Studio session FAQs

 

How many outfits can we bring?

  • For full-length milestone sessions, you can bring two must-have outfits and an additional outfit for if time allows. Anything more gets a little overwhelming and overstimulating for babies and toddlers. (Naked/in diaper only is also an option for babies and doesn’t count toward the outfit limit.)

  • For milestone mini sessions, you can bring one outfit.

What kind of outfits work best for photos?

For babies up size 18 months, I keep a few rompers in multiple sizes in my studio that look really cute in photos that you’re more than welcome to use. You can view them here: http://www.leeannwilliamsphoto.com/outfits

If you bring outfits from home: 

  • Solid colors or outfits without distracting elements, writing, and with simple patterns work best. Plaid, stripes, and soft florals always photograph well.

  • For girls, dresses (especially lace), boutique rompers, and sweaters with leggings/jeggings in the winter are always adorable. 

  • For boys, button up shirts (for babies that are sitting up), overalls, and long sleeve onesies or sweaters with jeans are all perfect options.

  • Shoes are optional but bare feet are definitely best!

Can we choose our own backdrops?

Yes!

  • For full-length milestone sessions, you can choose two backdrops: http://www.leeannwilliamsphoto.com/backdrops. (Cake smashes will be done on a solid color paper backdrop* and doesn’t count toward the two backdrop choices. You may also add a solid color backdrop to any other milestone session.) Let me know your backdrop selections at least two days prior to your session.

  • For milestone mini sessions, you can choose one backdrop: http://www.leeannwilliamsphoto.com/backdrops. Let me know your backdrop selections at least two days prior to your session.

    *current cake smash backdrop color options are off-white and beige

Can we get a family photo at the session? 

  • For full-length milestone sessions, you can get a family and/or sibling photo. Family/sibling photos are limited to one or two poses and take place in the first 5-10 minutes of the session. Babies and kids usually aren’t quite warmed up to the camera at this point, though, so if you’d like a family session with more poses and opportunities for smiles, an outdoor session is a great option for that.

  • For milestone mini sessions, only one child is allowed.

One year sessions:

Can we bring a cake? 

Yes! Or donuts, pancakes, fruit, tacos, or any one of your baby’s favorite foods. I have cake stands in white, red, and dark wood (all 6 inches) you can use, or you can bring your own. Most of the time, cakes and other treats just end up on the floor.

If you bring a cake, I highly recommend a “naked frosted” cake. Babies seem to do a little better when cakes aren’t covered in super thick frosting. They really just need enough frosting to make a mess with but not gag on. Hyvee makes cute naked frosted cakes.

Do you have any props?

I have a few big number 1 paper mache props in different colors. I also have chairs and little beds for babies to sit on. 

Should I bring any props?

You don’t have to, but feel free to bring a couple items from home if you know they won’t be too distracting for photos. The most common prop is a banner with baby’s name or coordinating color pennants to hang on the backdrop. If you do bring a banner, make sure the string is at least 8ft long. 

Balloons are adorable for photos but tend to be very distracting in my small studio space.

Please do not bring props that shed glitter. It gets onto everything in my studio and takes forever to clean up!

Other advice:

  • If you’re bringing a cake, take it out of the fridge a couple of hours before your session. Cold frosting and cake is hard for little fingers to dig into. 

  • In my experience, less is more with one year sessions in my small studio. At this age, babies are easily overwhelmed and have a bit of stranger danger, so simple setups with minimal, non-distracting props usually yield the best results for photos.