how to prepare your child for a photoshoot: a calm, parent-centered guide

Getting your child ready for a photoshoot shouldn’t feel stressful. You don’t need perfect
behavior,Pinterest outfits, or a magically calm day. What you do need is a little preparation—
and a photographer who understands children deeply.

From my experience, I’ve learned that the best sessions happen when kids feel safe, relaxed,
and understood.  Here’s a simple, realistic guide to help your child show up as their truest self—
without pressure or overwhelm.

1. Talk About the Session in a Light, Positive Way
Kids mirror our energy.  If you present the photoshoot as something fun and relaxed, they’ll
arrive the same way. Try simple, upbeat language like:

“We’re going to hang out with Stefanie and play outside for a little bit.”
“She takes pictures of kids doing kid things.”
“You don’t have to smile—you can just be yourself.”

Avoid: big build-ups, bribes, or “you need to behave.”  Pressure often makes kids shut down.

2. Bring One Familiar Item (But Keep It Simple)
Kids relax faster when something familiar is close by.

Great options:
-A small toy
-A favorite book

Not ideal:
-Large or brightly colored toys
-Anything they refuse to put down
-Messy snacks (save those for after!)
-Electronics

A familiar item is a grounding tool—not the star of the session.

3. Keep Them Fed + Hydrated
Hungry kids struggle to regulate emotion.  This one detail
can make or break the experience.  Before your session: offer
asolid snack or meal, keep water on hand, and avoid sugary treats.

4. Let Me Take the Lead with Direction
You don’t need to coach your child through the session—in fact, it’s often better if you don’t. Kids often respond more openly to gentle guidance from me.  During our time together, I often: give simple, playful prompts, create games or imaginative scenarios, follow their natural movement, shift quickly if something isn’t working, read their cues and honor their pace.  Parents who step back and enjoy the moment set the tone for relaxed, honest portraits.

5. Manage Expectations (Kids Don’t Need to Be Perfect)
The best portraits rarely come from perfectly behaved kids.  They come from real kids—curious, silly, shy, wiggly, bold, tender.  If your child: needs a minute to warm up, gets distracted, wants to explore, has big emotions, says something funny, does something unexpected...that’s perfectly normal!

My job is to photograph who they are—not who they “should” be.

6. End on a Positive Note
Once the session wraps, acknowledge something your child did well:

-“You listened so well.”
-“You had so much fun exploring!”
-“I loved watching you today.”

This helps them associate photography with connection—not pressure.

The Most Important Thing to Remember
You don’t need to create the magic. Your child already brings it.  My role is to gently guide the experience so their personality, curiosity,
and wonder rise to the surface—naturally, without force.

If you’re ready for portraits that feel like your child—let’s create something meaningful together.  Your only job is to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

welcome

I’m Stefanie —
I live in the Milwaukee metro area and am a mom, photographer, and believer that every child deserves to be seen as the masterpiece they are. I’m so glad you’re here.