Three tips for working a family photography session around your little one’s bedtime schedule
With Columbus Ohio Family Photographer Heart Sung Photography
Obsessed with the stunning forsythia, which blooms mid March to mid April
1.Schedule your session during the “shoulder” season: March, April, October or November.
As a family photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I have the opportunity to shoot in ALL kinds of weather and seasons.
Early spring and late fall are my favorite times of year for sessions with toddlers, but maybe not for the obvious reason… It’s because you can take advantage of a beautiful sunset well before your child turns into pumpkin (read: screaming, tantrum throwing toddler up past her bedtime!) The weather is typically mild, the grass is more golden than neon green, flowers are blooming or leaves are colorful. Best of all: you can capture that golden hour glow that lends itself so beautifully to portraits at a much earlier hour than summer. What’s not to love?
top: last March at Homestead Park
bottom: last October at Hard Rd Park
2. Schedule your session when kids are typically happiest: first thing in the morning!
If you’re not a morning person you should skip this one. Based on personal experience kids are happiest first thing in the morning, so scheduling your session at sunrise can be a great experience! Yes, you’ll have to get up a bit earlier than usual to get ready, but think about it this way: it won’t be hot, your child/ren will be happy, you won’t have hit that end of the day exhaustion that every parent feels come 7pm (it’s not just me right?), AND you get golden hour all to yourself as public parks are quiet at that hour.
Alternatively, I could come to your home for a “wake up” session and capture your sleepy toddler with their bedtime hair and rumpled pjs when they’re at maximum cuteness.
Nothing but happy kiddos at this fall morning session
3. Opt for an in-home session which can take place at your convenience!
Kids are happiest at home (aren’t we all?), where they’re in their comfort zone, they can take breaks as needed, they’re excited to show off their toys, and you don’t have to pack up all of your belongings and get everyone out the door in time for your photo session. It minimalizes stress for all involved. Bonus: you know the prints you want to hang on your walls will match the décor!
These can be scheduled at your convenience, but I find the best time to generally be in the morning some time between breakfast and lunch, or very first thing when kids are waking and sleepy-cute. And we don’t have to be limited to the confines of your home: backyards and neighborhood parks can be included too!
