Westmount Photography

Babies

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. It is very, very rare that even the most apprehensive child isn’t my buddy after twenty or thirty minutes. 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 they say the sesison is over, it’s over. I can’t control that, so I try to get the key shots at first.

- 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!

NEWBORN BABY TIPS CLICK HERE

See some of the latest baby and children portraits on our blog. CLICK

Expecting a baby? Maybe a maternity session?

CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR BABY PACKAGE. A FREE GIFT worth $75.00 when you sign up!

The Babies First Year Wall Panel CLICK HERE for pdf file

See examples of Babies First Year Panel HERE

“Tina & Rob! Hi, just wanted to let you know that the portraits of Lara made it to Aurora safely…they are absolutely stunning! Both Curtis and I are so pleasedwith the final product and we look forward to sharing with them our family and friends. Thanks again for your time and your attention to detail. Paula and Curtis Jorgensen”

The most asked questions at Westmount Photography 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.

We have a jelly bean machine, a toy box to give them a toy to take home, coloring books to play with, fruit bars, etc.

Rob 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 Rob are friends and you talk with him just like all your other friends. It conveys safety.

Rob 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.

“Good evening,
You certainly are making it difficult for me to choose some pics of Delaynie. This is phenomenal. I can’t believe how excited I am everytime I watch what you put together for us. It’s wonderful. I get shivers whenI view the Cd you made. Absolutely breathtaking. I must tell you, I’m very meticulous, and structured individual. Very rarely do I get surprised. But to my amazement, I’m thrilled to say, that your work has brought that unique smile and feeling back to me. I actually thought it left me, and had only surfaced in me as a young child. You know when you are counting down the days for Christmas, or that summer vacation? That feeling.

Well Rob and Tina, you have left me speechless. We love each and every photograph. Although you say this is only a rough draft and some areas need to be touched up,. NO way!! they are amazing as is…(Rob, are you a perfectionist by chance?) I simply can’t wait for the finale.

For those I show off your work to, they are completely amazed as I make them sit and enjoy the show you have put forth of our Delaynie. The music you have chosen as well makes it so worth the watch. You have made such a wonderful keepsake not only for us, our family, and our daughter. I am so proud I cannot wait for my clients to enter into my office and see this
art form you have created. I will be your biggest advocate (although the work speaks for itself… you don’t need me…haha…) Thank you for making this such an enchanted experience. You both are a pleasure to work with. Don and I cannot thank you enough…

Jennifer Bissonette.”

Note: We have Fairy Day about twice a year
(perfect for girls ages 3-8).

Sign up with our newsletter for advance notice.

“Dear Rob,

As usual, you did a fantastic job with the portraits of our children. The kids think “Mr. Rob” is wonderful and they love to smile for your camera. Everyone who visits my home and office comment on the great pictures of my children (and even my dogs). You are your staff are very pleasant and accommodating, and that extra attention you give the kids is outstanding. Keep up the great work! Karen Houtevenko”

“Dear Rob, We really wanted to personally thank you for the fantastic job you did on our daughters’ photographs. You’ve given us memories that will truly last a lifetime. We left your studio with such a warm feeling. We felt genuinely proud of our little girl! You brought out her true beauty and we’ve been able to share these long lasting memories with our entire family as well. Already we are eagerly looking forward to our next session. I went to a baby shower today and I could not have bragged about you more. I showed off my proofs from Saturday and told them all how incredible a photographer you are. If only I had pamphlets to give everyone. I did mention your website though. In ending, we would simply like to say thank you and see you at nine months. All the best, Gilles, Seline & Gabrielle Lemieux”