Preparing for a children’s heirloom portrait is about more than outfits—it’s about preserving the details that matter most. This guide walks you through each step with care and intention, so you can feel confident, present, and ready to create something truly timeless.

Choosing the perfect outfit for your child’s heirloom portrait is about more than just clothing, it’s about creating a timeless piece of art that will be treasured for generations. Classic styles, soft colors, and thoughtful details all play a role in ensuring your portrait feels as elegant and enduring as the memories it holds. In this post, I’m sharing my expert tips on selecting heirloom-worthy outfits, plus where to find the most beautifully crafted pieces. Read on for inspiration and guidance to help you create a portrait that seamlessly blends tradition, artistry, and your family’s legacy.

I’m honored to be featured in Ladue News, sharing the heart behind my heirloom portrait sessions. These portraits are more than just photographs, they’re a way of holding onto the fleeting beauty of childhood and preserving your family’s legacy for generations to come.

What makes a childhood portrait stand the test of time? What transforms it from a simple photo into a cherished piece of art that your family will treasure for generations?

For me, it’s about creating a beautiful portrait that tells a story—your family’s story. Every Love & Legacy Heirloom Portrait I create is designed with intention, crafted to be timeless and infused with emotional depth. These portraits aren’t just for today; they’re for the generations to come, connecting the past, present, and future in a way that’s truly meaningful.

Heirloom portraits and keepsakes hold incredible sentimental and historical value. But without proper care and storage, they can deteriorate over time. That’s why I recommend these 8 heirloom storage essentials to ensure your family’s most precious memories stay preserved for generations.

In the spirit of giving something meaningful, even if it's not on “the list," I’m sharing my go-to gift ideas to make any holiday shopping you need to wrap up a breeze.

There’s something truly magical about children’s portraits. They preserve not only a moment in time but also the essence of childhood—the innocence, curiosity, and wonder that passes all too quickly. Throughout history, families have turned to portraits as a way to hold onto those fleeting moments, and I love continuing that tradition with my Love & Legacy Heirloom Portraits. In this post, I’d like to share a bit about the history of children’s portraits and why I believe they remain so meaningful today.

Childhood is full of fleeting, beautiful moments that we all wish we could hold onto forever. As a mom of four and a photographer for over two decades, I know firsthand the joy—and sometimes the challenge—of capturing those moments before they slip away. Whether it’s your newborn’s sleepy yawn or your teenager’s rare, but genuine, smile, these are memories worth preserving.

In this post, I’ll share my best tips for capturing the essence of your kids at every stage, using nothing more than your phone. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a little patience, some creativity, and a few simple techniques to make those smiles last a lifetime.

Every family has a story—one that is woven together through generations of shared experiences, values, and memories. These stories are often passed down through stories told over kitchen tables, cherished keepsakes, and treasured photographs.

There is something timeless and deeply meaningful about having a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind portrait that captures your child’s essence in a way that no cellphone photograph can. Here’s why investing in a professional portrait artist for your child’s heirloom portrait is a decision your family will appreciate for generations...

As parents, we know how quickly time passes. One moment, your little one is learning to crawl, and the next, they’re off to school. These early years are fleeting, yet they hold some of the sweetest memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Capturing your child’s heirloom portraits during this time is not only a way to preserve their innocence but also a beautiful gift you can pass down for generations. Let’s explore why it’s so important to create these timeless portraits while your children are still young.

In a world where digital photos are often lost in a sea of insignificant phone photos and screenshots or shared on social media and never looked at again, the idea of investing in a traditional heirloom childhood portrait might seem like a step back in time. But for many families...

“Sons are the anchors of a mother’s life.” - Sophocles

As mothers, we are constantly pulled in a million different directions. The daily demands of life often leave us feeling like we’re missing out on precious moments with our children. We worry that the days are slipping by too quickly, and we haven’t fully captured the magic of their childhood.

Hey there, friend! Come on in!

I'm Shana, a portrait photographer based in St. Louis with 24 years of experience behind the lens. Over the years, I've had the joy of creating heirloom portraits for families like yours, capturing moments that not only grace your walls today but also become cherished keepsakes for generations to come...

Let's talk about heirloom portraits. In the past, you typically had one of three options: Pastel, Oil Painting, Photograph. But what if you could have the best of each one wrapped into a single mixed-media portrait showcasing your child's true features and genuine personality?

I wish they knew that together we can capture this fleeting stage in their children's lives so that they will have treasured heirloom portraits for generations to come. Recently, a sweet family drove an hour and a half to see me...

What's one thing everyone believes about photography but is actually a myth? I'll go first...

Have you been wondering the best way to capture your children's precious features and personality at this sweet stage? My Love & Legacy mixed media portraits are the perfect combination of classic style and modern preservation...

In the blink of an eye, moments slip through our fingers, transforming into memories. As parents, we often find ourselves marveling at how quickly our children grow, wishing we could press pause on their fleeting childhood. This is where the magic of child photography portrait sessions comes in, allowing us to preserve those precious, ephemeral moments.

Mom guilt is real. As a mom myself, I understand all too well the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed everyone's expectations (our own being the most demanding). It's easy to look back and wish we had done things differently…