A photo session at a nursery is a slightly different challenge from one at a preschool. We are talking about children aged from a few months to 3 years. They often do not yet understand instructions, they may react to a stranger with separation anxiety, and their attention lasts a dozen or so seconds. If you run a nursery and are wondering how to organise such a session smoothly and without stress for the little ones — here is what to prepare for.
How does a nursery session differ from a preschool session?
At preschool you can ask a child to sit down, look into the lens and smile — at nursery that rarely works. Toddlers aged 1-3 look best in photos when they are absorbed in something natural: playing, watching, moving. Instead of classic, posed portraits I go for short, spontaneous shots — catching the moment rather than forcing it. This requires more patience and flexibility on my part, but the result is much more authentic.
How the session is organised, step by step
I come directly to your setting with a portable studio (backdrop, lighting). The children stay in familiar, safe surroundings — there is no need to take them anywhere. We agree the date with the management in advance, ideally at the start of the school year or before Christmas. That is when the photos most often become a gift for the grandparents. How long the whole session takes depends on the number of children in the group. I set it individually so that nobody has to wait too long for their turn.
How to prepare the group and the parents
A few things that really help:
- It is worth letting parents know in advance so that on the day of the session they dress their child in something the child feels comfortable in. The idea is to avoid stiff, formal outfits that can pinch and spoil the mood.
- It is best to plan the session for a time of day when the children are rested. Let’s avoid slots just before nap time or after a long wait for a meal.
- Having a familiar carer nearby during the photos really helps the little ones feel safe. That way they don’t have to be left alone with a stranger.
- If a child happens to be crying or doesn’t want to cooperate, there is no need to force it. I come back to them at the end of the session, once they have had time to get used to the situation.
What the nursery and the parents receive
The photos can be ordered as a keepsake of that year. It is something that genuinely lasts for years, unlike photos snapped on a phone on the go. It is also a convenient solution logistically: parents do not have to book separate studio visits. The setting gets professional photos of the whole group with no extra organisation beyond agreeing the date.
Book a session for your nursery
If you would like to book a session for your setting, write to me via the contact page. I will prepare an offer tailored to the number of children and the nursery’s schedule.
