Your baby’s photography session should be a fun, relaxed experience. At Stacey Gillin Photography, I’m committed to making each session enjoyable for both parents and the baby. With a little preparation and the right approach, your session will be a breeze. Here are some tips to keep your session fun and stress free whether you’re local to Gettysburg, or traveling with your baby from nearby Baltimore or Frederick MD
Schedule Wisely
Choose a time for the session when your baby is generally happy and alert. This is often not long after a nap or feeding. Letting your baby nap on the way to their session in Gettysburg can be ideal if you have a car ride that is more than one hour, but straying from your usual routine can sometimes backfire. I find that the best thing is to stick to your routine up until it is time to head to your session. By scheduling the session around naps and meals, you can help ensure they’re in their best mood for photos.
Prepare the Essentials
Bring along a bag to your baby’s session packed with all the necessities—diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and any toys or comfort items your baby loves. Pulling out favorite items will be saved as a last resort, because chances are they end up in some photos are high. It is also a good idea to consider whether or not you would be okay with that!
Think About Favorite Music
Does music make your baby happy? Sometimes music can turn around a baby’s mood at their session if they are unsure about what is going on. Be prepared to tell me what genre of music might make them happy! Sometimes that is a Disney song or the theme song of a favorite show, but could be anything! Eminem worked wonders to calm my son down as a baby, so I can assure you I won’t raise an eyebrow at any choice. I use and love Spotify and rarely find a song that isn’t available to play, but feel free to make sure your baby’s favorites are.
Relax and Stay Calm
Staying relaxed and calm can go a long way in making your baby feel comfortable. When you arrive, you will notice that I don’t jump right into photographing. If your baby is at an engageable age, I will take some time to let them get comfortable with me. The goal is to get them to look toward the camera, so it is best to let me try to keep the baby’s attention. If someone is next to me making silly faces, that is where your baby’s eyes will be. If your baby has some “Stranger Danger”, I will occasionally request that you stay close and join in keeping their attention. Remember, the more relaxed and happy your baby is, the more natural the photos will be.
Take Breaks As Needed
Babies can get tired or fussy, and that’s completely normal. Taking short breaks for feeding, changing, or just a hug can help reset the mood. A relaxed, happy baby makes for the best photos, so I always go at their pace.
FAQs About Fun and Stress-Free Baby Photography
1. How long does a typical baby photography session last?
Most sessions last around an hour, depending on how your baby is feeling. I take time to ensure a relaxed and fun experience for everyone involved, but a session much longer than that tends to result in an overstimulated, tired baby.
2. What should I do if my baby gets fussy during the session?
It’s totally okay! Sometimes a cuddle, a snack, or a favorite toy is all they need. We’ll take breaks as needed to keep your baby feeling comfortable and happy.
3. Can I include my other children in the session?
Yes, siblings are always welcome to join in! It is best to have realistic expectations about how successful getting the “perfect” shot will be. When it comes to photographing very young children and babies, sometimes photos of them looking at each other or interacting are more likely than achieving smiling and looking at the camera photos. The most important thing is to keep it stress free.
4. What if this is my baby’s first photo session and I’m nervous?
Don’t worry—many parents feel that way! I’ll guide you through everything, and we’ll work together to create a comfortable environment where your baby’s personality can shine through.
Creating a fun and stress-free baby photography session is all about planning ahead, creating a comfortable space, and keeping things playful. At Stacey Gillin Photography, I take the time to make sure both parent and baby feel relaxed and happy throughout their session in my Gettysburg studio. Want to learn more or book your baby’s session? Get in touch today!
