Pittsburgh Children’s Portraits: Embracing the Mood of Your Photo Shoot

Sometimes kids like this sweet little girl can be very serious when it comes to participating in a photo shoot. She was pleasant and didn’t seem to mind being photographed, but she just wasn’t feeling like smiling that day. It could have been the hot weather that made her sleepy, but despite the efforts of her family and myself, we couldn’t get her to smile. And as these things go, she probably smiled as soon as we left North Park! But I find these images which capture her sweet nature and thoughtfulness, can be just as meaningful—if not more, than a big cheesy grin.

This might be my favorite portrait of her from this session. Such a tiny sweetheart!

As far as props go, I like using things that are functional and natural like books, chairs and bubbles. We used all three of those in this session!

Ah, the wonder of bubbles!

And in this last shot, I don’t think she was consciously posing, but I find it so endearing!

I’d love to hear from parents on your thoughts about smiling vs. serious portraits and what they mean to you!