LITTLE SMILER SESSION GUIDE

Little Smiler | Baby Photo Shoots | Leeds | Bradford | Skipton | Keighley | Ilkley

HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

So your session can run as smoothly as possible, I have compiled a prep guide to help us get the most out of your session!

Tailoring the Session to Your Baby

Little Smiler sessions are ideal for babies aged 2 to 8 months and typically last around 2 hours.

For babies under 3 months, sessions may run a little longer – up to 3 hours – to allow time for extra feeds, changes, and settling, as younger babies often need a little more comfort and attention during their session.

Once babies are over 6 weeks of age, it’s no longer possible to pose them in the same curled-up positions used in newborn photography. These sessions are instead focused on natural, comfortable posing, with your baby awake and relaxed.

That said, for babies up to 3 months old, if they do fall asleep during the session (especially when swaddled), we may be able to capture a few gently posed, ‘newborn-style’ wrapped images too.

By 12+ weeks, babies are typically more alert and expressive, and nearing 6 months, we may even catch a few sitting shots – though if you’re mainly after those, my Little Sitter session is a better fit. Find out about these sessions here; Little Sitter Session.

What to Bring

🍼 Essentials:

  • Nappies, wipes, muslin cloths

  • One or two outfit changes (if desired)

  • If baby has a dummy, bring at least two clean, sterilised dummies

  • If baby is teething, bring a teether and/or teething powder or gel

  • Extra milk (if formula or expressed milk fed)

  • The rest of the families clothing

  • A plain, simple baby-grow if you have one

For younger babies (especially under 3 months), I’ll often use gentle swaddling with my soft wraps during parts of the session to help them feel calm and settled – but they won’t be wrapped the whole time, so you’re also welcome to bring a couple of outfit options if you’d like to include a change of look or prefer baby dressed for any family portraits.

For all babies, I recommend bringing a plain, simple baby grow (ideally not front-fastening and without patterns or writing) as a lovely, timeless option for some of their photos.

For babies over 3 months, please bring a couple of clothing options with you. I also have a selection of outfits available at the studio (mostly rompers and dresses), and we can mix and match to create a variety of looks during your session.

🥤 Snacks and drinks can be a big help – especially for older siblings and grown-ups! You’re welcome to bring along a drink and snack for everyone to keep everyone happy and comfortable. Although complimentary tea, coffe, water and biscuits will be available during your session.

🥵 The studio will be warm for baby’s comfort, so please wear light layers.

Before You Arrive

  • Feed baby just before you leave home. A full tummy means a happier, sleepier baby.

  • If needed, I may ask you to offer a top-up feed once you arrive.

  • If baby follows a strict feeding schedule, just bear in mind they may not settle as easily when hungry.

What Should Baby Wear on Arrival?

👶 A front-fastening sleepsuit with no vest underneath (unless it’s very cold) is recommended.

Should I keep my baby awake before the session?

No need! Please continue with your baby’s usual nap routine. If they’re sleepy just before the session, let them rest and feed them as usual. A tired and hungry baby is far more difficult to settle — and we want them as content as possible.

Siblings & Family Photos

You’re very welcome to be part of the session! If you’d like sibling or family portraits, just let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly.

To help the session run smoothly, I recommend bringing siblings in towards the end of the session. This helps avoid restlessness and distractions while we focus on capturing lovely images of your baby. Ideally, a partner, friend, or family member can drop siblings off for the final 30 minutes.

For older children, please make sure they arrive well-fed and well-rested, especially if they usually nap during the day. They should either come dressed and ready or bring a clean change of clothes for the photos.

Please also remove any chipped nail polish or temporary tattoos beforehand – and that includes grown-ups too!

There’s no need to coach your child to smile or perform – I work with a gentle, child-led approach and always take the time to help them feel comfortable and relaxed before taking any photos.

How to Prepare Older Children

It’s a great idea to chat with your children beforehand so they know they’ll be meeting me and having some photos taken. Giving them a bit of context helps them feel more at ease – just no pressure-talk about “smiling” or “being good”, as that can often have the opposite effect!

With years of experience photographing children, I always take a few moments to connect with each child before picking up the camera. Some little ones jump right in, others need a bit of time to warm up – and that’s totally fine. We go at their pace.

And while I’ll do everything I can to keep things fun and relaxed, tired or hungry kids are tough to win over, and sadly I haven’t quite mastered magic just yet — so your prep really does help!

What Should We Wear?

If you’re planning to be in some of the photos with your baby (and I highly recommend it!), I suggest wearing plain, well-fitting clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in.

To keep your portraits timeless and cohesive:

  • Please avoid bold patterns, logos, and busy prints

  • Try to stick to two or three complementary tones

  • If possible, avoid wearing solid black – softer tones tend to photograph more beautifully

You don’t have to go full “matchy-matchy” as a family, but coordinating outfits in similar colour palettes really does look lovely in photos.

I also ask that everyone removes shoes and socks for photos – bare feet always look more natural and relaxed, so please be prepared to pop them off when needed.

Download the PDF clothing guide here; Studio Sessions What To Wear.

For a brief visual guide on clothing ideas, check out my Pinterest board here.

Baby Session Clothing Guide (Baby) - 1

Can I Bring Extended Family or Friends?

Due to limited space and to help keep things calm for baby, I kindly ask that only immediate family members who are participating in the session attend. Extra guests can be a big distraction for little ones, and we want to keep the environment as peaceful as possible.

Your Baby’s Comfort & Safety

My studio is always warm, cosy, and set up with your baby’s comfort in mind. With 21 years of experience as a full-time professional photographer (including 14 years as a medical photographer and 8 years specialising in newborns), you can rest assured your little one is in safe hands.

I’ve undertaken extensive training in newborn posing, photography and safety with some of the UK’s top baby photographers, and I follow cleanliness and hygiene protocols at all times.

What If My Baby Doesn’t Settle Well?

Babies are wonderfully unpredictable – and that’s okay! But it’s really important that you follow the advice in this guide, especially around feeding and sleep, as a settled baby makes all the difference.

Most often, babies become unsettled due to tiredness, hunger, or teething, so a good nap and full tummy beforehand is key. I’ll always do my best to create a beautiful gallery of images, but ultimately, I can only photograph what baby allows on the day.

That said, I only book one Little Smiler Session per day, so we have the time and flexibility to work at your baby’s pace. On rare occasions, if your little one is particularly unsettled and we haven’t been able to get many images after the first hour, I may suggest rescheduling to another day. This is entirely at my discretion, and reshoots are subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.

If you’re bringing older siblings, please also ensure they’ve had a good nap and something to eat before arriving, as tired or hungry children can be difficult to engage (and unfortunately, I can’t work miracles — though I do try!).

Health, Hygiene & COVID-19

Your family’s wellbeing is always a priority. The studio and props are cleaned between sessions, and hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities are available throughout.

Face masks are no longer worn as standard, but if you’d prefer I wear one, just let me know – I’m more than happy to do so.

Sickness Policy

If you or anyone in your household has been unwell in the days leading up to your appointment, please get in touch to reschedule. For any contagious illnesses (including vomiting/diarrhoea), please observe a 48-hour symptom-free period before attending.

If anyone in your household develops Covid-19 symptoms or tests positive within 7 days of your session, please contact me to rearrange. If you’ve taken a lateral flow test and it’s negative, you’re still welcome to attend — just keep me informed.

Need to Reschedule?

Life happens! If you need to rearrange, please give me as much notice as possible. For anything within 48 hours, please call or text me directly on 07956 114 916, as I may not see emails in time.

Please note:

  • Your session fee is non-refundable

  • You may reschedule once, within 14 days of your original date, due to genuine illness or emergency (subject to availability)

  • If you’re more than 30 minutes late or don’t attend, a new session fee will be required to rebook

When Will I See My Photographs?

At the end of your session, we’ll arrange your Viewing & Ordering Appointment, which typically takes place at the studio around 2 to 3 weeks later.

During this appointment, you’ll have the chance to view your fully edited gallery of around 25 beautiful images. You’ll be able to choose your favourites, select your digital image package, and decide on any wall art or keepsakes you’d love to order.

Payment is due at this appointment, so I recommend that all decision-makers attend. If possible, it’s also a good idea to arrange childcare for older children, so you can relax and make your selections without distractions.

When Will My Order Be Ready?

Your digital images will be sent to you via a download link within 1 week of placing your order. Prints are typically ready for collection in around 3 weeks, while wall art and albums take a little longer and are usually ready in 6 to 8 weeks.

I’ll be in touch to let you know as soon as everything is ready for collection from the studio!

Where to Find the Studio

The studio is located on the first floor at 29 Station Road, Steeton, West Yorkshire, BD20 6RL, just above Imagine Hair & Beauty Salon. Please use the front entrance on Station Road and head up the stairs – you’ll find the studio on your right at the top.

There is no on-site parking, but I’ll send you details of nearby on-street parking options before your session to make things easy. If you’re running late on the day, just send me a quick text on 07956 114 916 to let me know you’re on your way.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all and as always, if you have any questions, please just ask!