How to prepare for a studio baby photo shoot in London
“As a baby photographer in London — and a mum myself — I know how unpredictable this stage can be. And that’s not something to worry about. It’s something we plan for.”
-Alina
The first year with your baby is a season of constant change. One moment they’re tiny and curled into you, and before you know it they’re smiling, sitting, crawling — becoming themselves right before your eyes. A baby photo shoot is a beautiful way to pause and document this fleeting chapter, exactly as it feels.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, marking a first birthday, or simply wanting to capture your baby as they are right now, a studio baby photo shoot in London offers a calm, comfortable space to do just that.
As a baby photographer in London — and a mum myself — I know how unpredictable this stage can be. And that’s not something to worry about. It’s something we plan for.
Why book a baby photo shoot?
A baby photo shoot isn’t only about big milestones. It’s about preserving the in-between moments — expressions, curiosity, connection, and personality as it begins to shine through.
Many families choose a baby photo shoot in London to:
Capture their baby’s first year as it unfolds
Celebrate a milestone without anything overly staged
Create natural, timeless images that feel like them
Mark a first birthday in a more relaxed, meaningful way
If a traditional cake smash doesn’t feel right for you, a simple studio session is a beautiful alternative — focused on your baby rather than props.
When is the best time for a baby photo shoot?
There’s no single “perfect” age, but different stages offer different possibilities. As a baby photographer, these are the stages I most often recommend:
Around 3–4 months
At this age, babies are usually:
Smiling and engaging
Making eye contact
Happy being cuddled and held
This stage is perfect for gentle, connection-led images.
Around 6–7 months
Once babies can sit confidently, sessions become more playful:
Sitting unaided
Full of expression
Curious and interactive
This is one of the most popular times for a studio baby photo shoot.
Crawling stage
This stage is unpredictable — and full of character. Babies are expressive, curious, and very much themselves.
First birthday
A first birthday photo shoot doesn’t have to be a full, themed cake smash with elaborate backdrops and props. Many families choose to mark this milestone in a simple, natural way — focusing first on connection, personality, and how their baby is growing into themselves.
If you’d like, you’re very welcome to bring a small cake to enjoy towards the end of the session. This often becomes a really fun, relaxed moment — capturing brilliant expressions, curiosity, and a bit of joy — without the pressure of a styled setup. It also means the cake can be shared afterwards and enjoyed by the whole family.
The focus stays on your baby, not the props — with the flexibility to add a little celebration if it feels right for you.
Choosing the right time of day for your session
For studio sessions using natural light, the ideal window is usually:
Between 10am and 2pm
Morning sessions tend to work best because:
Babies are often happier and more settled
Nap schedules are more predictable
Light is soft and consistent
If you’re travelling to the studio, it’s worth remembering that many babies fall asleep in the car. Sometimes delaying a nap until just before you leave can help — but if they do fall asleep en route, that’s completely fine. We simply go with the flow.
Babies are unpredictable — and that’s okay
This is one of the most important things to know before your baby photo shoot.
Sessions can take time. We may need breaks for feeds, cuddles, nappy changes, or simply to reset. There is no expectation for your baby to behave in a certain way.
I’ve seen it all — unsettled moments, clingy phases, sudden bursts of energy. As a mum and an experienced baby photographer in London, I’ll guide the session gently and adapt as we go. There’s never any rush.
Your only job is to be present with your baby.
What to wear (for baby and parents)
If parents are joining the session, it’s lovely to coordinate outfits so everything feels cohesive.
Styling tips:
Choose soft, neutral or earthy tones (but try to avoid avoid everyone wearing the same colour)
It’s nice to mix different textures (linen, cotton, knits, denim)
Avoid logos, bold patterns, or large prints
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in
You’ll likely be sitting on the floor, picking your baby up, and interacting throughout the session — so comfort really matters.
For babies, simple outfits work best. And if anything unexpected happens, I have a small client wardrobe you’re welcome to borrow.
What to pack for a baby photo shoot (checklist)
Here’s a simple checklist to help you feel prepared:
Baby essentials
Spare outfit
Nappies and wipes
Milk or bottles if bottle-feeding
A drink bottle
Snacks
Non-messy snacks (plain rice crackers work well)
Avoid brightly coloured or crumbly snacks
Optional
A simple wooden toy (if it’s a favourite and visually neutral)
I don’t recommend bringing screens or iPads — they can distract babies and make it harder to capture natural engagement.
How to choose the right baby photographer in London
Every photographer works differently. Some specialise in posed setups, cake smash photography, or themed sessions. Others use artificial lighting and elaborate props.
My approach is natural and connection-led:
No forced poses
No elaborate setups
A focus on interaction, emotion, and flow
When choosing a baby photographer in London, make sure:
You genuinely love their editing style
Their sessions align with what you’re drawn to
They have experience working with babies and young children
An experienced photographer will know how to read the room, adapt quickly, and keep the session calm and enjoyable.
A gentle note about the camera
This can make a real difference to how natural your images feel.
There’s no need to worry about getting your baby to look at the camera — that’s something I’ll take care of. I’ll gently use sounds, movement, and little prompts when needed.
Your role is much simpler:
Stay close to your baby
Talk to them, smile at them, play with them
Keep your focus on them, not the lens
Some of the most meaningful images happen when your attention is fully on your child — those quiet smiles, curious looks, and moments of connection that unfold naturally when you’re just being together.
Go with the flow
Babies are sensitive to energy. If you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to feel relaxed too. There’s no need to worry if things don’t go exactly to plan — that’s completely normal.
Trust the process. Trust your baby. And trust your photographer to guide the session with care.
FAQs about baby photo shoots in the studio
How long does a baby photo shoot usually last?
There’s no fixed time. Sessions are baby-led and unfold at their own pace. Sometimes we’re finished sooner than expected; other times we take things more slowly with breaks along the way. I allow plenty of time so there’s never any pressure.
Can we do a cake smash?
You’re very welcome to bring a small cake if you’d like, especially for a first birthday. It’s not the main focus of the session, but it can be a lovely little moment if it feels right for you. I keep everything relaxed and natural rather than styled or themed.
What if my baby cries or won’t settle?
That’s completely normal — and nothing to worry about. Babies have off moments, and we simply respond to what they need. We can pause for cuddles, feeds, or a reset. I’ve photographed many babies at many stages, and there’s always a way to gently bring the flow back.
Can parents be in the photos too?
Absolutely — and I really encourage it. Babies are often most comfortable when they’re close to you, and some of the most beautiful images come from those moments of connection. Holding your baby, sitting together, or simply being close helps them feel safe and settled — and creates images you’ll treasure just as much
Any questions, please email hello@applegrovestudio.com.
Can’t wait to see you in the studio.
Browse the portfolio
If you’d like to explore the different types of sessions before booking:
👉 Family photography
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/family
👉 Motherhood (mum + baby)
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/motherhood
👉 Maternity
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/maternity
👉 Newborn
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/newborn
If you have any questions at all — about timing, session types, or what might suit your family best — feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.
Alina | Apple Grove Studio