Mother’s Day will be here before you know it, and if you’re anything like my husband, you’re already stressing over finding that perfect gift for the mother of your beautiful children. Disclaimer: that’s a joke. I doubt my husband has put any thought into Mother’s Day — but a mom can dream, right? But, in all seriousness, I do know of an amazing gift that is not only perfect for mom, but for grandparents too. They’re what I call Personality Portraits and they’re quickly becoming one of my favorite types of sessions.

The thing is… this project requires you to do something crazy. That is, actually print your photos! (Enter a bit of sarcasm here — because I am a firm believer in printing images.) Since kids grow so fast and their personality is always evolving, I really loved the idea of gifting these portraits annually to my parents and in-laws!

Now, I’m not a crafty person at all. In fact, “DIY” anything gives me a bit of anxiety. But this project is SO easy, I’ve done it several times (all on my own) and didn’t mess anything up. Post-photoshoot, all it takes is quick trip to Michael’s and Office Depot, and you have a massive print that will be the center of conversation anytime someone enters your home.

Step 1: Book a Personality Portrait session with me.

These 15-minute studio-style sessions (per child) are tons of fun. I’ll get a variety of shots that show the true essence of your little one’s personality. They’re best for children ages 3 - 9, but I’ve captured younger and older with this style. As long as your little one likes to make silly faces, jump up and down, tell me jokes (and hear my terrible ones) we should be good.

Step 2: Print your file to poster size.

You read that right, you need to print these!

Step 3: Pick up a poster-sized frame.

I got mine at Michael’s (yay for coupons) for around $11. Prices for these may vary — but wait for the sales and snag a handful when they’re at 40% off. I got these, but any poster-sized (24 x 36) frame will do.