Have you considered offering heirloom portraits or personality portraits as part of your sessions? You may be wondering about the pros and cons of each type of session, so we’ll get into all the details of the two styles to help you decide which one is the best fit for you and your clients.

Heirloom portraits of toddler girl in pink dress | NKB Photo

Heirloom portrait of toddler boy in blue shirt | NKB Photo

Heirloom Portraits: Timeless and Classic

Heirloom portraits are those timeless and classic pieces of art you may have seen in your childhood home or family albums. These portraits capture the essence of a moment, providing a beautiful reminder of the younger years of your client’s children. Heirloom portraits are often known for their:

Classic Look: Think of museum-quality black and white or color images with soft feathered edges. These portraits are often framed in ornate or modern frames to create a treasured piece of art for your client’s homes.
Formal Setup: Heirloom portraits are typically taken in a studio setting with controlled lighting. The focus is on capturing the child against a simple backdrop, often from the elbows up.
Intentional Styling: To create a timeless look, outfits with collared dresses or tops are often recommended. This frames your subject's face beautifully and rounds out the vignette for a classic feel.

Heirloom portraits offer a traditional, elegant style that can be cherished for generations, perfect for displaying on your client’s walls or as part of a gallery.

Personality Portraits: Fun and Expressive

On the other hand, personality portraits aim to capture the unique personalities of each individual. These sessions are all about bringing out your client’s character and quirks in the photos. Some key features of personality portraits include:

Casual Studio Shots: Personality portraits are normally shot in a studio. The images are typically black and white in order to capture your client’s personality. However, some photographers choose to do personality portraits during regular family sessions and just capture the kids as they are.
Creative Freedom: With personality portraits, you have the freedom to experiment with different poses and allow the kids to be themselves. This flexibility allows for more playful and spontaneous shots.
Storytelling: These sessions can tell a story about your client. Since the sessions are laid back, you’ll capture multiple poses and expressions, so you’ll be able to capture the personality of that child in that moment.

Personality portraits offer a fun and expressive way to capture your client’s unique dynamic and create lasting memories.

Heirloom portraits of young girls | NKB Photo

Which Style Is Right for Your Business?

Ultimately, the decision between heirloom portraits and personality portraits depends on your preferences and the story you want your photos to tell. If you're wanting to offer a timeless and classic keepsake, heirloom portraits may be the way to go. If you want to capture your client’s vibrant personalities and candid moments, personality portraits might be the perfect choice.

I offer heirloom portraits as part of my offerings. I prefer the timelessness of the photos. Plus I feel like I can easily capture personality portraits on my phone throughout the day. My clients are looking to invest in artwork that will never go out of style, so heirloom portraits are the best fit for my business. No matter which style you choose, both types of portrait sessions offer the opportunity to create beautiful and meaningful images that your clients will cherish for years to come. If you need help deciding, feel free to reach out—I'm here to guide you in finding the perfect style for your business!