Getting Great Baby Portraits
One thing people ask me on a pretty regular basis is ‘how do I get the best possible baby portraits?’ Well, being that I’ve photographed hundreds if not a thousand babies, I know all the tips and tricks to get the best photos possible. But, it really relys on these six tips and a lot of luck! Yes, I said luck. Babies don’t smile on command. Just like you can’t teach a guinea pig to do a backflip, you can’t make you’re 3 month baby smile on command.
However, what you can do, is put you’re self in a situation to get better photos. So, here are some tips to follow. Feel free to share this post, or print it, so you have a copy to remind yourself!.
Tip 1 – Make sure your baby has been fed. I can’t stress this point enough. A hungry baby is an unhappy baby. How many times have you been starving and gotten grumpy? I’m really grumpy when I’m starving. My sugar’s low. I need protein. Feed me!!!!
Tip 2 – Don’t forget the nap! After you’re baby has eaten, their usually really tired. Digesting food eats up our body’s energy. Give them a little nap. An ideal time to bring you’re baby into the studio, is after they’ve just woken up from their morning nap.
**Bonus Tip – Even better, is to bring you’re baby into the studio while they are still asleep.
Tip 3 – If your baby is sick or just getting over a cold or virus, stay home! I don’t want to get sick and I don’t want my other clients picking up germs. Be considerate of others. Plus, sick babies aren’t happy babies. Especially with their bright red booger infested noses. You get the hint. 
Tip 4 - Do not schedule an appointment the same day your baby is getting their shots! This is a disaster waiting to happen. I know what you’re thinking. Stephen, I already have the day off, I can kill two birds with one stone. I could make oatmeal and spaghetti in the same pan to save time, but it ain’t gonna taste good.
Tip 5 – Bringing more than one person with you isn’t a good idea. Babies get distracted easily. Now imagine, they are trying to look at me, then mom, then dad, then grandpa, then you’re friend, etc, etc. Plus, everyone making noises at the same time only makes my job harder and gives me a migraine. Keep it simple. Come solo or bring one person. Trust me, it’s enough.
**Bonus Tip 2 – Don’t forget to bring snacks. Or, if you need a few minutes to nurse your baby or change their diaper, we have a nursing room just for you. We don’t ever want you to feel rushed at Giraffe Photography.
Tip 6 – This one’s mainly for you mom! At the end of the day just remember that not all babies smile at all sessions. It’s part of their personality and being a baby. Some babies are very giggly, others are serious. Either way, it’s just the way they are. Some of our best black and white portraits have a serious baby versus a smiling one. If you love ‘em, their cute just the way they are. A smile’s a bonus. But if you want lot’s of bonuses, then follow the tips above.
See you at you’re next session. If you’re a new client and want to find out more about Giraffe Photography, feel free to call us at 563-323-3870, Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4pm.
