Milestone sessions are some of my favorites! I love capturing all the little details for you as your child grows. Your baby is starting to grow into his or her own little person, developing their own personality, which makes for great photo opportunities! That being said, there is often stress surrounding these sessions for many parents. Maybe you worry your baby will be upset due to teething, or that he will just want to crawl away, or maybe she’s developing some stranger anxiety and you’re not sure if she’ll smile for the camera. I assure you, BOOK THE SESSION ANYWAY! Your photographer is a professional, and will do everything they can to create images that you will love forever. But, there are some things you can do as parents to prepare for the session as well.

Here are the best ways to make sure your milestone session is successful

1. Plan your session around your baby’s schedule.

For the best results, we want your baby to be happy and calm at their milestone photography session! This is why it’s incredibly important to plan your session time strategically. Unlike newborns, older infants typically take 2-3 naps around the same times each day. By the time your baby is old enough for a milestone session, chances are he or she is on some sort of schedule. I suggest planning your session directly after a nap, which will leave plenty of time to complete the session before your little one starts to get sleepy again. Communicate your baby’s schedule to your photographer and  they should work with you to find a time that suits your family’s needs.

2. Make sure your baby’s stomach is full

It’s never good to have a hangry baby, and especially not during your session. Think about how you’d react if you were starving and someone started putting a camera in your face unexpectedly! Leave enough time to give your baby a full feeding before your session. Also, don’t forget to bring extra milk just in case! Many babies can really work up an appetite during their session. If your baby is old enough, I also always suggest bringing non-messy snacks like cheerios or puffs. These small snacks are a simple distraction that can be eaten while photographing without creating a huge mess.

3. Be prepared to act silly

Your photographer will let you know where to situate yourself so that you can help get your babies attention. I typically like to have one parent sit directly behind me, so the baby appears to be looking into the camera, even if they were really looking at Mom or Dad. Don’t be afraid to sing, shout, or make silly faces to get your little one’s attention.

4. Manage your expectations

This is the most important tip for your milestone session. Babies can have many different reactions to being photographed. Some babies laugh and giggle, some are more serious or curious, and some become shy in a new environment. Whatever reaction your baby has, IT IS OKAY! Images of your cutie smiling are so sweet, but so are images of a serious scowl or the most intent stare. Even if your baby doesn’t crack a smile, you will look back at these images for years, cherishing the memory of their button nose, squishy rolls, and tiny fingers.

Ready to book your session? Contact me today!