Thinking about booking a baby photoshoot? While there’s no ‘wrong’ time to capture beautiful memories, there are some moments when your little one might not be at their happiest—which can make for a trickier session.
The good news? There’s always a way to make it work. Here’s a quick guide on when NOT to book a baby shoot—and what to do instead!
There are a few situations where it might not be the best time for your baby’s session. While it’s rarely the end of the world, knowing when to reschedule or plan ahead can help you get the most out of your photos.
Here are some less-than-ideal times to book (or at least things to keep in mind!).
Right Before a Major Developmental Leap
Babies grow incredibly fast, no more so than in their first two years and so it’s not surprising that they are going to go through some very big changes. Of course, they never tell you that this is going to happen in advance (they’re not terribly considerate) but it’s sometimes best to avoid booking in when you know you’re going to be in the middle of a developmental leap. So sleep regression, learning new skills such as crawling, it’s best to wait for a week or two after they’ve settled into their new stage.
I’d say to avoid teething but that doesn’t really let up much in the first year or so – or at least it feels like it doesn’t! So obviously you can book in when your baby is cutting teeth but I’d recommend bringing along some teething gel, rings or whatever else you’re using to soothe them so we can get them as comfy as possible in the studio. Any red spots on their cheeks can be editing out in post production.
The Week After Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important, but they can also leave babies feeling a little out of sorts. While some sail through with no issues, others may be extra sleepy, clingy, or unsettled for a few days. This can potentially make it difficult for them to enter a new environment and have a whole load of different experiences. Just book in for a week later and we’ll improve our chances of capturing them at their very best.
When They’re Feeling Under the Weather
If your baby has a cold, a tummy bug, or is generally unwell, it’s always best to reschedule – my calendar is built with this in mind and, while it’s great if you can give me as much notice as possible, I totally accept that there are times when you don’t see an illness coming on. Pushing through when they’re poorly means they usually won’t enjoy the session and you won’t get the great photos you deserve – I always want babies to feel comfortable and happy.
On an Already Busy Day
Al babies are different and some handle changes and high activity levels better than others – you’re going to know if your little one falls into this category. However, I wouldn’t recommend booking your photo shoot after a busy day of things like swimming lessons or baby sensory classes. Even if they’ve had a little nap, it can still feel like a lot for them to be in a new place, the centre of attention with a flashing light and a new person to get used to.
This applies too if your family is moving house, or just juggling a busy schedule, trying to squeeze in a baby photoshoot can feel overwhelming for everyone involved. If you’re feeling super anxious about the timing (or just life in general), it’s okay to give yourself some breathing room if a photo shoot just feels like one more thing to have to add to your to do list.
My Studio isn’t Going Anywhere…
You’re welcome to visit my studio at any time that works for you of course but choosing a time when things aren’t too hectic means that your baby can have more fun at their session and you can relax and enjoy it too! Baby photos are meant to be a joyful experience, and I want you to enjoy the process.
Whatever stage your baby is at, we can always capture something beautiful. If you’re unsure about timing, I’m happy to help find the perfect moment for your session!
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 – explore my comprehensive articles below or, if you don’t see the answers 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
