Oct 20 2026 | By: Noreen Owens Photography Inc.
A wizard photoshoot is one of the few portrait sessions where kids ask to go. They hear "wand" and "owls" and they're in. Our version is the Wizard Project, at our studio in Howell, Michigan. Your family sits in front of candlelit shelves, old trunks, and a cauldron that glows gold. This guide covers what to plan before you book, from ages and outfits to where the finished portrait ends up.
A wizard photoshoot works for almost any age, from newborns to teenagers to adults. This is a fun and imaginative session perfect for any age.
Here's how it tends to go by age. Toddlers bring the mischief. One little wizard with a head full of curls aimed her wand straight at the camera. Then she gave us a smirk we could never have posed. School-age kids bring the energy. So a boy in a striped scarf will cast spells at anything you point him toward.
Teens, on the other hand, bring an intensity that looks great on a wall. For example, one teen held a wand and a pumpkin, then looked right through the lens. Another stood with her arms crossed and her scarf on like she ran the place.
And then there's the whole family. Parents can join in, robes and all. In fact, one family brought their newborn to the wizard photoshoot. The baby wore a tiny robe and tie and fit right in!
For a wizard photoshoot, plan on a dark robe over simple, dark clothes. That's the look in our wizard portraits. Also, it lets faces and wands stand out against the wood and candlelight. Black pants or leggings work well underneath, along with a plain top.
After that, add one or two details your child loves. A striped scarf, tie, hood, or favorite stuffed creature photographs well. Dark socks and dark shoes look better than bright sneakers, too. We carry a limited variety of cloaks, so be sure to check in on that when booking your appointment.
Skip big logos, neon colors, and anything that lights up. They pull attention away from your child's face. If you're not sure about a piece, bring it anyway and we'll decide together on the day.
During a wizard photoshoot, your child is mostly playing. We give them a job, like casting a spell or stirring a potion, and photograph what they do. That keeps the expressions real instead of stiff. It's also the kind of make-believe play pediatricians encourage.
The set does a lot of the work. For instance, owls sit on the shelves and on a tall birdcage. There's also a spell book, a skull, and labeled potion bottles. Kids sit on stacked trunks, hold a glowing candle, or gather around the cauldron with their wands out.
Then the magic gets added afterward. The wand sparks, and the gold glow in the cauldron comes in during editing. So nobody has to hold a real flame.
A wizard portrait looks different on a wall than it does on a phone. A framed print of a teen in her robe works above a bed. Similarly, a family portrait with every wand out fits over a console table or in a busy hallway.
That's why we plan each wizard photoshoot with the wall in mind. If you already know where the portrait will hang, tell us when you book. Then we can shoot for that spot, whether it needs a tall portrait or a wide group image.
Booking starts with a short form. First, fill out our specialty session sign-up form with your children's names and ages. Then check the box for Wizard Portraits. After that, we'll contact you to plan the details of your wizard photoshoot. You can also call the studio at 517-258-3020.
The studio is at 1515 N Old US 23 in Howell, and we serve Livingston County and the surrounding areas. Not sure wizards are your thing? Browse our other themed sessions instead.
Wizard Portraits are open now for a limited time, and the set won't stay up forever. So if you've got a wizard at home, of any age, now is a good time to book.
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