What if my baby cries during their photography session?
- Kay Benson
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 16
Kay Benson
Baby, child and family photographer | Worcestershire & West Midlands
Hi, I’m Kay — a baby, child and family photographer with over 15 years experience, based in Worcestershire and the West Midlands.
One of the most common worries parents share with me — especially when booking their very first baby photography session — is:
“What if my baby cries during the session?”
If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re absolutely not alone. And I want to reassure you straight away: it’s completely normal, and it’s never a problem.
As a mum myself, I know how flustered we can feel when our baby is crying — particularly when we’re out of our usual routine and very aware that someone else is watching. The first thing I want you to know is this: take a breath. Crying is normal, and there’s no judgement here whatsoever.
Babies crying during photography sessions is completely normal
Babies cry for all sorts of reasons. They might be hungry, tired, overstimulated, or simply needing comfort. A photography session is a new experience, in a new place, and it’s completely natural for babies — especially in the early months — to need a little time to settle.
My baby photography sessions in Clent, Worcestershire are designed with this in mind. There’s no rush, no pressure, and absolutely no expectation for your baby to behave in a certain way.
A calm, baby-led baby photography session
At my studio, close to Stourbridge in the West Midlands, everything is kept calm, simple, and relaxed. Sessions always move at your baby’s pace, with plenty of time for:
feeds
cuddles
nappy changes
soothing breaks
If your baby needs to be held, comforted, or simply given a moment, that’s exactly what we do. We can just slow things right down and go with the flow.
A real example from a recent baby photography session
I recently photographed this lovely four-month-old baby boy in the run-up to Christmas. Like many babies, he was a little unsure at first, and we did have a few tears at the beginning of the session. His mum was understandably worried that he might not settle.
We took things slowly and followed his lead. Once he was lying on his back on soft white towels and sheets — with his nappy off, enjoying the warmth of the studio and the freedom to kick his legs — everything changed.
Before long, we were greeted with beautiful, big smiles and relaxed, happy expressions.
Towards the end of the session, he began to cry again — letting us know he’d had enough and was ready for his nap. At that point, we wrapped the session up, not pushing for any more photographs, because we already had a lovely collection of images to choose from.
Experience that helps babies (and parents) feel at ease
As a mum of two myself, and after several years working as a teaching assistant, I’m very used to reading cues, slowing things down, and creating a calm environment.
I don’t expect babies (or children) to perform or pose unnaturally. Instead, I gently work around them, allowing things to unfold naturally. Many parents tell me they’re surprised by just how relaxed their baby photography experience feels — even if their baby starts off unsettled.
What if my baby cries a lot during the session?
Even if your baby is unsettled for parts of the session, it doesn’t mean we won’t create beautiful images. Sessions are unhurried, and we always allow enough time for babies to settle when they’re ready.
And if a baby really needs extra comfort, we simply pause — or finish when it feels right. There’s no clock watching and no pressure to “get it done”.
You don’t need to worry
You don’t need to apologise.
You don’t need to feel embarrassed.
And you don’t need to worry about your baby “ruining” the session.
My role is to create a calm, reassuring space where you can relax, knowing your baby’s needs always come first.
Baby photography sessions that follow your baby’s lead
Some of the most treasured baby photographs aren’t about smiles or perfection — they’re about connection. A baby being comforted, stretching freely, or settling into calm moments with their parent is a beautiful part of your story, and one worth remembering.
If you’re looking for baby photography in Worcestershire or the West Midlands, and would like to chat about what to expect, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
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