Roy Studio Photography

"Your Children are so precious. Remember them forever as they grow up and change..."

"Remember the way they laugh and giggle and act silly... smile, run, play..."

Are you bringing your child in for a portrait session?
If so, here are some useful tips to help in creating the very best results from your child's portrait session:

- If your child is at all shy, be patient. We give them as much time as they (not you) need to warm up to me and my camera. Parents are eager to please by urging the child on, and this never, ever helps. Let me create a bond with your child at their pace, not yours. Please. (Most parents know this, and agree, but almost always have to be reminded about four times during the first five minutes of the portrait session) Also, try to keep the 'variations' to a minimum, starting with the most important poses. What do I mean? Child alone, child with sibling, child with grandpa, child with a different outfit, etc etc...'you get the picture'. Children, especially younger ones, only give me so much time. When the say the sesison is over, it's over. I can't control that, so I try to get the key shots at first.

Tips continued......

Please don't answer for your child when he or she is asked a question. I try to bond with them by getting them to talk to me. I sometimes will reach out and "test" them to see how they will respond (if they reach back to hold my hand/finger). It tells me if I'm gaining their trust yet.
Never, ever say "smile". Forget it. That's my job. Besides "cheese" is usually a fake or forced smile. I try to get them smiling at other things that create "real smiles". Goofy faces, funny stories, slapstick, jelly beans etc.... you know, kid stuff!! Stuff I'm good at.(I'm a kid at heart)
I encourage any ideas or props in your session. Many parents bring in one or two outfits. Remember changing younger kids usually changes their moods too. Try to keep it simple.

They grow up so fast!

The most asked questions at Roy Studio regarding children’s portraits:

1-What should my child wear?
This is entirely up to you. We do encourage you to keep the clothing changes to a minimum, perhaps no more than three, especially with younger, more exuberant children. Remember that we want to focus on your child’s face.

2-How long will the session take?
We take all the time it will require to capture the best expressions and poses. We urge you not to rush your children, let them warm up at their own pace, not yours. Most sessions are done in 30 minutes. Some may take longer , so it’s important that you relax and enjoy.

3-My child won’t smile, what should I do?
The very best and most favorite expressions with many clients are always the more serious, contemplative looks. Especially with children. Notice all the classic works by master painters from years ago to modern artists and photographers today. You never see a big toothy smiles. The best way to get great smiles is by playing games, singing songs, anything they love to do. Never a “sit and say cheese” approach.

4-Should I be present during the session?
For older children we usually create the best results when Mom and Dad are not around. For younger babies it’s always best to have you help out in the studio. Only one parent is required. More can come if you wish.

5-Can we have our dog in the picture?
Pets are always welcomed

6-My child is very shy (or is very active), what should I do?
Nothing. You can’t control it and nor should you. They are coming into a strange place with people they don’t know and all kinds of strange equipment and lights. Your best approach is to be patient.

They will warm up to us, or settle down, in time. And this will happen at their own pace. It’s important not to make a big fuss about the studio beforehand. Act like nothing is out of the norm. Also, when we ask them
questions, let them answer themselves.

Dan always greets you by talking with the parents first and ignoring the child for a minute or two. There is a reason for this. It sends the message to the child that you and Dan are friends and you talk with him just like all your other friends. It conveys safety.

Dan will then turn to the child and ask them a question. Please let them answer. He will also offer a hand to see if they are receptive.Never coach your child to smile or to say “say cheese”. Never rush them or urge them on.

My pictures didn’t turn out the way I expected them to, what now?
We promise you that you must absolutely love your pictures, or you don’t pay. It’s that simple. Although it doesn’t happen all that often, we will always offer to re-shoot any session that failed to meet your expectations.