A Major Milestone: The Upsherin
Turning three -the first haircut, starting with the Yarmulke & tzitzits - is a huge milestone for a little boy. Its also a huge milestone for his parents. Professional portraits of your son and this stage will help you capture his babyhood in a tangible way. As you prepare for this transition, one of the first questions I usually get asked is: "Should we do the photos in the studio or outdoors?"
There is no wrong answer! Both options result in beautiful, timeless images. Usually, it comes down to the specific look you are aiming for and your son's personality.
To help you decide, here is a breakdown of what to expect from both experiences at Gitty Strauss Photography.
The Case for the Studio Session
My studio here in Lakewood is designed to be a controlled, comfortable environment. Here is why parents often opt for an indoor session:
- Fewer Distractions: Let’s be honest—three-year-olds have a lot of energy! The studio is a contained space with minimal distractions. It allows us to keep the focus entirely on your son without him wanting to chase a squirrel or run across a park.
- Classic Close-Ups: If you love those soulful, close-up portraits where you can see every eyelash and freckle, the studio is perfect. The lighting is designed to highlight his face and expressions.
- Matching Older Siblings: Many moms have a specific "family wall" or gallery. If you have done studio Upsherin photos for your older sons and want to keep that consistent style hanging on your wall, we can match the lighting and background to fit right in with the set.
- Weather-Proof: If your son’s birthday falls in late fall or winter, the studio is the safest bet. We don't have to worry about red noses, freezing fingers, or rain. It’s always warm and cozy inside!
- Solo Focus: If this session is primarily just for the Upsherin boy (without siblings), the studio is often the easier, quicker choice.
The Case for On-Location (Outdoors)
If you are looking for something a bit more vibrant, an outdoor session might be the way to go.
- Freedom to Move: Some boys just need to run! Outdoor sessions allow for more freedom. We can capture him running, jumping, and exploring. It feels more like "play" and less like "posing," which often brings out those big, natural smiles.
- Vibrant & Colorful: Nature provides the most beautiful backdrops. Whether it’s the rich greens of summer or the crunching leaves of fall, outdoor photos have a vibrant, airy feel that many parents love.
- Fun for the Whole Family: If you plan on including siblings or if Mom and Dad want to jump in for a few shots, outdoors is often best. There is plenty of room for everyone to spread out, and the interaction feels very natural and fun.
While I love the classic look of the studio, I must admit that my heart is in the outdoors.
There is a unique energy that only happens in the beauty of nature. The way the light filters through the trees and the texture of the surroundings creates a depth to the images that is hard to replicate indoors. When a little boy is outside, he feels free. That combination of natural beauty and a child’s uncontainable spirit creates a kind of energy that I absolutely love to capture. If you are on the fence and the weather allows for it, I almost always recommend heading outside to let that energy shine!
Whether we meet at a local park in Ocean County or here in my Lakewood, New Jersey studio, my approach remains the same.
I know that three-year-olds can be shy or energetic (or both in the span of five minutes!). I always take the time to make sure your son is warmed up and comfortable with me before we start posing for photos. I have plenty of patience and allow us the time we need to connect in order to get genuine expressions, regardless of the location.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, it comes down to your vision.
Close your eyes and picture the photos hanging in your living room. Do you see a classic, fine-art portrait with a clean background? Or do you see a candid, colorful shot of your son laughing in the grass? Browse my online gallery to get an idea of the different styles.
Whatever you decide, I am here to bring that vision to life.
