How to Prepare for Your Reverie Photography Session

Getting ready for a Reverie Photography Session at Elusive Photography in Falmouth, ME, is an exciting journey that involves both you and your child. Unlike traditional children's photography, where kids are asked to sit still and smile, Reverie sessions turn your child into the creative director of their own artistic portrait. Understanding how to prepare makes the experience magical for everyone involved.

What Makes Reverie Photography Different

The Reverie Session is unique to Elusive Photography and represents a fresh approach to children's portraiture. Instead of wrestling with kids to "say cheese" for strained smiles, these sessions invite children to help create their own imagery. Your child's imagination becomes the foundation for stunning art that will hang on your walls for years to come.

This creative photography approach celebrates what kids do naturally: imagine, play, and dream. By giving them control over their own art, we produce portraits that feel authentic and meaningful rather than forced.

The Design Appointment: Where Magic Begins

Planning Your Child's Vision

After booking your Reverie session, the first step is the Design Appointment. This is where the real fun starts. During this meeting, I sit down with your children to discuss their ideas and vision. Whether they dream of being a fairy princess, a brave knight, an astronaut, or something completely unique, we listen carefully to their requests.

This conversation isn't just about taking notes. It's about validating your child's creativity and showing them their ideas matter. Many kids arrive nervous but leave the Design Appointment genuinely excited about the upcoming session.

What to Discuss Before the Design Appointment

Help your child prepare by having casual conversations at home about:

• Their Favorite Stories: What characters do they love? What worlds do they wish they could visit?

• Colors They're Drawn To: Do they gravitate toward pastels, bold colors, or darker tones?

• Special Interests: Are they fascinated by nature, outer space, fairy tales, or adventure stories?

• Emotional Themes: Do they want to feel powerful, peaceful, magical, or brave in their portrait?

Keep these conversations light and playful. The goal isn't to arrive with a rigid plan but to help your child start thinking creatively about possibilities.

Wardrobe and Styling for Reverie Sessions

Custom Couture Options

One of the most exciting aspects of Reverie photography is the custom wardrobe component. Sessions starting at $500 include access to couture clothing designed to bring your child's vision to life. The studio maintains a limited wardrobe collection, with additional pieces available to rent in the perfect size and color for your little ones.

During the Design Appointment, we'll discuss specific outfit details, hair styling, and accessories that will complete the scene. Professional styling eliminates the stress of finding the perfect outfit yourself while creating a truly special look.

Preparing Your Child's Hair

Clean, well-groomed hair works best for styling during the session. If your child has longer hair, arrive with it brushed but not styled in a specific way. This gives us the flexibility to create the perfect look for their chosen scene.

For children who are particular about their hair, discuss any concerns during the Design Appointment so we can plan accordingly.

Getting Your Child Ready Mentally and Emotionally

Building Excitement Without Pressure

The weeks leading up to your Reverie session should feel exciting, not stressful. Talk about the upcoming photography session as a fun, creative project rather than something they need to perform perfectly at.

Share these positive messages:

• "You get to help create your own special picture."

• "Your ideas are going to look amazing."

• "We're going to make something just for you."

Avoid phrases like "you need to behave" or "make sure you smile nicely." These create pressure that contradicts the creative freedom that makes Reverie sessions special.

Managing Expectations on Session Day

Let your child know that the session will take some time and might involve trying different poses or expressions. Explain that the photographer will give them directions, but their ideas and personality are what matter most.

If your child tends toward shyness, reassure them that feeling nervous at first is normal and that the experience will become more comfortable as they go.

Practical Preparation Tips

The Day Before Your Session

• Get a good night's sleep

• Avoid scheduling other major activities that day

• Have a light, healthy meal before arriving

• Bring water and a small snack for afterward

What to Bring to Your Session

Most of what you need is provided, but consider bringing:

• A favorite small toy or comfort item (kept aside during shooting)

• Hair ties or clips, if your child needs them

• Any special accessories you'd like incorporated (discuss first)

• Your patience and positive attitude

Timing Your Arrival

Plan to arrive at the Falmouth studio a few minutes early. This gives your child time to adjust to the space without feeling rushed. However, arriving too early can lead to restlessness, so aim for about 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time.

During the Session: What to Expect

The Creative Process

Reverie photography sessions are collaborative. Your child will have input throughout the process, though I'll guide them to help their vision come to life. Some children jump right in, while others need time to warm up. Both are perfectly normal.

As a parent, your role is supportive but not directive. Trust the process and avoid over-coaching from the sidelines. Children often perform their best when they're focused on the photographer's guidance rather than trying to please multiple adults.

Session Length and Pacing

Sessions vary in length depending on your child's age, energy level, and the complexity of their chosen scene. Younger children typically need shorter sessions with more breaks, while older kids can often work for longer periods.

If your child needs a moment to regroup, that's completely fine. These breaks are built into the process.

After Your Session: The Story Book Collection

For families wanting to take the Reverie experience further, the Story Book Collection creates art for an entire story. This option transforms a single portrait session into a cohesive narrative that your child helps develop.

This expanded approach works beautifully for kids who love storytelling or have rich imaginary worlds they'd like to see come to life.

Ready to Create Something Special?

Preparing for your Reverie Photography session is about fostering creativity, building excitement, and trusting the process. By involving your child in the creative decisions, these sessions produce authentic portraits that reflect who they truly are.

Contact Elusive Photography today to book your Reverie Session and schedule your Design Appointment. Starting at $500 with a custom wardrobe included, these sessions transform children's imaginations into timeless art. Serving families throughout Southern Maine and beyond, I'm ready to help your child create something they'll treasure forever.

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