5 Tips to Making a Photo Session Easier With Kids | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Family portrait season is coming back in just a few months and trust me, I KNOW how stressful preparing can be. Photo day can be intense.. kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and that’s okay! If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids just be kids! I cater my sessions towards a more lifestyle/documentary look where I use very limited “poses”. Interact with each other-snuggle in close, play tag, etc. If you wanted a few “smile and look” photos, and are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.

3. Be prepared.  If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If they have a favorite toy, bring it along! If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too. ( I usually stock up on snacks and bug spray as well)

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and trust that they will capture all those inbetween and intimate moments.

5.  Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions. I always send out a questionnaire before our session so I know how to relate to your child!

At the end of the day, these photo sessions document our life. I expect all children to be wild and emotional. Photo day can be intense.. kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and that’s okay! So show up to your session mentally prepared to let your littles be a little extra... and maybe have a little wine ready for when you get home for yourself ;)

A Beautiful Lifestyle Newborn Session | South Jersey Newborn Photographer

In Home Lifestlye Newborn Photography

It’s been a while since I posted a blog on here, I really need to get better at my blogging for 2024, but I’m here now so let’s dive in!

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I mostly photograph newborn sessions in my south Jersey studio, however, every now and then I get a request to come into a client’s home and my goodness do I love it every time!

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions are so raw and intimate and I absolutely love the emotions they bring along with it. These are the first few moments home with your new addition, and I am here to capture it all!

Here are a few of my favorite images from my latest in home session - The Fino Family

South Jersey Newborn Photographer | Baby Logan | An IVF Miracle

Newborn Photography is about capturing new life, but it’s also about telling your story. Its about documenting this new journey and your new bundle of joy, however they came into this world.

This mama suffered many losses before getting pregnant with her miracle! Mr Logan sure is special- made with a little bit of science and a lot of bit of love!

Logan was an absolute DREAM for his newborn session and was very good to me and his mama! Take a look at some of my favorites from his special day!

Beautiful Family Session on the Bay | South Jersey Family Photographer

The Riggio Family | Cape May

As summer starts to come to an end, I definitely know I am going to miss these gorgeous beach portrait sessions! I LOVE all things fall, but there’s just something so special about capturing these special moments down the shore.

The other night I had the pleasure of meeting this gorgeous family down in their summer home and we had the BEST time.

Scroll through some of my favorites for that night!

Tips on Including Older Siblings in Your Newborn Session | South Jersey Newborn Photographer

Congrats!! Your little family has added another member, and it’s so important to capture this moment in your lives!

One of the best things about newborn photos is it’s a great way to get new photos of the whole family, including any older siblings. But it can sometimes be a challenge for parents to encourage toddlers to cooperate with the photo session. That’s why I put together these five tips for including older siblings in your newborn shoot.

Give them time in the spotlight.

An older sibling of a newborn has often just become an older sibling, which means they’re still getting used to having a baby in the house. They may feel that their parents don’t pay as much attention to them with all the needs of their new sibling. Take time to make sure your older kids feel involved in the photo session, both in photos with your new baby and photos of the whole family together. Your newborn session is a great way to let older siblings know that it’s not just about your new addition, but about your growth as a family.

Encourage them to snuggle up.

Your older child may feel unsure or uncomfortable around the new baby, and a photo session can be a great way to help them loosen up and get to know their new sibling. Some of my favorite photos are images of the older sibling holding, kissing, or snuggling the new baby. Encourage them to gently touch the newborn and to get close, which can lead to a lot of giggles and smiles and some great photos.

Let them do their own thing.

One of the most important things is not to force your older child to participate in the session. The last thing you want is a tantrum or a grumpy face in your photos! Instead, encourage them to participate without forcing them. You may be surprised how much they enjoy being involved on their own, and giving your older child space to explore and relax can result in more natural, genuine images of your family.

Make time for breaks.

Your newborn won’t be the only one who needs breaks. Have some snacks handy for older siblings, and give them a chance to step away from the camera and just play for a little while. Sometimes it’s best to do photos with the older sibling first, so they don’t get bored and agitated as the session goes on. Regardless of how your photographer organizes the session, be sure to include regular breaks throughout.

Talk to them beforehand.

It’s so important to let your older children know what to expect from a photo session. Whether they love to be in front of the camera or are a little bit shy, talking to them in the days before your shoot about how things will go can really ease their minds and make them more comfortable with the photographer. Be sure to sit down with your older child throughout the week before your session and talk to them about how you’re going to have photos taken and the importance of listening to both you and the photographer. With a little preparation, you may find that they’re excited to participate, which makes for wonderful photos!