or being perfect for the session. I want them to be themselves, be that quiet, goofy, serious, boisterous, or something else. Just leave it all to me once you arrive at the studio for your session. We’ll have some fun and capture precious portraits for you!

Focus on their personalities – This is where the real joy begins. Throughout the session planning process, I love getting to know your child so that we can bring out their personality. Does your daughter have endless energy and bounce around the room? Let’s capture that! Does your son have the best laughter? Let’s capture it in a way that allows you to hear it when you look at the photo.

Candid vs posed – I know you likely have a few posed shots in mind, but don’t be afraid to play around with candid moments. In fact, I think the best shots are a combination of the two – when I have a child in a pose and am able to capture a candid moment while talking with them. My favorite is when I can capture your child mid-laugh. Imagine the joy radiating from their face printed and framed on your walls.

Creative DC Studio Sessions

Simplicity Session

These Simplicity Sessions are anything but simple. Dress your child in simple neutral colors and drop them into a neutral studio and the focus is all on your child. We focus on bringing out their personality, resulting in captivating portraits to tell your child’s story.

Little Heashot

You need headshots and so does your child! You want to look like the professional you are. Your child’s profession is being a kid and that needs to show! These simple shots encapsulate their personality and essence in one image and create a professional-looking statement portrait. Our Little Headshot sessions offer a timeless way to celebrate your child’s growth and milestones.

Black and White Fine Art Portrait

Create a museum-quality fine art black and white of your child that you can hang on the walls and always look back on over the years. Choose this at least once during childhood for a chic addition to your family’s collection.

fine art black and white portrait of young boy

Heirloom Portrait

My popular heirloom portrait offers a classic style portrait of your young child. These timeless vignette portraits offer a special bridge to generations past. With a focus on traditional techniques and refined aesthetics, they evoke a sense of nostalgia and continuity, making them perfect for passing down to your children, grandchildren, and beyond.

Just Us Kids

These DC studio portrait sessions document and preserve the unique bond between siblings. Capturing these precious moments reflects their unique connections, allowing you to hold onto this special part of their childhood.

portrait that captures unique bonds among siblings

Rocker Session

These studio sessions capture a relaxed portrait of your child rocking away in a simple wooden rocker. The timeless simplicity of the wooden rocker provides a classic and serene backdrop, allowing your child’s natural expressions and joyful spirit to shine through.

Photographing Children Authentically in DC

These are just some of my children’s portrait session ideas. As a DC children’s portrait photographer and mom, I know how unique every child is. Let’s capture your child’s essence in a fine art portrait you can hold onto forever. I’d love to hear any ideas that you may have or are interested in creating together. Let’s schedule a quick phone call to get to know each other a little.