Children are so much fun at any age. We often say that as photographers we have the best job - to play with children all day and make them giggle. What fun we have! We learned a long time ago that we can't rush children to get a good smile, and that we can't get a fake smile to look like a real one. Children have to get to know us in order to really smile around us. Therefore, our appointments are scheduled for an hour so that a child can be relaxed enough to be photographed naturally. We also have special techniques that we use to create our portraits - hiding candy, tickling, peek-a-boo, etc. It just depends on how each child reacts to all of our antics! (If there is a guaranteed giggle-maker in the family, be sure to bring them with you on the day of your session! AKA - baby laughs at grandpa all the time, bring grandpa if you like!)
We try to make it as comfortable as possible for the children who come to our studio. Besides the changing table, we also have a private room for nursing if needed. We have a fabulous collection of toys for children to play with while they wait for their siblings to be finished with portraits, or to play with as they wait for mom and dad during a slideshow. We even have treats for good listeners. And if they're really lucky, they'll visit on a day when the family dog is here - her name is Angel, and she loves kids!
I have had nothing but positive experiences with Traditions! You are wonderful, and I am grateful beyond what you can imagine for the amazing photographs you have taken which so beautifully capture my children and our family at this point in our lives. I love photographs, but I'm not always particularly easy to please. But you have met my highest expectations...and then some!!! Even with some pretty uncooperative subjects (that would be my children), you have managed to create striking pieces. My heartfelt thanks!!! Your creativity, professionalism, patience, and dedication have translated into wonderful keepsakes for our family. I am sincerely grateful!
- Jennifer Spiess