Mini Sessions for Little Ones: When To book Your Child’s First Better Than School Portraits Session
Beginning an Annual Tradition
You’ve seen the heart-melting images. You’ve heard the buzz. And now you’re wondering: Is my little one ready for Better Than School Portraits? Whether you’re a sentimental mom eager to start a new tradition or simply hoping to capture your child’s personality before they grow another inch, this post is here to help.
These five-minute mini sessions are designed to capture genuine, personality-filled images of your child—no forced grins or stiff poses, just their natural charm in front of a clean, classic backdrop.
But if your youngest is under three and hasn't had much exposure to preschool or daycare yet, you might be wondering: Will they actually sit for this?
Short answer: Maybe! Let’s talk about what works well, what to expect, and why a little bit of chaos might just make your favorite photo.
Is Your Child Developmentally Ready?
These mini sessions move at a friendly pace and are scheduled back-to-back with other families, so they work best for children who are comfortable in new environments and open to a little guided fun.
Kids who have experienced preschool or daycare do especially well—they’re used to group settings and often enjoy the attention.
Toddlers are welcome and shine when they’re able to stand in one spot and follow simple directions (“Can you stand on this blue circle?”).
Babies can also join if they can either sit on their own or have an older sibling who is experienced at holding them safely.
If your child is still in a very attached-to-you phase (has stranger danger), is willful and difficult to persuade, or is prone to post-nap grumpiness, you may want to consider whether a mini session will be too stressful or if waiting six months for the next session might be more successful.
Do You Want to Capture the Fleeting Details No Matter How Messy?
Families who are a great match for these sessions tend to embrace the charm of real life. Maybe you’re the type who doesn’t mind if your child holds onto their favorite stuffed animal or flashes a serious, thoughtful look instead of a toothy grin. Maybe you’re okay with a little messiness, knowing that it’s part of the magic. These images aren’t about picture-perfect—they’re about perfectly them.
Sentimental, big-hearted, photo-loving parents—this is your moment. If you love the idea of documenting who your child is right now (pacifier, lovey, goofy expression and all), you’re in just the right place.
Some of the most striking portraits are the candid, pensive, or personality-packed ones. And printed in black and white? Timeless. These are the photos that bring you right back to this season of life.
Tips for a Smooth Children’s Portrait Session with little ones
If your child can’t sit independently, feel free to sit or kneel just out of frame—wearing black helps keep you beautifully in the background. A supportive parent hand in a photo? Sometimes that’s the most tender detail of all.
Older siblings can hold younger ones for sibling portraits if they’re confident doing so and it’s something they’ve done before. It makes for the sweetest connection.
Comfort items are welcome! Loveys, thumb-suckers, even a little candy bribe can help your child feel at ease—and often add character to the final images. Years from now, those familiar little objects may be what tug at your heart the most.
And just a friendly note: these sessions are intentionally short to keep kids happy and to respect each family’s time slot. While we move quickly, I work with intention and creativity to capture all the special details.
In the End…
Better Than School Portraits isn’t about getting everything just right, they’re about celebrating your child just as they are. If your family loves meaningful moments over perfect poses, and if you’re okay with a little unpredictability in exchange for authenticity, then yes—your child is ready.
