This summer I offered mini sessions at Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, MD. I chose Hampton because of the diverse backgrounds and beauty that is available around the grounds of the site. For these mini sessions, I had a particular spot in mind: the old greenhouses. The greenhouses are not kept up, have no glass in them, and are covered in chipped up white paint. But there’s a beauty in them that I just love and I knew I wanted to hold a mini session specifically to showcase these greenhouses.
The P family, who I photographed last fall, had a new addition to bring along this year and I enjoyed meeting him and getting some photos of the cute little guy. Their oldest son did as good as any newly 3 year old can do, and we took lots of breaks to let him run around before making him stop for another picture. Mom was also smart and brought snacks to bribe him with, which worked beautifully! Snacks are usually a surefire way to get your kids to agree to get more pictures done; especially toddlers, they are fiends for snacks!
The P family told me they really enjoy doing mini sessions with me because they’re short enough that their son doesn’t lose his mind, and that they appreciate how quick I am in getting the photos taken. They also appreciate that I will pivot poses quickly when their son just isn’t having it. And with toddlers, you have to; their attention span is only so long and being in a new environment is super stimulating; I don’t expect them to sit still! That’s why I always remind my families that it’s okay if we’re moving and playing for most of the session. Playtime during portrait sessions is always a guarantee of genuine smiles and candid moments between you and your little ones.
