You’ve booked a baby photography session and then wondered, wait- what if my baby cries during their photoshoot?

There is a real amount of time and money invested into a session with me, so its a valid thought- and one that many of my clients have asked themselves!

Real Tips From a Boca Raton Baby Milestone Photographer

A very common concern for parents is what to do if their baby is not cooperating for their photoshoot. Sometimes they let us know—loud and clear—that they have big feelings about being in front of the camera (wink, wink).

While every baby is different and each session has their own flow, a fussy baby doesn’t mean your milestone session is doomed.

In fact, I’ve never had to send a family home to try again another day. We just tweak the plan and that’s totally okay.

As a professional baby photographer serving Boca Raton, Parkland, Coral Springs, and beyond, I know how much planning it takes just to walk through the studio door. You may be tired, a little stressed, or unsure of how it’s all going to go and a fussy baby can for sure add to that.

But happily not all is lost. Have some sessions taken some extra TLC and patience?

Absolutely, but fussy doesn’t mean game over and some of my most meaningful galleries are the result.

Real Session Story: Dealing With a Crying Baby During a Session- The Photoshoot That Inspired This Blog

During a recent milestone session in my Coral Springs studio, a sweet 8-month-old made it known pretty quickly that he only wanted one thing — Mom!

Although the session was originally intended to be a baby-only milestone shoot, I immediately pivoted and knew we had the perfect opportunity for a Motherhood Session.

At first, Mom hesitated, she wasn’t dressed, her hair and makeup weren’t done, and she wasn’t expecting to be photographed. But I gently encouraged her to give it a try. I told her: if you don’t love the images, no problem at all. (Spoiler: she loved them.)

I grabbed a few dresses from my client wardrobe, and she chose a simple sun dress that suited the moment perfectly. We kept things natural and relaxed. Just her and baby, cuddled up on a super soft and fluffy blanket on the floor where baby was.

No posing, no pressure. Just real connection. The whispers, the snuggles, the soft touch of her hand on his head. Those quiet expressions of motherhood are exactly the kind of images I aim to create.

Did it matter that baby was fussy or not cooperating in the way we “want” them to? No. It didn’t.

Because in these quiet, intimate moments of motherhood are full of emotion and they’re the images I live to capture. The ones that don’t require a pose, a smile, or even eye contact with the camera. Just real love. A memory, preserved forever. This was it! This created the exact moment and we got an incredible gallery. 

And yes, I was able to sneak in some smiles from baby too (thank goodness for my speedy reflexes & camera!). But I also included a few grumpy teething faces because every baby emotion IS adorable, and every moment is worth remembering.

A Few of My Favorite Tricks for Handling a Fussy Baby During a Photoshoot

Parents often ask me, ‘What if my baby cries during their photoshoot? The good news is, with a few tricks, we always get beautiful images.

So what do I actually do to help guide a fussy baby back on track and make sure we capture those sweet, baby milestone images?

I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years and many are backed by what pediatricians suggest for soothing babies in overstimulating environments.

Start With The Basics: Studio Vibe and Temperature

I always start with the basics, the overall vibe in the studio.

Is the music too upbeat and overstimulating? Would a softer, calming playlist help relax the room?

I’ll check the temperature. Sometimes a chilly room or a warm outfit is the culprit. Diaper check? Always.

Baby Friendly Distractions and Tricks

Once baby is comfy, I pull out a few tried and true tricks. My dog-shaped lens wrap helps direct baby’s attention toward the camera.

A feather duster (yes, the same kind you use at home!) is perfect for softly tickling tiny toes and fingers to coax out a few giggles.

A baby favorite? A cat-shaped handheld fan that gives off the softest breeze, the babies love it.

Sometimes I give baby something to hold like a soft toy or board book that fits the setup and is “photo-approved.”

And when all else fails, a wardrobe change or switching up the setup can shift the energy and reset the mood completely.

The key is flexibility and reading the room when you are concerned baby is not cooperating for a photoshoot. Every session is a little different but that’s where the magic lives and sometimes you have to look for it a little harder.

When Smiles Take a Back Seat, Details Shine

Even if baby isn’t ready to give us their million-dollar smile, that doesn’t mean we’re not creating something beautiful.

This is the perfect moment to zoom in on those little details. Tiny, pudgy hands and feet, soft cheeks, and that one tuft of hair that sticks straight up.

These quiet details tell their own story and are the one parents want to remember the most.

Even during moments when baby might cry during their photoshoot, those tiny details—the hands, the soft cheeks—still create beautiful memories.

Why Crying Moments Can Still Create Beautiful Images

Even though this little guy wasn’t exactly into it on his session day, we made it happen with a few tricks of the trade and a truly amazing mom who trusted me to guide the way and helped create priceless memories for both of them.

We didn’t need extra time or a reschedule, just a little flexibility and a willingness to change up the plan.

I’m so grateful for the relationships I have with my clients, and so appreciative of how willing they are to trust me in these moments.

Together, we create images that aren’t just “pictures”, they’re memories. And that matters to both of us. I don’t want my clients to worry whether their baby will cry or get fussy during their photoshoot with me.

Ready to Book Your Own Boca Raton Baby Milestone Photoshoot?

Whether your baby is full of giggles or feeling a little clingy and you wonder “what if my baby cries during their photoshoot?” I’ll make sure we create something meaningful and beautiful. I don’t want you to be worried about baby not cooperating for photoshoot, that’s my job.

I’m here to create something meaningful and beautiful no matter what kind of day we’re having. My milestone sessions are baby-led, relaxed, and full of heart.

As a milestone baby photographer serving families throughout Parkland, Coral Springs, Boca Raton and the surrounding South Florida area, I specialize in creating beautiful images that feel like real memories. If you’re ready to celebrate this special stage with thoughtful, heart-filled portraits, I’d love to chat.

Let’s start planning your session!

If this caught your interest, check out:

• Baby Photography Delray Beach | 6 Months Old Mia
• Baby Photoshoot West Palm Beach | 8 Months Old Aiden