The best time for a photoshoot with a baby or child: plan after the nap

Short answerPreferably plan a photoshoot with a baby or child straight after the nap, at a moment when your little one is rested, fed and cheerful. So take sleep times carefully into account, especially for a cake smash and for shoots with babies and children. A fit little one cooperates, laughs more and enjoys it, and you can see that in every photo.
Toddler sitting on a bench under a bunting with his name

At Photostudio62 we take all the time and never work against the clock, but we can choose the time of the shoot cleverly together with you. That is often the difference between a tired little one and a little one who discovers the studio full of curiosity.

Why sleep times matter so much

  • A tired little one cries sooner, is less curious and harder to entertain.
  • Straight after a nap a little one is usually at their best: rested, cheerful and ready to play.
  • A shoot just before a nap often goes wrong. The little one gets tired, attention disappears and you have to rush.
  • With a cake smash you see the difference straight away: a rested little one dares to taste, discover and make a mess.

How to choose the best moment

  1. Look at your little one's rhythm: what time does it wake up, when does it sleep and when does it eat?
  2. Choose a moment shortly after a nap. For many babies and toddlers that is in the morning or after the afternoon sleep, but every little one is different.
  3. Avoid the end of the afternoon if your little one is usually tired and grumpy then.
  4. Factor in the travel time, so the nap fits before departure or on the way and your little one can wake up calmly.
  5. State your time preference when you request, for example morning or afternoon, and tell us the sleep times. Then we plan the best moment together.

Tip: write down for a few days when your little one wakes up, sleeps and eats. Then you know exactly when it is at its best, and you can tell us.

Baby on the first birthday next to a cake and white balloons

Cake smash: plan after the nap

With a cake smash you want your little one to dare to discover the cake. That works best with a rested little one who is not too hungry and not too full. So do not let your little one eat a big meal just beforehand. A cake smash usually takes 40 to 75 minutes, depending on the package, so allow enough room before and after the shoot. More in when to plan a cake smash.

Babies and New Life: mind feeding and sleep

With very small babies everything revolves around feeding and sleep. Plan a New Life shoot around your baby's rhythm and bring a feed, nappies and spare clothes. We take our time and follow your baby's pace. Also read the tips for a New Life shoot.

Toddlers and children

A kids shoot takes about 60 minutes on average. Choose a moment when your child is usually cheerful, often after a nap. Bring a cuddly toy, a favourite toy and a small snack. More tips are in toddler photoshoot tips.

Coming from far? Mind the travel time

Our clients come from all over the country, such as Apeldoorn and Groningen, and also from Belgium. On a long journey the nap sometimes happens in the car. Then allow enough time, arrive slightly earlier and let your little one wake up calmly before the shoot begins. We are happy to think along about a time that suits your journey and your little one's rhythm.

Frequently asked questions about the time

What time is best to plan a cake smash? Straight after the nap, at a moment when your little one is rested and cheerful. Which part of the day that is depends on your little one's rhythm. Let us know when you request.

What if my little one is tired or ill on the day of the shoot? Let us know as soon as possible. Up to 72 hours before the shoot you can cancel or reschedule free of charge. Read the terms and conditions.

Can I choose a time myself? Yes. You state your preference in the form, and we plan a day and time together with you via WhatsApp. See how a photoshoot works.

Planning your shoot

Do you know when your little one is at their best? Request your shoot via the contact form and state your time preference and the sleep times. We contact you via WhatsApp within 24 hours to go through everything and choose the best moment together.

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