How to Prepare for Your Love & Legacy Heirloom Portrait Session

There’s a quiet magic in holding a photograph from decades ago—your grandmother as a young girl in a smocked dress, your father’s wide-eyed grin as a toddler in suspenders. These aren’t just pictures. They are pieces of our story. They are legacy.

As a St. Louis photographer dedicated to creating timeless children’s heirloom portraits, I’ve seen how meaningful portrait art becomes over time, how it holds the details we think we’ll never forget. That soft curl at the nape of a neck, or the way their cheeks still carry that soft, baby roundness. It’s those little things that matter most, and they’re worth preserving with intention. That’s why I’ve taken the time to outline how you can best prepare for your child’s portrait session. When the day comes, you can simply be present and trust that every detail has been lovingly considered.

8-12 Weeks Before: Begin with Legacy in Mind

Legacy photography begins long before the shutter clicks. Starting as soon as three months ahead of time, I encourage families to start planning wardrobe choices. Think soft neutrals, pastels, and timeless silhouettes that will look just as beautiful 50 years from now as they do today. Look for sweet details around the neck and sleeves, and consider heirloom-quality pieces, like custom smocked dresses or classic bobby suits. These take time to create, but they’re worth every stitch.

2-4 Weeks Before: The Little Details Matter

As you move closer to your session, it’s time to check fit and comfort, especially for little ones. Schedule haircuts a week before the session so styles have time to settle. For boys, I always recommend letting your stylist know you’re preparing for a portrait session so they don’t cut it too short. About two weeks before your session, take a moment to try on a few accessory options—bows, bracelets, or heirloom pieces—so you can see what feels most natural and timeless. It’s a small step, but it can make all the difference in how everything comes together.

The Day Of: Keep Calm and Let the Magic Unfold

On the day of your session, try to allow a bit more time than you think you need. Rushing rarely feels good and giving yourself margin helps set the tone for a relaxed, joyful experience. When you arrive unhurried, your children will feel it too. I recommend my clients tell their children that “We are going to see my friend Shana, and she is going to take your photos. It will be fun!”

Pack a few simple essentials: your child’s outfit (I recommend changing at the studio), a brush and any styling products you like for taming flyaways, and a touch of chapstick or lotion to keep skin soft and comfortable.

And then—let go.

You’ve done the preparation. You’ve chosen meaningful pieces. Now you can turn it over to me. With over 25 years of experience photographing children, I know how to guide gently, read the moment and capture the beauty that unfolds naturally. There’s no need for perfection, only presence, and I want children to fully be themselves.

Why This Matters

When we slow down and prepare with care, we create space for something meaningful to unfold. Portrait art isn’t about trends; it’s about authenticity and love. A well-made heirloom portrait tells your family’s story in a way that lasts. Rather disappearing on a never-ending camera roll, you have created a legacy piece.

Looking back years from now, you’ll be grateful for the intention you put into this moment and for how it felt to honor your child just as they are in this chapter of their life.

If Heirloom Portraits Are on Your Heart…

Whether you’re just beginning to consider a portrait session for your child or already starting to plan, I invite you to take the next step.

If you’re exploring the idea and want to learn more, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always happy to answer questions and help you envision what a session might look like for your family.

And if you’re already in the early stages of planning, my Heirloom Session Preparation Checklist is a wonderful place to begin. It’s a printable guide designed to help you feel organized, confident, and at ease as we prepare to create something truly lasting.

Your child’s story is worth preserving, and together we can create a timeless, hand-colored portrait that will stand the test of time.