How to Create Timeless and Personal Milestone Photos
So you've booked milestone photos with Becks Photography, how exciting! You have taken a great first step in capturing you but we still have some things to consider, and I'm about to give you some great tips on what your next steps are!
UNWAVERING FACTORS THAT MAKE YOUR PHOTOS GREAT
If you want amazing photos please read this entire article, it will make all of the difference BUT if you only take a small amount of advice from me take this. I don't think I've ever taken a bad photo for someone who had a great attitude their entire session and who followed my style guide. Your attitude (yes you mom and dad) and your children's clothes make a HUGE difference in the outcome of your photos. Trust me, I've been doing this for years!
WHAT TO EXPECT
A milestone session is very child led. I really want you to enjoy this time and I want your child to as well! I come prepared with many poses and I encourage you not to push your children and to let them have fun while you gently guide them and show/tell them what to do.
Most of my clients want to add a personal touch to their photos by buying some decor. A sign to hang, balloons, a cake, birthday hat, etc. Whatever you'd like to do, it's your responsibility to purchase these items but I would be more than happy to help you set it up once I have my background set up.
Please prepare a space in your home by clearing a 10ft by 10ft area for me to set up my background and lighting equipment. It's also highly encouraged that you put any pets that you have in another room as we will be working on the floor most of the time. Besides this, you do not need to worry about anything else in your home.
It will take me about 10 minutes to set up the backdrop so this is the perfect time to change your childs outfit. It's important not to put their outfit on too early as they may get food on it!
Typically we will take photos for 15-30 minutes depending on your childs willingness to participate! It's so important that they are having fun so we don't want to push them past their limits, and sometimes they need a few minutes to take a break and that's ok too! I promise to be patient with your family.
I have 2 different backdrop options: a plain white or a beige canvas. Please let me know if your questionnaire which one you'd like me to bring.
white backdrop
beige canvas
WHAT TO WEAR
Believe it or not, the outfits that you choose for your pictures have a huge impact on the mood and outcome of your photos. HUGE. Choosing which outfits look best isn't easy but it's so important. If your dream is to create classical photos, follow these tips.
- choose something classic and timeless OR something your child LOVES to showcase their current phase (like a costume or t-shirt they can't live without)
- make sure your child can be silly and fun in their outfit
- if you choose a dress for your girl, please wear shorts/diaper cover under
- jeans and whites are the biggest hit for these sessions
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me and I'd be more than happy to help you choose the most magical outfit!
MINDSET
I am a lifestyle photographer who loves to capture authentic moments and emotions. Arguably the most important tip I can give you is to come into your session with the right mindset. Be patient, and have a great attitude, come ready to help your child laugh and have fun. Your children can sense stress and frustration, it's so important for you to be calm and joyful. Kids will be kids, they want to have fun and feel loved.
What can you do?
- be patient with your children
- remember that your role during our photo shoot is to: help them laugh and gently help them return back to the backdrop if they wonder
- consider adding in their favorite toy or stuffy to remember who they were at this age
- please feed your child beforehand. I think we all know that hangry is not good, especially for children!
How can you prep your children?
- talk to them about meeting me
- prep them to listen well to my instructions
- let them lead, keep a mindset of playing with them and making them happy
- try to avoid bribery and instead explain to them that photos are a fun experience (because they will be!)
THE AFTER
Milestone sessions are a little different than my normal sessions. Within 48 hours I will send you an unedited gallery that you get to choose 15 images from for me to edit included in your session. If you’d like to purchase more photos you can for $10 each! I will take me roughly 7-14 days to edit your photos after you have made your selections (and paid any additional fees if you have chosen to purchase more photos).
My #1 goal during our session together is to create and capture authentic smiles from your children. In my experience, this happens easiest when the parents are also having fun and are not stressed!
