How To Prepare For Your Baby Photoshoot
A little preparation is enough
You do not need to plan your baby's behaviour before a portrait session.
Babies arrive sleepy, curious, serious, hungry, busy, suspicious of me or delighted by absolutely everything. 🤣
We work with the baby who arrives.
There are, however, a few practical things you can do beforehand that make the day easier.
Your baby does not need to be on their best behaviour.
Before you leave home
If possible, feed your baby before you leave or shortly before the session.
Bring whatever you would normally need while you are out with them:
- nappies and wipes
- milk or food if needed
- a dummy if your baby uses one
- a favourite blanket or comfort item
- a change of clothing
If you would like some photographs with bare skin, avoid tight socks, waistbands or clothing immediately beforehand as these can leave marks.
There is no problem if your baby needs another feed, change or break once you arrive.
Looking after your baby is part of the session, not an interruption to it.
What your baby should wear
Keep it simple.
A plain onesie, romper or other simple clothing is usually all we need. Bare feet and legs photograph beautifully too.
Avoid large logos, graphics, busy patterns and clothing with lots of detail around the face.
There is no need to buy anything especially for the session.
If you are being photographed too, I often suggest starting with black or other simple neutral clothing.
What to wear for your portrait session →
Do not worry about the timetable
Your baby may sleep when you expected them to be awake.
They may want to eat again.
They may decide sitting still is no longer remotely interesting.
None of this matters.
There is time to pause, feed, change and let your baby settle.
I do not need a baby to smile, look at the camera or do something on cue in order to make a portrait.
Babies bring their own plans.
When you arrive
You do not need to know what to do in front of the camera.
I guide you throughout and work with your baby's movement, attention and mood as the session develops.
Sometimes the photograph happens while your baby is looking directly at me.
Sometimes it happens while they are studying your face, reaching for your hand or concentrating very seriously on something the adults in the room consider completely unimportant.
That is part of photographing this age.
We are not trying to make your baby behave like someone else.
Ready when you are
If you have booked your baby portrait session, this guide is enough preparation.
If you are still deciding whether this is the right stage to photograph, you can read more about the baby portrait experience.
View the baby portrait experience →
Contact me →
JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.