Preparing for Your Baby’s Photoshoot
Booking a photoshoot for your baby is exciting, but it’s natural to wonder how best to prepare, especially if it’s your first session. Every stage of your baby’s first year works a little differently, so this guide covers the practical basics that apply whatever kind of session you’ve booked, from newborn portraits through to your baby’s first birthday.
How Long Will the Session Take?
Session length depends on the type of photoshoot you’ve booked. Newborn sessions tend to be the longest, usually around two hours, to allow plenty of time for feeding and settling. Sitting and first birthday sessions are typically shorter, since older babies have more energy and shorter attention spans, so we work in quicker, more playful bursts instead.
Whatever the length, there’s no rush. If your baby needs a break, we simply pause and pick back up when they’re ready.
What If My Baby Won’t Settle or Cries?
This is one of the most common worries, and there is genuinely no need to stress about it. Babies of every age have off moments, and sessions are designed to work around that rather than against it.
If your baby needs feeding, changing or simply a cuddle, we pause and continue once they’re ready. A little crying or fussing rarely gets in the way of a good session, it’s a completely normal part of working with babies.
What Should I Bring?
The essentials are the same for most sessions:
- nappies, wipes and a spare outfit
- milk or snacks depending on your baby’s age
- a comfort item or favourite toy, especially useful for older babies
- simple, comfortable clothing for yourself if family photos are planned
If you’re booking a first birthday or cake smash session, feel free to bring anything you’d like included, like a special outfit or a keepsake item.
Preparing for a Newborn Session Specifically
Newborn sessions have a few extra considerations of their own, including timing around your baby’s age and specific settling techniques. For full detail on preparing for a newborn photoshoot, see the Newborn Photography Guide.
What to Wear
Simple, uncluttered clothing usually photographs well. Plain colours and soft textures tend to work nicely without competing with your baby for attention. If you’re not sure what to choose, I’m always happy to talk it through with you before your session.
A Calm, Unrushed Approach
However your baby is feeling on the day, sessions are built to adapt. After more than 20 years photographing babies and families, I’ve learned that a relaxed, flexible approach gets the loveliest results, far more than trying to force a particular pose or expression.
Baby Photography Near East Grinstead
My studio in Crawley Down welcomes families from across West Sussex including:
• East Grinstead
• Crawley
• Forest Row
• Lingfield
• Haywards Heath
