Yay! You have decided to schedule an Heirloom Portrait Session for your family! There is something truly magical about capturing the sweet innocence and unique personality of your child in a timeless portrait. An heirloom portrait is more than just a photo. It’s a cherished piece of artwork that preserves this fleeting phase of childhood and becomes part of your family’s legacy. To ensure a seamless experience, I’ve created this guide to help you prepare for your Raleigh Heirloom Portrait session with confidence.
This guide contains everything you need to know to make the most of our time together and help me create the photos you’re dreaming of. It also answers most of my clients’ questions about what happens next: selecting an outfit, what to know for the day of your session, after your session, etc. If you have a question that isn’t covered in this guide, please email me. I’m happy to answer anything. I promise, NOTHING will surprise me and there likely won’t be a scenario that I haven’t come across already.
Every child is beautifully unique. Through an Heirloom Portrait Session, my goal is to capture their genuine personality so that it feels authentic and timeless. Whether your little one is full of energy and laughter or naturally quiet and introspective, I create an environment where they feel comfortable and free to be themselves.
With years of experience and a natural ability to connect with children, I know how to draw out those sincere expressions that parents treasure most. From shy smiles to big belly laughs, I’ll capture who they are in this moment.
So without further ado… let’s start to prepare for your Raleigh heirloom portrait session!
Step One: Your Raleigh Heirloom Portrait Outfit Selection
For heirloom portraits, simple and timeless attire works best. I recommend classic pieces in white, neutral, or soft tones that allow your child’s personality to shine. Access to my client wardrobe is included with your session. Here you’ll find a selection of beautifully curated outfits designed specifically for these timeless portraits.
Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bright colors, as they can distract from the simplicity and elegance of the portrait. If you have heirloom items, such as a necklace or a family keepsake, feel free to bring them along. These pieces will add a personal touch to your images. One of my favorite sessions was from a client whose mother MADE her smocked dress that she wore when she was little and she brought it to my studio for her daughter’s portrait.
When selecting outfits, you want to think of how you are going to display your photos. Where will you hang them? If you have colors you incorporate often into your home, be sure to select outfits for portraits that will compliment your space.
Looking for some inspiration? Check out a few of my favorites:
Here are a few of my favorite local Raleigh shops:
Step Two: The Day of Your Raleigh Heirloom Portrait Session
Our Location: Williamsburg Commons, 3708 Benson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609
Things to Note:
- please arrive 5-10 minutes before your session time to allow for dressing and changing if necessary. I always advise to bring outfits on a hanger to avoid wrinkling or stains on the way in.
- keep your child’s hair simple and neat to maintain a timeless look. Be sure nails are neat and clean, no chipped nail polish or dirt. In my studio, you will find a brush, styling products, bobby pins and stain remover. I have many clip in bows for girls as well.
- If they’re old enough, talk to them ahead of time about the session to build excitement and let them know it will be a fun experience. Save the bribes for me incase we need them! Im not above a little ice cream incentive if you’re okay with that!
- for younger children, bringing along a favorite comfort item or snack can help them feel at ease and make the session more enjoyable.
- Lastly, please make sure bellies are full. The number one reason for meltdowns is hanger. I have plenty of allergen free snacks at the studio as well.
Once they’re dressed and ready to go, I’ll take over. All you need to do is relax and enjoy watching your child’s personality shine.
Keeping Sessions Fun & Relaxed for Little Ones
Please don’t stress if your child isn’t on their best behavior—kids will be kids! The key to capturing genuine smiles and joyful expressions is to keep things light, fun, and pressure-free. After 10 years in business, I can confidently say that patience and playfulness go much further than firm discipline when it comes to turning a grumpy mood around.
I’ve also scheduled these sessions in the morning—when most little ones are at their happiest—to set them up for success. That said, every child has their moments, and that’s completely okay! With a little patience (and a few tricks up my sleeve), we’ll create beautiful, natural moments that truly reflect their personality.
As a mom of two, I’ve seen it all—nothing surprises me! So, relax and enjoy the session, knowing that I’m here to guide the experience and make it as relaxed and fun as possible for both you and your child.
Step 3: After Your Raleigh Heirloom Portrait Session
Within 1 week of your session, you will receive an email with a link to a proofing gallery with lightly edited images. You will have 3 days to choose a package and complete your payment. From there, the final edits will be applied and digital files shared within 2 weeks.
Choose Your Products
Now for the fun part… lets put these beautiful portraits on display! I love to help you choose artwork for your home or gifts for your loved ones. Your child’s portrait isn’t just a photograph—it’s a piece of art meant to be displayed and enjoyed every day. There’s something powerful about walking into a room and seeing timeless images of the people you love most. All packages come with a print credit and I will help you every step of the way.
I offer a range of options to display your child’s portrait in a way that complements your home. From hand-crafted custom frames to museum-quality finishes, these pieces are not meant to live on a hard drive. These images belong on your walls, bringing warmth, joy, and elegance to your space.
When you invest in a framed heirloom portrait, you’re creating a legacy. One day, your child will walk into their own home and see this same portrait hanging on their wall—a tangible reminder of their childhood and the love that surrounds them.
Some fan favorites are the matted albums, framed and matted deckled edge prints, and framed composite prints.
Matted Albums
Deckled Edge
Matted Print
Composite
As always, please contact me with any questions you may have as your prepare for your Raleigh heirloom portrait session! I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
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