Children

The smell of her newborn baby's skin. . . Kissing her tiny fingers and toes. . . Watching her first step... The feel of her little head on your shoulder. . . The sweet music of her giggles . . . Hearing her say, "I love you, Mommy", "I love you, Daddy." These are the experiences a parent truly never forgets.

Inspired by the beauty of children, we capture the freshness, spontaneity, and innocence within our children's portraiture. Our storytelling approach to photographing children allows us to capture the inner-soul of a child.

When we think of fairytales and of visions of princes, a child's imagination is what comes to mind. As artists, we capture that wistful time in our portraits, as magical as the happily-ever-after ending itself.

Preparing Your Child for their Portrait Session

Preparing your child for his portrait session at Fitzloff Photography is the first step in creating a portrait you will treasure forever. Here are a few simple steps you can take at home to help us help you for your child's portrait session.

1. Relax   Sounds too simple to work, but when a parent is nervous or apprehensive, then the child (especially under the age of 4) tends to be nervous and apprehensive as well. So take a deep breath and remember that unless you have been with us before that this is going to be totally different than any photographic experiences you have ever had. All kids have a great time here!

2. Two Big No-no's to Avoid

• Never, ever coach or tell your child to smile here, in the car, or at home. Children are born knowing how to smile naturally. And then we as parents teach them to do it a different way. If we don't tell them how to smile, then they will smile naturally as a reaction to what is going on during the session. After all, the expression is our responsibility. So don't put any extra pressure on yourself or your child.
  
• Don't tell them they are coming to have their picture made. If you have to tell them something, then just tell them you are going to have some fun.

3. What to Wear  Clothing is an important factor in a portrait. The more appropriate the clothing, the more successful the portrait. Avoid outfits that make your child angry. And although we sometimes do 2 outfits during the session, a child will become board and frustrated when we try to do 4 -5 outfits. Here a few little tips that can help you select an outfit that will both photograph well and make your child happy wearing it:

• Keep it simple The more complex the outfit is the more likely it will be out of place during the session. Children are not miniature adults. . . they tend to move a lot more then we do. Make Your Child the Star of the Show. In other words, select an outfit that doesn't compete with your child for attention when you look at the portrait. Strong primary colors are great on traffic lights because they grab your attention. But they are not good on a child because you have trouble seeing your child. The same is true of high contrast outfits, such as black pants and a white top are together. As a rule of thumb, put light colors together and put dark colors together. Mid-tones can go alone or with either light or dark.
• Patterns Patterns are fine if they are subdued. A strong pattern competes with your child for attention. So avoid bold stripes, plaids, and big emblems or designs. Clothing is replaceable. . . a child is a one of a kind.
• Shoes are Optional Don't spend a great deal of time searching for the perfect shoes. In most cases, we prefer bare feet and so do the children! Simply put, we would rather see cute little toes than the bottom of shoes. Same can be said for tights and socks. It is very hard to find tights that fit and that little girls are happy with wearing. (Same is true with nylons, right Moms!!!) Most of the time is spent fussing with tights or socks that don't fit. Bare legs and feet are a simple, clean look.
• Hats Hats are great! But avoid crushing his hair or making him mad. Bring it along and we will add it at the end of the session.

Totally confused yet? Don't be! These rules are not carved in stone. They are merely suggestion based on our experience. If you are not sure, then just bring 3 - 4 outfits and we will help you pick the ones that will photograph the best.

4. What to Expect  When most people arrive at the Studio, they need a moment to get settled. That is why we plan on taking the first 10 – 15 minutes to let you relax. This is play time. But it is important because it lets your child get comfortable with us and lets us see how your little reacts. During this time, the best thing to do is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. . . the silliness is about to begin! Remember, it is okay to arrive a few minutes early, but avoid getting here too early. We don't want to use up your child's patience with just waiting.

5. What Should I do During My Child's Session?  We consider you part of the team and you are welcome to join us in the camera room. Children usually feel a little more comfortable with you there and sometimes we even need your help. The only thing we ask is that you try your best not to talk out loud while we are working with your child. The sound of your voice is the most familiar sound in the world to him and he will invariably look at you right when we need him to be looking elsewhere. Sometimes, we can use this to our advantage. But as a general rule. . . mums the word.

6. Bribes  We are not above a little bribery as a last resort. We caution parents not to start with a bribe. In other words, don't promise a special treat or trip if she is "good" while she is here. A properly placed bribe is a thing of beauty. As a general rule, let us bring up the bribes and you can use yours as a last resort. It is rarely needed, but nice to know it is there just in case.

Finally, if there is anything we can do to make your portrait experience more enjoyable, then please let us know. You can reach us by phone Tuesday - Friday from 10 – 6. We encourage you to stop in to look in our Gallery to get ideas for your child's portrait. Call our Studio at 507-662-6202 if you have any specific questions. We look forward to creating a portrait of your child that you will treasure forever.

 

Programs

My First Year

Capture precious moments from your child's life with beatiful portraits from Fitzloff Photography. Click here to learn more

Watch me Grow

This program is designed to capture those moments when your child turns 2, 3, 4, and 5. Click here to learn more

The Limited Collection

The second of two special packages designed to make taking professional children's portraits affordable throughtout the year!
Click here to learn more

Childhood Expressions

One of two special packages designed to make taking professional children's portraits affordable throughtout the year!
Click here to learn more