Your baby is growing fast, and a professional photo session is the perfect way to capture these fleeting moments!
Whether it’s your little one’s first professional portraits or part of their Baby Club journey, you’ll want to make the most of your session. Here’s everything you need to know about how to prepare for a baby photography session so it’s smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Timing Your Session Just Right
The best time for a baby photography session depends less on their age and more on when they hit certain developmental milestones so the ages below are approximate but to give you an idea…
- 4-6 months – Perfect for capturing tummy time, smiles, and those adorable chubby cheeks!
- 8-10 months – Babies are often sitting confidently, making for great interactive portraits.
- 12+ months – First birthdays, standing, and even early walking make this an exciting milestone!
Top Tip:
Every baby has a different routine but I find scheduling appointments mid-morning is often best – babies just seem happier at this time of the day! Definitely steer clear of the ‘witching hour’ with later afternoon appointments when babies are more often unsettled.
What to Bring to Your Session
Obviously when you have a baby, you don’t travel anywhere without a bag full of essentials but in terms of a photo shoot, you might want to add…
- Outfits – I’d recommend up to three options for variety. Keep them soft, comfy, and simple!
- Favourite Toy – Something familiar can help with smiles and comfort and also they can get into the photos as a reminder of how your baby loved their favourite toy!
- Snacks & Drinks – A well-fed baby is a happy baby!
- Dummy – If you’re using one, it can be great for soothing between shots.
Top Tip:
Never get embarrassed at the studio doing anything that you can think of to make your baby smile and giggle. I absolutely have no shame when it comes to getting those happy expressions and I’ll join in with you with whatever nonsense you come up with!
Choosing the Right Outfit(s)
Outfits should be comfortable, well-fitting, and reflect your style. A few things to keep in mind:
- Soft, Neutral Colours – Keep the focus on your baby’s expressions.
- Simple & Classic Styles – Avoid busy patterns or big logos.
- Consider Textures – Knits, soft cotton, or delicate lace add beautiful depth.
- Avoid Dungarees when your baby is very small – dungarees are super cute but when your baby is still tiny and just learning to lift their head confidently, they can sink into the top part of them.
- Avoid Peter Pan Collars – I love them as a style but honestly, they always end up sticking up for some reason and they’ll block your baby’s face in the photos.
Want inspiration? I have studio outfits available, or I’m happy to help with outfit choices before your session!
Getting Your Baby Camera-Ready
Keep it relaxed – Your baby doesn’t need to ‘perform’ for the camera. The best shots come naturally and they can look just as gorgeous with those serious little expressions.
Don’t change their routine – Stick to normal nap and feeding times as much as possible.
Keep skin natural – No need for lotions or baby oil just before the session—natural baby skin is perfect!
Top Tip:
Teething – when baby’s start, it feels like they don’t stop for the first year and so there’s a good chance that they’ll be cutting one tooth or another during a studio visit. Bring along teething powder (or whatever you use), plus sometimes a chilled teething ring to keep them comfortable. Don’t worry if they’ve got the teething red cheeks, I can always smooth that out in post production.
Managing Wriggles & Wobbles
Some babies love to pose, others prefer to explore—both make for beautiful photos! If your baby isn’t sitting independently yet, I have plenty of props, cushions, and supports to keep them comfy and safe and I’ll always keep a parent close at hand if we’re using any props that take them off ground level. If they’re on the move, well, then we’ll just lean into it and embrace the action!
What Happens If Your Baby is Fussy?
It’s completely normal for babies to need breaks for cuddles, feeds, and reassurance. I always allow plenty of time, so there’s no rush for them to get adjusted to their unfamiliar environment. It’s always worth knowing that every baby can have an off day and so there is always an option for use to reschedule if they are seriously unsettled in the studio. Your session should be enjoyable – never stressful!
Capturing the Parent-Baby Connection
I could subtitle this ‘get in the photos!’ – baby sessions aren’t just about little ones—parents, siblings, and even grandparents are welcome to join in for a few shots! These make for precious family keepsakes that you’ll treasure forever.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience!
this is the MOST important thing. Your baby will pick up on your mood, so the best way to prepare? Just relax and enjoy the moment! I’ve got two decades worth of experience in guiding sessions so you get beautiful, natural images while keeping everything stress-free.
Looking for more baby photography inspiration?
Whether you’re preparing for your first session or looking for ideas on how to capture each milestone, my blog is packed with tips, insights, and real session stories. From outfit advice to understanding the best age for photos, explore everything you need to know about creating beautiful memories with your little one.
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Want to Know More about Baby Photography?
Your baby’s first year is filled with precious milestones that deserve to be celebrated and remembered forever. From their first smiles to their first steps, my baby photography services are designed to beautifully capture these fleeting moments. Discover how I can help you create timeless keepsakes by taking a look at my comprehensive guide to baby photography services. Whether you’re looking for a single session or a full year of memories with my Baby Club, there’s something perfect for every family. Don’t see the answer to your questions here? Just get in touch and I’m always happy to help.
Baby Photography
You can book a stand alone baby photo shoot for £95 including three digital images or you can take a look at my Baby Photography Club which includes
- Sessions at 4, 8 and 12 months
- The last session as a cake smash / tub splash if you’d like it (no extra charge)
- Your favourite image from each session in a wall frame at the end of the year OR a free digital image from each session
- Online private image gallery after each session (no sales / viewing appointments)
- £39.95 for the sessions and the wall frame
