Lots of pictures with a variety of expressions which will make you laugh!
I receive many inquiries asking like . . . my child is 3 years old and would love to celebrate his/her very first Shichi Go San. Just wondering if she/he can go through the process of getting dressed in such an elegant kimono and be photographed. Just being anxious if he/she will be able to handle the experience.
Uh huh, I was just like that when my kids were 3 years old. To be honest, I was also nervous about having Shichi Go San sessions with 3 years old at the beginning of my career – over 8 years ago.
I have learned that there are many types of 3 years olds. The shy ones, the curious ones, the active ones, the talkative ones – a variety of personalities. One thing in common is that I have to be super quick taking pictures because their attention span is quicker than a blink! I would like to finish this whole experience before their nap time as well. Overpreparation and having good teamwork with the parents is a key to success. Bring your children’s favorite snacks to keep his/her energy up. Bring his/her favorite toys or even blanket. Praise them instead of telling them to “behave!”. When you are feeling anxious, they can feel it. When you are relaxed and happy, they can feel that too.
I had a family with this cute 3 years old girl who was the curious and active ones.
The great news is that all of my partners who rent kimonos will be here at my place to dress them up in kimonos so that I can take pictures immediately after they are fully dressed (or before they start taking them off 😉
Can you see her serious face looking herself? Can you see the sparkles in her eyes? Loved taking pictures of her being so curious and excited to have her hair done professionally! – very first experience in her life.
Putting lipstick on her plump lips and Kanzashi(the decorative hair piece in Japanese style) on her hair . . . the parents were also having a great time witnessing the transformation. It was a great idea to bring the boxed juice with a straw so her lipstick will not smear. Good job mom!
…. and here comes the first shot!
Got you! She was walking around instead of staying in one place for some posed photos. She might be wondering what is going on? Mommy and Daddy are cheering me, and what is the big black eye this lady is holding in front of her face? Instead of this typical formal poses, I capture her emotions, spontaneous expressions, and personalities.
Same as the family photos. I do take typical posed photos – everyone standing which is good when you have 5 years old or 7 years old, however, the little 3 years old is short! I always advise parents to sit down to the same level as the little one’s face. Some 3-year-olds want to be held by you, and this little girl wanted to squeeze mommy and daddy’s faces in both arms! so cute! Love when these spontaneous actions happen- Three years old magic!
Capturing her being silly, mischievous, laughing at loud, giggling and doing Oh-oh faces. Capturing her soft hair, tiny baby teeth, chubby cheeks which are reminiscent of a baby. Shichi Go San is the celebration of children’s growth after all. Let’s your 3 years old to be 3 years old. All these images captured will be cherished for years to come, and your child will love them! Children grow so fast! Having a Shichi Go San session with 3 years old will be a physically challenging, but most rewarding experience for me. Did I mention that to bring your energy?
Special courtesy to Mrs.Mikko at Kimono no Kobeya.
NOTE: if your child is younger than 3 years old, it will be better to wait until he/she becomes at least 3 years and a half for a Shichi Go San session. Waiting for a couple of months make a big difference for such a young child.
Akiko Whalen Photography 