An heirloom portrait is more than just a photograph. It’s a quiet celebration of childhood, captured with intention, framed in simplicity, and crafted to be passed down for generations. If you’ve booked a session or are considering one, you may be wondering what the experience is like from start to finish.

The answer is simple: gentle, low-pressure, and guided with care.

Here’s what you can expect when you step into the studio for your heirloom session.

A Calm and Minimal Setting

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that everything about the session is designed to be peaceful. The studio is softly lit with natural light, free from distractions, and intentionally minimal in its setup. This allows your child to be the true focus of the portrait.

There are no loud backdrops, no flashy props, just a clean space and a quiet pace. The environment is carefully curated to help children settle in and feel safe, so we can capture them just as they are: open, thoughtful, and unhurried.

A Session That Moves at Their Pace

Heirloom sessions are short in length (typically around 20 minutes) but never rushed. These portraits aren’t about big smiles or busy movement. Instead, they’re meant to draw out a soft, expressive presence… a quiet moment that speaks to who your child is right now.

The energy is kept low on purpose. Children are never pushed or overly posed. If your child is slow to warm up, that’s okay. We give them space to observe, take in their surroundings, and engage naturally when they’re ready.

You Can Let Go, I’ll Take the Lead

As a parent, your job during the session is simple: just be present and let me guide the process.

You don’t need to coach, pose, or prompt. In fact, I encourage you to step back and let me gently lead your child through the experience. My approach is quiet and observant, allowing their expression to unfold without pressure. Often, the most meaningful images come from the soft in-between moments – the ones that can’t be rushed or asked for.

Trust that I will direct them with care, always keeping in mind the final goal: a portrait that reflects their quiet confidence, their sweetness, and their presence.

Final Touches

If you’re using clothing from our studio wardrobe, everything will be ready and waiting when you arrive. If you’ve brought your own outfit, you’ll have time to change and freshen up once in the studio.

We’ll make any small adjustments needed – tidying hair, placing a bow, smoothing fabric – before we begin. The goal is to keep things comfortable, polished, and as effortless as possible.

Walking Away with More Than a Portrait

When your session ends, it won’t feel chaotic or rushed. It will feel like a pause. A breath. A space where your child was seen with clarity and love.

That’s the heart of what an heirloom session is. Not just a photograph, but a piece of your family’s story – beautiful in its simplicity and lasting in its presence.

If you have questions before your session or would like help planning your child’s wardrobe, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.