the one where I talk about how to photograph a baby session

Meet Hadley.

We are related through some very great grandmothers. Me by marriage, him by blood. I thought it would be fun to take you through what happens when I photograph a baby session. Sort of what’s going through my mind as I approach the time and maybe use some photographs to help explain my process.

First of all, with this age, 12 months, timing is EVERYTHING. Hadley still naps. And I discussed with mom ahead of time and we worked out a plan to photograph him when he wakes up from his nap. Babies are typically super happy at this time and ready to play! When I plan a baby session, I stay flexible. I tell mom to message me when he wakes up and I’ll be there. It always works out great! If I arrive before he wakes up, I can even chat with mom about expectations, and get a good look at the space.

This photo above was take at the first part of our time together. I may have been there less then 45 minutes tops. I came inside the home and looked around for great light. That’s my number one requirement. I need good light. Remember, I’m a professional light chaser! In this case, the house was on a north/south axis. BIG bag windows are directly to camera left, so I knew this space in the dining room was PERFECT. Mom had chosen an adorable outfit with some ears and I expected Hadley to not be crazy about wearing them on his head. So, I wanted to be ready on the ground with my camera to get the photos of him responding. So, I tossed my camera bag aside and landed on the floor with this sweet little guy.

Much to my surprise…

He loved the ears! In fact, this kid uses his mouth like a 5th hand. He just put them in his mouth and moved for my camera. Note to photographers…keep your camera bag away from baby and away from the background of where you are shooting. Kids move fast and love new toys! And yes…your camera bag is a new toy.

Because he was moving pretty quickly, it was hard to keep him in place long enough to get the shot I needed. So, we moved him to a table. Don’t worry, mom was behind the table, next to the table, ducking under the table, YOU NAME IT. She was there to keep him from crawling off. And because of this, we were able to get some great shots of him in his “birthday suit”. Which was her main focus for this photo session.

BAM! Sure his suspenders are coming off and he’s go drool on his lip, but hello! HE’S ADORABLE! I love this shot! We stayed on the table and wore Momma out and then moved back to the floor and the windows. Remember those bay windows to my camera’s left above? This is them. They face the north. YES! Best light ever!

At this point, I had been with them long enough for him to get used to me, my camera, my voice and the space. He wasn’t quite walking so the window was a perfect space to pull up and capture all the fun stuff that babies do and him not move quite so fast.

I was making crazy sounds, he was blowing spit bubbles, we were having a grand time! He was really feeling good about himself and showing off all his best tricks and moves! All of this takes place rather quickly, depending on the mood and personality of each child. After photographing 20+ years worth of portraits and kids, I’ve figured a few things out along the way. It doesn’t have to take forever, moms and dads just need to be patient and enjoy the process AND expect to have so much fun playing with babies that you seriously think that’s all you want to do forever.

C U T E N E S S O V E R L O A D

before everyone thinks I have it all together, check this photograph out. Everyone makes mistakes, right?

but you keep working it and working it and then you get the keeper.

He crawled over to the front door to show his neighborhood his new Mickey Ears. I made sure to get close ups of his hands.

Be sure and work high and low and in between. And take more photos then you think you will ever need and less than a wedding’s worth and you’ll land somewhere in the 100 image range after you toss the bad ones.

That’s how you photograph a baby session. That’s also how you fall in love with everything baby. For sure!

Thank you, Abby + Hadley. Much love to you both and Happy Birthday, little guy!

Love Does,
Kristin