What to Expect | Child Photography Sessions in Northfield MN

My style for child photography sessions in Northfield MN milestone sessions are simple classic set ups that will stay in style over the years.   In warm months, the sessions can take place outdoors in locations around Northfield. In the cold months (which seem to outnumber the warm ones in Minnesota) milestone sessions take place at my downtown Northfield studio.

Child Photography in Northfield MN

My studio backdrops are ones that will allow your little one and their personality to shine.

I know many child photography sessions in Northfield MN are set on ages, like 6-month sessions and 1 year sessions.  Since the abilities of little ones at these ages can vary, I find it easier to divide little ones into three categories for their session, and what options will be the best fit for them in studio.

Non-sitter | These are the little ones that can’t yet sit unassisted. They can be anywhere from 2-7 months typically

Sitter | These are the little ones that can sit unassisted for a decent amount of time.  Some little ones can fall between the non-sitters

Stander | These are the little ones that can stand unassisted.  This is anywhere from the just getting the hang of standing stage to running away full speed stage.

White Bed Backdrop (for non-sitters \ sitters \ standers) | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

My most popular backdrop for child photography sessions in Northfield MN is my all white bed set up. Little ones love it, and it is a great way to get them to open up at the start of the session.

Simple White Backdrop and Window (for sitters and standers) | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

This backdrop is a favorite of mine for child photography sessions in Northfield MN.  It is a white wall next to the large studio windows.  For the flooring, we can keep it simple with a white floor, or add in wooden floor options like white wood or dark wood).

Wooden Backdrops (for non-sitters, sitters, and standers | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

I have wooden floor drops and backdrops in the studio and they are perfect for milestone sessions.

I have a set that is dark / natural wood flooring with a backdrop. This backdrop option adds some color and depth to the session, but still leaves the backdrop simple enough that your little one is the center of attention during their child photography sessions in Northfield MN.

I have a similar set that is white painted wood.  The texture of the wood is a great accent to pictures.  If you like the look of the white wood floor, not prefer a more simple backdrop a white backdrop can be used with the flooring too.

Seamless Paper Backdrops (for sitters and standers) | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

I also offer simple backdrops where the flooring and backdrop seamlessly blend into each other.  The colors currently available for sessions are white, tan, gray, and black.   The neutral colors of them complement the other backdrops in the studio and make for a great option to add to child photography sessions in Northfield MN.

 

Fabric and Fur Backdrops (for non-sitters) | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

Little ones in that stage between newborns and sitters, have a bunch of options for session backdrops. Many young babies still like being swaddled, and can be put in poses similar to popular newborn poses. They can also be posed in props, either laying down or used to help them sit up if they need a little extra help. Most of the newborn backdrop options are available for child photography sessions in Northfield MN for these little ones too.

High Chairs (for almost sitters and sitters) | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

One of the most popular backdrop and prop combinations in the studio are my high chairs with simple backdrops.  They are great for little ones that can’t sit well on their own yet, and all the way up to standers.  Plus, they all think it is time to eat when they get into the high chairs which can lead to some great expressions (both happy and sad).  High chairs are the most requested props by parents for child photography sessions in Northfield MN.

 

Clothing for Milestone Sessions | Child Photography Sessions In Northfield MN

Keep It Simple

Timeless always has a place. I love when my clients show up to a shoot with the most simple and timeless of outfits. A plain white lace dress with a simple bow. A plain white onesie. Naked baby! These outfits (or lack thereof) will always stand the test of time, and will never go out of style. Large, busy prints, checkered patterns & geometric designs don’t photograph well.  They also do not display well in your home.

Color Choices

I always recommend child photography sessions in Northfield MN clients keep wardrobe neutral and simple for sessions. you don’t want any clothing to overshadow the precious little people we’re showcasing. I recommend neutrals–grey, ivory, white or black.  If you like color, think about the colors in your home and use them as inspiration.  We decorate in colors we like, and you know your photographs will display well in your home when the colors match your décor.

For outdoor sessions pick a color that will stand out against the backdrop.  Most of the location used for outdoor sessions are filled with grass and trees.  When dressed in greens, little ones can blend in with the background.

Dress For The Weather

In Minnesota, it can be 50 and cloudy, then 75 and sunny just hours later. Be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe in case you have to switch it up last minute. If you have plans for a cute sundress for your daughter, and the weather ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. Tights, boots, scarf, slouchy hat, cardigan.  Be fully prepared for our quickly changing weather while planning for your child photography sessions in Northfield MN.

Clothing Fit

Dress your kiddos in clothes that fit perfectly, not with room to grow. Even if your child may only wear the outfit for a few months, it’ll look much better than putting them in something that they still need to grow into. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans or blazers. A too-big jean jacket, blazer, sweat shirt, sweater or hoodie will not compliment shape. It looks sloppy.

Avoid clothing that bunches up on small children. Puffy vests and shirts with a collar tend to push upward when very little ones sit, and the clothing covers their face.   Polo and henley style shirts are better for very young boys. Overalls also tend to push up into little ones’ faces.

Don’t Forget Shoes

Shoes are a very important part of wardrobe, for both indoor and outdoor child photography sessions in Northfield MN. If you have the cutest little trousers and button down for your son to wear for pictures, but slap his favorite pair of Disney tennis shoes on him, it makes the whole look lose cohesiveness.  Stay away from character shoes, flip flops, crocs. My recommendation for shoes are boots, leather sandals, Converse All-Stars, Toms, and Mary Janes. Barefoot is an adorable option, especially with babies and studio sessions. I’d much rather see bare feet than the bottom of their shoes.

Hair And Hats

Hair piece tips. I always recommend keeping hair accessories simple for you child photography sessions in Northfield MN. When they are too big (think “gerber daisy” big), it distracts from their faces. Even if your baby girl doesn’t have a ton of hair, don’t feel the need to hide that adorable head behind a huge head piece that makes her angry because she’s pulling it off every few seconds. Simple and dainty is best with hair accessories. I have a number of headbands in the studio that have small flowers or bows and fit newborns to toddlers.

Hats and beanies are a fun way to add some personality to your milestone session.   And if it is an outdoor session, there is the added bonus of a hat keeping your little one warmer for longer.

Let Their Personality Show

The most important part of putting together your child’s wardrobe is allowing their personality to come through in what they’re wearing. If your daughter has a favorite pair of boots, let her wear them (at least in a few pictures). If your son prefers to run around naked to being fully clothed, we’ll let him strip down at the end of the session. If your child loves to wear hats and sunglasses, bring them! Whatever makes your child their own adorable, individual self, let’s focus on those things.

Lovies, Blankies, and Special Toys

Milestone sessions are also a great time to incorporate personal items into child photography sessions in Northfield MN.  Things like favorite blankets, stuffed animals, a special rattle, and anything else that is important to you and your little one at that time.  Plus, it’s fun to look back at that special lovie years later and see what they looked like before the years of hugs and love took a toll on them.

Family and Sibling Poses

While the session will focus on your little one, I will gladly include an updated sibling or family pose with the child photography sessions in Northfield MN. I know these milestones are a reason for everyone to celebrate, and it’s a chance for a family pictures since your newborn session.

 

Other Helpful Tips | Child Photography Sessions in Northfield MN

I do my best to make sure outdoor sessions are at locations where little ones are not easily distracted by things like playgrounds, lots of other people, cars driving by, ect.

I fully believe in bribery with kids.  It can be something at the session, or a special treat like ice cream afterwards.  If you do bring a treat to the session, I recommend having something small, non-messy, quick to eat, and not brightly colored.  Things like Cheerios, yogurt bites, and small crackers are perfect.  I would avoid suckers, chocolates that can melt, fruit snacks, or similar items.

I also love silly pictures, and you will get a bunch of them too. Before I was a mom, I thought everyone wanted smiling pictures of their kids. After having my own, I now see how important the goofy grins, funny poses, and pure personality images are. Those are the images that really capture kids as they age.