What is the Best Age for Southern Heirloom Portraits?

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Black and white traditional Southern Heirloom portraits of a little boy and little girl

As a Dallas family photographer, I know how much we cherish the fleeting moments of childhood. From tiny fingers grasping for yours to the playful giggles that fill your home, these years pass too quickly. That’s why Southern heirloom portraits are so special. They offer a timeless and classic way to preserve your child’s portrait in a style that has been passed down for generations.

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    Color Southern heirloom portraits of a young man and a young lady

    What Are Southern Heirloom Portraits?

    Southern heirloom portraits are classic, hand-edited, fine-art portraits designed to showcase a child’s delicate features and pure expressions in a simple yet elegant way. They are traditionally printed on fine art paper and framed so they can be displayed in the home as a timeless piece of art. While many photographers are offering digital heirlooms, I love that my clients walk away with so much more. They walk away with a tried and true heirloom ready to hang on their walls. These portraits are inspired by a style of photography that has been popular in the South for generations, often featuring soft lighting, neutral backdrops, and traditional children's clothing like smocked dresses or heirloom bubbles. They never go out of style.

    Two little boys in outfits with peter pan collars for Southern heirloom portraits
     

    2 Things to Consider For Your Southern Heirloom Portraits

    Can They Hold Themselves Up?

    One of the biggest factors in deciding when to schedule a Southern heirloom portrait session is your child’s ability to sit up independently. Most parents choose to schedule these portraits between 6 months and 6 years old, as this is the ideal window when little ones can sit still long enough for the session while still capturing the sweetness of childhood. However; if your child is older than 6 it is never too late. You will only regret not doing them.

    For babies under a year old, they need to be able to hold proper head control. While they do not have to sit fully un-assisted, it is best if they can sit up themselves. I will help guide you in how to hold them. This ensures they can hold a natural, comfortable posture without needing extra support. Many choose to wait until right around the one year mark to celebrate a true milestone portrait.

    Color versions of Southern heirloom portraits of a baby with blue eyes and red hair and a little girl with a pink bow in her hair

    Do You Want a Photo of Each Child?

    Many families use southern heirloom portraits as a way to create a matching set of portraits for each child in the family. If you’re planning to have multiple children, you might want to consider the long-term vision for your display.

    Would you like all of your children’s heirloom portraits to match in size and style? If so, it’s a great idea to schedule each child’s portrait session around the same age, ensuring a cohesive collection that looks stunning when framed together. However; this does mean that you might not have a full set of your children hanging on your wall-space for 5+ years. Many choose to have everyone photographed at the same time for ease and so that they can all be displayed at once no matter the difference in age. If you have older children but one on the way, consider going ahead and capturing your oldest children and waiting until the youngest is around 6-12 months.

    If you’re unsure of the best timing, I’m happy to help guide you through the decision-making process to ensure each portrait blends beautifully with the rest of your collection.

    Southern heirloom photos of a little boy and little girl
     

    My Personal Opinion On Southern Heirloom Portraits

    As a family photographer, I truly believe southern heirloom portraits are one of the most meaningful investments you can make in capturing your child’s early years. These portraits stand the test of time. Not just as photographs but as cherished family heirlooms to pass down for generations. There is something incredibly special about seeing your child’s portrait displayed in a way that reflects the same style and tradition as past generations. These portraits are more than just photographs; they are art, history, and a reflection of your family’s legacy. If you’ve ever admired the classic portraits in your grandmother’s home or your own childhood portrait hanging in a frame, you already know how meaningful these images become over time.

    Two little girls with long hair and bows posed for Southern Heirloom photography

    You Deserve To Cherish This Time With Some Beautiful Southern Heirloom Portraits

    If you love timeless, classic photography that tells the story of your family, Southern heirloom portraits make the perfect way to preserve your child’s innocence in a way that will last for generations. Whether you’re scheduling a portrait for your first child or hoping to complete a matching set, I would love to help create something truly special for your family. Let’s plan your heirloom portrait session and capture this beautiful stage of childhood before it passes too quickly.

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