Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

We're taking my little guy's first professional photos next week and Im slightly nervous that he wont be "on" for the shoot.

He's a happy boy but he takes a little while to warm up to strangers. We're using an independent photographer who suggested snacks and a nap prior to the shoot -- wanted to ask you guys for any additional tips or advice?

Or, any ideas for super cute props/shots?

Thanks!!

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

I agree with the photographer, snacks favorite toys. When we did my DD's pics she HATED strangers and I was super worried. The photographer made her super comfortable and we had some of her favorite toys and snacks with her. Also some things that she only got as special treats. I did buy some other cute toys and stuff for her to play with that i didn't mind being in the pictures. i think we had sunglasses, hats.
Also at her 1 year old shoot she just started to stand and walk on her own, so the photographer had a chair and alot of the pictures she was trying to climb all over everything.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

I agree with a snack and favorite toy. We did a stylized shoot for my DS's 1st Bday so he was wearing a big hat and was NOT happy about it. I just kept handing him Cheerios and he would forget about the hat for a minute. I would hold his favorite obnoxious toy and act like a serious goof ball behind the photographer so he would look our way.

Here is a progression photo. As you can see, he was not a happy camper in that last pic.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

My advice:

If it's cold out do not do the shoot outside.

DH and his cousins were a little bit older than that, and we had a professional photographer come and she did most of the shoot outside.

Needless to say, none of the kids really were cooperative and it was a lot of $$$ for only a few decent shots.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Posted by RocPin

I agree with a snack and favorite toy. We did a stylized shoot for my DS's 1st Bday so he was wearing a big hat and was NOT happy about it. I just kept handing him Cheerios and he would forget about the hat for a minute. I would hold his favorite obnoxious toy and act like a serious goof ball behind the photographer so he would look our way.

Here is a progression photo. As you can see, he was not a happy camper in that last pic.

IMAGE

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

SO cute!!! Love this!

Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

A professional should be able to give you the time (since its a full session) to have the child warm up and gain their trust, have fun with the session. Napping is very important, also be organized the night before with diapers, wipes, outfits, soothing toys or a blanket, etc. So when you leave its seamless and not stressful. Coordinate with your photographer with the goals of the shoot. Depending on the photographer's style they have their own set of props they coordinate for your session. Be relaxed and the child will be relaxed

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Probably obvious...but time it around his nap. I took DS at 10 months and he was tired.....and the normally happy smiley boy was miserable. We couldn't get him to smile for anything. I timed it after his nap, but they kept me waiting long enough that he was tired by the time they were ready to shoot.

Took him again at 18 months, and timed it better to his nap, and he was a dream!

Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

My sisters littlest one was just like that. She did a "smash the cake" shoot that came so cute. Plus Autumn was having too much fun to be shy for the camera.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Here are some shots

Message edited 1/18/2013 8:40:16 PM.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Very helpful, thanks to all who responded.

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

Posted by RocPin

I agree with a snack and favorite toy. We did a stylized shoot for my DS's 1st Bday so he was wearing a big hat and was NOT happy about it. I just kept handing him Cheerios and he would forget about the hat for a minute. I would hold his favorite obnoxious toy and act like a serious goof ball behind the photographer so he would look our way.

Here is a progression photo. As you can see, he was not a happy camper in that last pic.

IMAGE

Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

My best advice, aside from the nap, is to bring a few of their fav toy and snacks! Also, dont be upset if they cry, some of my fav pictures are of DS crying!!!

Re: Advice for 1 year old Photo Shoot

I always have better luck with outside shoots so the kids could walk around and it was less staged. Maybe bring a wagon and some balloons?