How to Prepare for your Baby's Pictorial

Our daughter, Aleandra Carmelle in her first ever photo shoot
Photo credits: Marock Digital Entertainment

Baby is turning one and you start to freak out on ideas for his/her first year pictorial. Fret no more! Here are some practical tips in preparing for your baby's encounter with the lens man. Please note that I'm not an expert on this. I'll be sharing only our personal experience when we did our first photo shoot for our daughter, Ally. This might as well help you in your own preparation.

Cutie alert!

1. Demonstrate the Pause, Pose and Click Early

Babies are not adults where you can easily direct their every move. They do not have yet the right discernment on what's going on around them. In as early as 6 months, teach little babies the magic of pause, pose and click. Get the attention of your baby to let him/her pause for a while, smile brightly, demonstrate a pose, then put your thumb finger and forefinger around your eyes to form a circle and make a click sound while releasing your fingers. You will notice as time goes by that he/she will know already how to pause and flash that bright smile back. It's a fun thing to learn and will serve as her first training for her future pictorial.


Pause, pose and click!
Taken at Bulb Studios, Makati

2. Prepare ahead of time

Doing your homework ahead of time will spare you so much stress. Create a checklist of things to bring including wardrobe, props and baby things. For each concept, segregate your items and put in a convenient container. In our case, we put them in plastics and sealed it. If you wish to get a professional photographer, book ahead so you can negotiate on fees and if there are necessary agreements on locations and booking of studios.

For studio shoots, ask if they are already equipped with baby props and make sure to know the available styles and concepts so you won't need to buy. Choose also if you will do the shoot outdoor or indoor so that you can plan based on the location.

Our family portrait

3. Conceptualize

Unlock the artist in you or if you think that you don't have the talent, the internet is always an option. Find the best inspiration online which you think might be suitable for your baby. Do not merely copy. Put a twist on an already cliché idea. Select only ideas which suites your baby's taste. I remember choosing the color purple for my baby's dress because she loves anything purple.

Do not forget to consider your baby's condition. If you knew from the start that she keeps on sneezing on feathery stuffs, do not let her wear wings made of feather. You probably know your baby more than anyone else so you know firsthand the do's and don'ts when it comes to his/her welfare.

She does this gigil smile always

4. Include Familiar Things

Babies feel much security if everything around them is familiar. Bring toys and baby stuffs that your child can play with during tantrum episodes. You can also use it to catch their attention during the shoot.

Behind the scene, Ally's cheerleaders

5. Find Your Baby's Rhythm

This is I think the most important thing to consider. Best shots are captured at baby's most active time. Know the time that she usually wakes up to play and adjust to it. Remember, babies with lack of sleep do not smile often in cameras.

Playing with bubbles

6. Do Not Forget Nap Time

Photo shoots are tiring and could use up baby's energy. If your baby shows signs of fatigue, let them nap as long as they want. You might agree that a re-energized baby have the best smile in the universe.

Catching a nap while on shoot at Ayala Triangle Gardens

7. Remember Baby's Needs

Sometimes, in our haste to bring all the needed things for the shoot we forget to bring baby essentials. You bring only the basics: nappies, wash cloths/bibs, baby wipes, baby powder if applicable, extra comfy clothes, and water. Take time to breastfeed as scheduled or during signs of hunger. Do not wait until baby is wailing before you feed them.

I remember during our shoot, I had to breastfeed my baby while she was sitting on the studio chair. I'm glad she didn't complain on our feeding position. :)

I was able to breastfeed her while sitting on this chair and on demand at that. Haha!

8. Make It Fun

Let your baby feel that the shoot is actually playing time. Make sounds, sing, dance, play hide and seek tell stories and talk to your baby throughout the process. This way, they will feel comfortable all throughout the activity. Let the photographer capture your funny candid moments.

Now you are ready for your baby's pictorial. Remember, your baby is not forever one year old so make the most of it and enjoy!

Hope you will have a great time on your baby's photo shoot as we did. Special shout out to our ever talented photographer, Marock of Marock Digital Entertainment, for inquiries you may contact him via Facebook. Ciao!

If holding the pole is what makes her laugh then so be it... ^_^