Baby Milestone Photography - My top tips to take amazing, happy photos of your baby’s milestones

Working with babies in their first year is one of my favorite things to capture. It’s a joy to capture their unique personalities as they reveal themselves over time in front of my lens. Those belly laughs, expressions and squishy bodies are moments meant to treasure forever. When working with these little-est subjects at my milestone sessions, I have learned some key tips and tricks to ensure we create the space and environment to allow for the “magic” to happen on set. These are tips anyone can use - even if you are working with an iphone camera!

My Top Tips:

1) Music - I’m sure as a parent you know which music captivates your little one. Play it on repeat! :)

2) Feather duster - I learned this tip while working with a product photographer while shooting babies for a toy brand I worked for. An assistant would quickly tickle the baby under the chin with a long feather duster! It most always did the trick of creating sweet smiles!

3) Get down low - If your baby is sitting/standing get yourself at eye-level to your subject. Not only will your images look better, you will most easily be able to connect with your little one.

4) Consider age-appropriate props - Until about 4 months, you will likely be shooting above baby as they may not have the ability to sit or support themselves unassisted. For those that can sit, consider a pretty, textured blanket or even a stable wooden bowl they can sit in (photographers usually will have such a prop that is safe and stable). As babies start to stand, a low baby-sized chair or stool is great to capture them as they crawl to a stand position (and they love it!). Be sure to capture each developmental stage - lying on the floor (shooting from top down), to supported tummy time, to sitting, to assisted standing, and then standing).

5) Feed baby before photographing - A full belly often = a happy baby. So, don’t start on an empty stomach. And, if possible, try not to shoot during an overlapping meal time. For younger babies, feeding can make them sleepy, so consider the timing as best you can and be sure to burp adequately!

6) Work quickly and consider morning shoots - babies are at their best when freshly rested. Your best chances to avoid crankiness: shoot in the morning. Also, work quickly - after 20-30 minutes babies are generally out of smiles, less focused and quite frankly, “done”.

7) Use “surprise” as a secret weapon to spark some attention. Interactions such as peek-a-boo, and happy but surprising sounds like “Boo! at a high pitch tend to bring babies personalities and smiles to life. I find it useful when it seems baby is close to “done” at a shoot… If needed, I can usually get a couple more shots when trying this.

8) Have a helper. From putting baby back into position, to helping you get their attention, to giving baby some comfort - it can be really hard to do all these things while shooting. In addition, having a parent/favorite caregiver stand directly behind you (the photographer) is key to have baby’s focus directed to camera. Have your helper interact with baby (talk, make sounds, sing).

9) Embrace your baby’s personality. We all want to capture shots of babies smiling and happy. However, some of my most favorite shots are those quiet moments - they really show off how beautiful babies are. Be sure to capture all of the feelings you see. I have images of my daughter in a full crying fit, and while that may have been a stressful moment, it’s still one I want to remember and go I back to (and fun to chuckle about!).

10) Sing! I am by no means a good signer. BUT… I cannot tell you how many times singing the “Itsy-bitsy spider” has saved the day when working with babies and toddlers. They love to hear us sing and interact with them, so don’t be shy and have some favorites at the ready!

My Top No-Nos:

1) Do not offer electronics or phones - I can 100% assure you this never goes well.

Also, do not offer lovies, stuffed toys, dolls, favorite trucks, etc. (unless of course, you would like it part of the photograph! :) Note: Some of my favorite images of my own daughter are of her cuddling her favorite blankey.

2) Don’t attempt shooting when a child is sick - better to reschedule for the following week. From grumpiness to red, boogery noses, it just doesn’t work.

3) Don’t let stress get in the way - If your baby isn’t cooperating or having a good day, or smiling as much as you want, take a breath. It’s ok. If you are working with a professional photographer, they will not judge his/her behavior. I can assure you we have all been there. And, if things are just not happening simply plan to try for another day.

I hope these tips have helped. If you’d like to book a session with me, I’d love to help! Feel free to email me with any questions you might have. I also have a fabulous Milestone package that will ensure you don’t miss a single moment and have a fun, stress-free year of milestone photographs of your little one. To read more about my Little Milestones Program, click here.