After years of working as a portrait photographer in the Hamptons, I have had a lot of parents ask, “what is the best age to have a portrait session of my child?”  My answer is, “any age is a good age!” Each age offers different possibilities for photographs. My job is to capture the unique, magical glimpses of each stage of a child’s development. I would like to share with you the special moments we can capture at each age.

From Newborn to 5 Years Old – When to Have Your Child’s Portrait Session

0-1 month: Newborns have tiny noses, fingers, and toes contrasted with an adult. A lot of photographs will be made with the parents, since this age child needs lots of support. Baskets, small wagons, and fluffy quilts cuddle the baby. Sleeping photos to capture the tenderness of this age are not uncommon.

3 months: This baby babbles coos, squeals and smiles readily. There are lots of wonderful expressions to capture. Some of these babies like to lie on their tummy and can even hold their heads up. This offers a new range of positions and expressions, which can be captured forever.

6 months: A 6 month old likes to reach for objects and inspect them with their hands, eyes, and mouth. Their ranges of expressions are growing as is their body control. This is a great age for siblings to be included and cuddle the newest member of the family. Have with you their favorite objects at the beginning of the session; I will also be bringing along some natural age appropriate grasping toys.

9 months:  This young child is beginning to explore more of their environment. They may creep, crawl, sit without support, or pull themselves up to stand. They like to play peek-a-boo, will respond to their name, and make playful sounds. Teething is usually occurring so they also like to bite and chew toys. Have a towel handy to wipe up the drool. Parents may be called upon to help with encouraging their child’s expressions.

10 – 12 months:  This is one of my favorite ages for child photography. This little character crawls easily, may stand and even begin to walk. I have custom-made boats and wagons for support. This child is easy to engage. They are beginning to have a sense of humor, like to wave “bye-bye,” understands “no-no”, gives and takes objects, and will repeat performances that are laughed at.

2 year old: I call these children my “movers and shakers.”  There are on the go, exploring the world around them. It’s important to follow the mood, temperament, and actions of this adventurer.  A lot of patience is required since this child usually does not respond to verbal persuasion and if frustrated, will have a temper tantrum. They will usually find an activity they enjoy repeating over and over; like filling a bucket with sand and dumping it out, pushing my small rowboat towards the water, and running in and out of the water. These are all enjoyable activities that elicit natural expressions from your toddler. They may play alongside other children, but not with them. Ownership of his or her own things, a favorite toy or blanket is fiercely held onto and may be included in some of their portraits.

3 year olds: This is a delightful age for portraits. At three, children can take suggestions for playful activities; like making a sand castle or playing with trucks in the sand. They can play simple games like “ring around the rosy”, “red light green light” or “Simon says.” They enjoy nursery rhymes, naming silly foods, and counting things.  Breaks for snacks and drinks help keep this child happy.

4 year olds: This child is blossoming as a self-sufficient individual. They have a wonderful sense of humor, love silly songs and names, and use their imagination in their play activities. They like to make up stories about where sand trucks are going, or who lives in the sand castle, or about friendly fish in the sea. Their engaging play encourages a wide variety of expressions for me to photograph. If they have siblings, these children like playing together making more opportunities for interactive candids.

5 year olds: At this stage, many children want to help and please adults making them very easy to work with. They enjoy exercise games, humorous stories and can even act them out. They are self-assured and enjoy playing with others. There is a wide range of photographic possibilities with 5 year olds.

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