As parents, watching our children grow and develop their own personalities is an incredible experience that fills us with joy. We cherish the moments spent together at the dinner table, listening to their stories and learning about what makes them happy. Displaying artwork that recognizes their unique personality is an amazing way to celebrate this gift of parenting.

Recently, I did a personality session with my soon-to-be three-year-old son. A personal project I set up as soon as I found out we were relocating due to my husband’s job and purchasing a new home. There is something about this specific type of portraiture that draws me in. From the simple composition to the way the large black and white printed wall art is displayed, these portraits are statement pieces. And I knew this was exactly what our new home needed.

What are personality portraits

Here are the key features of personality portraits:

◦ clean backgrounds

◦ simple outfits

◦ black and white

◦ displayed as large wall art or in a multiple image display

What to expect during a personality session

When photographing children, it’s important to provide a relaxed environment. Studio sessions typically last between 30-45 minutes and feature basic studio lighting and a white backdrop. I like to add personalized details from here. If your little one has a favorite song or video that makes them light up or dance, queue it up. If they have a comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal please bring it! For my son’s session, I included his favorite stuffed animal. Those shots are sooo sentimental to me. And I will be forever grateful for capturing those details.

What to wear

Bringing the focus solely to the child for personality portraits is best done by ditching colors and prints. Keeping things simple works great here; jeans and a white tee shirt or another solid color might be ideal, as can a simple dress with minimal design. For toddlers and babies, a diaper or white onesie works too.

How to display your new portraits

Personality portraits are meant to be hung as statement pieces in your home. When selecting where to hang them, it’s important to consider the size and orientation of the image you would like. Your images can be incorporated into a gallery wall or look great featured as large prints in combinations of two or three, all the same size. Keep your style and space in mind when deciding on how to display your portraits!

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