Chattanooga Fine Art Children's Photographer
Because your child is a masterpiece.
What is a Fine Art Children's Portrait?
Fine art children's photography is more than just a picture—it’s a timeless work of art. Unlike traditional portraits, this style is inspired by classic paintings, using rich tones, soft lighting, and thoughtful composition to create an elegant, painterly effect. Every detail, from the wardrobe to the location setting, is carefully chosen to craft an image that feels both artistic and deeply personal. The result is an heirloom-worthy portrait that captures your child's beauty and authentic expression with an artistic touch.
As a Chattanooga photographer specializing in fine art children's photography, I create stunning portraits of your child that transform these fleeting childhood moments into heirloom-quality artwork. Each specialty portrait tells a story, blending classic elegance with modern storytelling to create an image that will be cherished for generations.
Children's Fine Art Portfolio
A small collection of some of my fine art children's images.
Christian Michelle PHotography is featured in
Client Testimonials
Whitney Grant
“I love the romantic tones she used in our photos! I have been told by numerous people they are captivating and I couldn't have put it better myself! Thank you Christian for the time you put into these! Just magic!”
How does a fine art children's photo session work?
Before the Session
The Pre-Session Consultation
As the best Chattanooga fine art children's photographer, I believe preparation is key to a successful session. We’ll start with a quick phone call so you know exactly what to expect from planning the details of the session through creating the heirloom artwork that will soon decorate your home. Together, we’ll explore location options and wardrobe styling. and once we’ve finalized the details, I’ll send over the contract and an invoice for the session fee to secure your date.
The Client Experience Prep Guide
I know life as a mom is busy enough, which is why I put together my exclusive Client Experience Prep Guide to make your fine art children's photo session experience as easy and stress-free as possible! It is packed with tips and even a sample session-day checklist! I’ll also send you a Session Planning Questionnaire to help me get to know your child and tailor your session to your unique needs. With everything organized and customized, you can relax knowing everything is taken care of and focus on what really matters, making memories with your children.
Outfit Styling
We will work together to curate the perfect outfit or outfits for your child's fine art portrait session. Whether that's choosing pieces from your child's closet, shopping for something new, or using pieces from my curated Client Closet. Access to my Client Closet is complimentary for all fine art photo sessions. These unique dresses are perfect if you want your child to wear something special but don't want to buy something just for photos.
At the Session and Beyond
Your Child's Fine Art Portrait Session
On session day, we'll set up in our chosen location and I'll gently guide your child to interact with his or her surroundings while capturing their wonder and curiosity to turn into pieces of art. You can expect lots of natural smiles and beautiful moments.
After the Session
Within 2 weeks of your session, we will schedule a time for you to view a lightly edited and curated selection of your child's photos from the comfort of your home. At this appointment, you will choose the final images to be fully edited and order your custom artwork. Your completed artwork will be ready and delivered within 6-8 weeks.
What does it cost?
The session fee for Fine Art Portrait sessions is $250 and reserves your session date. Your final images and artwork will be selected and purchased at your ordering appointment 1-2 weeks after your session. Digital images and wall art start at $300. Collections are available.
How is a Fine Art Children's Session different from a regular session?
A fine art children’s portrait session is a carefully curated experience, distinct from my lifestyle and family photography. While my family and milestone sessions focus on capturing natural connections and candid moments, fine art portraits are more intentional and stylized. Every detail—from wardrobe and posing to lighting and artistic retouching—is thoughtfully planned to create a timeless, painterly image. These fine art children's sessions take place in a more controlled setting, allowing for a slower, more refined approach to crafting each portrait into a work of art. The result is an heirloom-quality piece that feels more like a painting than a photograph, designed to be cherished for generations.
Editing is where each fine art portrait truly comes to life by transforming the image from a photo into a unique piece of art. Unlike standard edits, the fine art editing process is meticulous and artistic—adjusting light and shadow for depth, enhancing details for richness, and applying painterly color tones and effects for a timeless feel. Skin is carefully refined while preserving natural texture, and backgrounds are subtly perfected to create a classic, museum-worthy look. This hand-edited approach ensures every portrait is a one-of-a-kind work of art, thoughtfully crafted to highlight your child's beauty and innocence.
Intentional styling for timeless art!
The clothes your child wears in their photos plays a big part in the overall look and feel of the finished image. Together, we will work to create a look or several looks to showcase your child's natural beauty in the timeless fine art style.
I already own several dresses and outfits for girls that you have access to use through my client closet. You're welcome to borrow from the Client Closet for your session or we can build outfits from your existing closet. I can even suggest some of my favorite children's boutique brands if you're interested in purchasing something special for your child's session.
My client closet only contains options for girls at this time, but I will help you style your little men from existing options in their own closets or even provide links to purchase the perfect pieces that will complement your heirloom artwork that we will create.
Fine Art Children's Photography FAQs
Do I need separate sessions for each of my children?
Not at all! We can capture each of your children as part of the same session, including sibling shots.
What ages are best for a children's fine art session?
Children who can sit still and listen to instructions do particularly well with these types of sessions. For the best results, I suggest waiting until your child is at least 6 months old and can sit unassisted before scheduling them for their own session.
When is the best time to schedule a fine art session?
Beautiful photos can be made at any time of year. If you are hoping for a certain feel or look, I can let you know if a particular season is better than another. However, keep in mind that your children are always growing and changing and it's best to schedule sessions early and often to ensure you don't miss a moment!
What does a fine art session cost?
Each session is reserved with a session fee of $250. You will select your final images and pay for your artwork at an ordering session in the convenience of your home 1-2 weeks after your session. A full price list will be provided when you inquire.
Can we bring our dog?
In general, the answer is yes! I love meeting your furry family members and they deserve to be in photos too! Let me know if you would like to include your pet and we will plan your session accordingly.
What if it rains?
I keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will let you know if we need to reschedule. Rescheduling due to weather is no problem and if it happens we will look at the calendar together and decide on a new date for your session!
What if my kids won't cooperate?
It certainly wouldn't be the first time I've worked with kids who weren't interested in having their photos taken on a particular day. But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve when it comes to working with children and am very patient and understanding. If you've got specific concerns unique to your children, let's talk! I'm sure we can work something out.
What are some good locations?
I have a long list and I’m always looking for more locations that are beautiful, and perfect for capturing the fine art style! During our consultation and planning call, we will determine the best location depending on the type of images we will be creating.
How many images will I have to choose from?
It is hard to quantify as it depends on many factors, such as how many outfits we use, etc. But you can be sure that there will be a good variety of images to select from.
Can we do family photos as part of the fine art session?
The fine art sessions are designed for children only and it's best for them if we focus on just creating their portraits in a single session. However, if you would also like a family photo or a mommy and me photo in the fine art style, we can certainly make that happen! I suggest we schedule a children's session for one date and the family or mommy and me session for a 2nd date, then you can select images from both sessions at your ordering appointment.
Do you shoot in a studio or only outdoors?
I can do both! I have a small studio in my home that is perfect for children's portraits or we can choose an outdoor location for your session. If you want to include both studio fine art portraits and outdoor portraits, we would schedule 2 session dates, then you could choose images from both at your ordering appointment.
What if I only want digitals and I don't want any artwork?
Digitals can be purchased separately, and I also have options for digital-only collections.
I still have questions.
No worries! Message me your question and I’ll get right back to you.
Ready to start planning your children's fine art session?
Whether you're ready to book or want to gather more information, let's schedule a free consultation call to discuss! Message me now to get started!
