Here is a tip for parents preparing to have their child photographed:

Visit the studio first with your child - before their session - to let the child become familiar with the studio and learn this is a fun place to go. Before and on the day of the portrait, do not show them how to "smile" for the portrait. The absolute worst thing you can do, is tell your child to smile for the camera. They don't understand this and it scares them. Many of the most memorable portraits have been taken without the child even looking in the camera. We have also discovered our best portraits are taken without Dad or Mom in the camera room during the session. That way the child is not distracted looking for approval from the parents as we create the portraits.