Bespoke children’s portraiture: tailoring an experience to your child

Watching our children grow, change, and discover is one of the greatest joys of parenting—and also one of the hardest because these moments are so fleeting. At Paula Ward Photography, I create Spotlight Sessions to celebrate their unique personalities and preserve these moments forever. A Spotlight includes a custom-designed photoshoot that highlights your children’s interests and includes not only the photos but also a keepsake magazine.

I believe that a truly personal session begins well before we snap the first photo. So, to plan the perfect photoshoot, I start with an interview with you and your child. Don’t worry—no pop quizzes here! I’ll share the questions ahead of time to make sure everyone feels comfortable and prepared. During this interview, I ask about their favorite activities, what makes them laugh, and the little quirks that make them them. This is how I capture their vocabulary, their phrasing, and their view of the world, all of which I’ll weave into your keepsake magazine. These details are the heart of a truly personal session, ensuring the final photos feel authentic and deeply meaningful.

Once I’ve gotten to know your child, the real fun begins. Using all the treasures from the interview—favorite colors, music, hobbies, and dreams—I design a photoshoot that’s as unique as they are. Every detail is intentional, from whimsical props to carefully curated backdrops that bring out their personality. This planning phase is where their story takes shape, and I pour my heart into creating an experience that feels genuine from start to finish.

When the big day arrives, it’s all about fun and creativity. From the moment your child steps into the studio, they’re the star. I’ll guide them through every step, making sure they feel confident, comfortable, and ready to shine. Whether we’re doing playful prompts, giggle breaks, or simply letting them be their wonderful selves, I want them to have a blast.

After the session, you’ll receive a full gallery of professionally edited images that tell your child’s story. These aren’t just pictures; they’re celebrations of who they are right now in this fleeting phase of life. You’ll also receive a beautifully designed and professionally printed 16-page magazine with your child as the cover model and the focus of every page. This isn’t just a keepsake; it’s a treasure—a tangible way to hold onto these moments that seem to slip through our fingers so quickly.

For those who choose the Ultimate Spotlight package, the experience includes video highlights from the day of the shoot. You’ll see your child move, speak, and sparkle exactly as they are right now, preserving not just their image but their sweet personality and voice, too.

Above all, the Spotlight Session is more than a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of your child’s story, a moment frozen in time that you’ll cherish for years to come. Watching your child shine and knowing that their essence has been captured forever is a gift beyond words. And I’d be honored to help you celebrate their individuality in a way that feels warm, personal, and true to who they are.

Book your discovery call today and let’s start crafting an experience that truly reflects your child’s one-of-a-kind spirit!