Choosing a Portrait Photographer for your Children
by © Debbie J. Evans 2000-2004

The annual portrait is an honored tradition among parents. At least once a year, you scrub your children clean, brush their hair, dress them in their finest, and then go through the agonizing experience of trying to get a decent portrait. How many times has it been a truly pleasant experience resulting in a beautiful, treasured portrait? And, how often has it been a nightmare with portraits you'd rather hide than share?

First, you need to choose the type of studio you want to use. Your choices range from discount, national chains offering 100 photos for $5 to high-brow studios charging hundreds of dollars for five pictures.

Discount Chains- Every parent is familiar with these studios. Wal-Mart at one end, and Olan Mills at the other end are two examples. They market extensively to parents, offering extravagant specials for portrait packages. These studios definitely give you a bargain! The hitch is that your package usually consists of just one pose--the first decent one that the photographer captures. If you prefer another picture from the session, which you probably will, you'll have to pay an additional, much higher price.

This option is pretty good for babies.  But then, babies are easy. You prop them up and wait for a photogenic expression, anything from a subtle grin to a solemn gaze will work. Hey, sleeping babies are very photogenic! A friend of mine took her baby to Wal-Mart’s studio every month for the first year and has a beautiful record of that year. The drawback is that babies grow up. Babies may be easy, but toddlers and preschoolers are not.

Toddlers are discovering the concept of "me." Often they refuse to cooperate simply because they can! They refuse to smile on command, throw the occasional tantrum, cause more than one mother to leave a studio in tears, and ignite numerous parental spats.  But, trust me, as soon as you reluctantly agree to a pose for your cheap package, your child will invariably perk up and pose for beautiful portraits that you will want to purchase at full price. (Just throw the discount package of hundreds of photos in the trash!) 

All children are unique, of course, and some cooperate better than others. Beautiful portraits are definitely possible, but the experience can be challenging (for the parent, child, and photographer). 

There is truth, however, in the saying "You get what you pay for." Because these studios operate on volume, they may not be able to devote as much time to your sitting as your child may require. They also double-book a lot, which means if everyone actually shows up for their appointments, you could be looking at a long wait. By the time it is your turn, you could be facing a child-sized meltdown combined with a frazzled, overworked photographer!  

Independent Portrait Studio-
An independent, locally-owned portrait studio offers the advantages of more personal interaction among you, your children, and the photographer. Some specialize in portraits of young children, so they are skilled at coaxing the best expressions from uncooperative toddlers and preschoolers. They usually allow more time for your session, so your kids don't feel as rushed, which helps. You also have numerous high-quality photographs to choose from. Also, the portraits you receive will usually be more unique and representative of your child, rather than looking like everybody else's child!

The drawback, of course, is price. You'll want to shop around some, because prices do vary, but overall an independent studio can be somewhat pricey. There is usually a sitting fee, plus you are paying for each portrait you purchase (not too many freebies with this option). Many photographers offer an opportunity for you to visit the studio and meet the photographer before the session and you should take advantage of this opportunity to see how your child interacts with the photographer. If there's a personal connection, the portraits will be better. Consider the types of portraits the photographer specializes in. Many photographers are generalists, but some do specialize. You'll want to choose a photographer who specializes in portraits of children. Even then, you'll find specializations among child portrait photographers. Examples include black and white, or hand-colored portraits. A popular trend right now is to dress your child up like an angel, wings and all, for a fantasy-type portrait. Personally, I specialize in what I call "documentary portraits". I like a child's portrait to represent that child's personality. You'll want to consider the type of portrait you want of your child, and then choose a photographer skilled in that type of portrait.

Another option is to choose between a studio portrait and an outdoor portrait. Many children stiffen up or even become frightened when they go into a formal portrait studio with all of the lights and the large camera. It can be difficult to get a natural looking photograph. Many professional photographers offer location shoots, either in your home, or at a favorite outdoor location. There is usually an extra charge for this, but if the result is a better portrait, it may be something to consider. Remember, you will treasure a good portrait for a lifetime. If you'd like a location shoot, then talk with photographers who specialize in that. You'll want a photographer who meets all of the above requirements, as well as provides outdoor or location shots on a regular basis (not just 'once in a blue moon').

I hope that you'll find these photography tips useful. E-mail me with any comments or suggestions that you have.

Deb Evans Photography provides location portrait services of children, families, high school seniors, as well as complete wedding coverage.. Deb specializes in providing her clients exceptional service, as well as beautiful photographs.