One of my favorite tips for children’s photography in Berks County is letting kids bring something they really love to their session. It could be a stuffed animal, a blanket that goes everywhere, a favorite toy, or even a book. Parents sometimes worry those items might look out of place in professional portraits, but honestly, they’re usually the photos families love the most.
Comfort Comes First
Walking into a photography studio can feel a little intimidating for kids. Bright lights, new sounds, and a camera pointed right at them can be overwhelming. When they’ve got a comfort item in their hands, things change. A teddy bear to squeeze or a toy they can’t stop talking about helps them put them at ease. Once they’re comfortable, their body relaxes, the smiles come out, and suddenly they forget all about being in front of the camera.
Personality on Display
The things kids bring tell such a clear story about who they are right now. A toddler clutching a fire truck shows off the phase where trucks are the greatest thing in the world. A tween wearing a cheerleading necklace is showing something she’s proud of and really enjoys. Those little details matter because they’re part of your child’s story and that’s the real purpose of these photos.
The Photos You End Up Loving Most
Years later, parents almost always tell me their favorite portraits are the ones that include those special items. Seeing that toy or blanket in the photo instantly brings back all the memories of when it went absolutely everywhere with their child. These stages don’t last forever. The toys get boxed up, the favorites change, and life moves forward. Having photos that hold onto those details means you’ll always remember the attachment and love they had at the time.
Why These Turn Into Family Favorites
Letting kids bring their favorite things into a session doesn’t take away from the portraits, it makes them better. Those items add comfort, personality, and meaning. Long after the toy is packed away or the book is forgotten on a shelf, these photos will bring the memories rushing back.
That’s why I encourage families in Berks County to let kids bring the things they love when they come to my Sinking Spring studio. You’ll thank yourself later. You’ll look at those portraits and remember the stage when that toy went everywhere, when that blanket had to be in every bedtime routine or when that same book was read night after night. Those are the details that make childhood so special and they’re exactly what turn a simple photo into a memory you’ll love seeing every day.
