How to Prepare Your Child for a Personality Portrait Session

Preparing your child for a personality portrait session doesn’t require rehearsing, practicing smiles, or coaching behavior. In fact, the most helpful preparation is often very simple.

Personality portraits are designed to meet children where they are. A little thoughtful preparation can help your child arrive feeling comfortable and at ease — without pressure.

What “Preparation” Really Means

For personality portraits, preparation is not about how your child should act or look. It’s about helping them feel informed and relaxed.

You don’t need to:

• practice smiling
• remind them to behave
• talk about what the photos should look like

Instead, preparation is about keeping the time before the session calm and letting expectations stay light.

What to Say to Your Child Before the Session

Simple, honest language works best.

A few examples:

• “We’re going to have your photo taken.”
• “You don’t need to do anything special.”
• “You can just be yourself.”

If your child asks questions, answer them simply. If they don’t, that’s fine too. Over-explaining can sometimes create unnecessary anticipation or pressure.

What Not to Say Before a Portrait Session

Even well-intended comments can add pressure.

It’s best to avoid phrases like:

• “You have to smile.”
• “Please behave.”
• “Don’t be shy.”
• “We need good pictures.”

These can make children feel evaluated rather than supported. Personality portraits work best when children don’t feel responsible for the outcome.

Practical Preparation for the Day of the Session

Especially for younger children, a few practical details can make a big difference.

Helpful things to consider:

• Make sure your child is fed and not hungry
• Try to schedule around rest or nap times, when possible
• Wipe faces gently before the photoshoot (especially around the mouth and nose)
• Bring a simple snack or water just in case
• Dress your child in clothing that feels comfortable and familiar

Avoid last-minute rushing if you can. A calm arrival sets the tone for the session.

How Parents Can Help During the Session

One of the most helpful things parents can do is stay relaxed. Simply being present and offering calm, supportive energy often helps children feel more at ease.

During the session:

• trust the process
• avoid coaching from the side (such as asking your child to smile or say “cheese”)
• let your child respond in their own time
• allow gentle guidance to come from the photographer

Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. A calm presence supports a calm experience.

Preparing Yourself as a Parent

Letting go of expectations — about smiles, expressions, or outcomes — allows the session to unfold naturally.

When the focus shifts from how the photos will turn out to how your child feels, the experience tends to be more comfortable for everyone involved.

Authenticity matters more than perfection.

Want to Learn More About Personality Portraits?

If you’d like a deeper overview of what personality portraits are and how these sessions work, you can read more here:

What Are Personality Portraits?