Photographer Pet Peeves (That We Might Not Tell You… But Wish We Could)

Listen — I adore photographing your babies. I love the chubby cheeks, the sleepy snuggles, the big one-year-old grins. But let’s have a little honest moment: there are a few things that test our poker face more than we’d like to admit.

These are the things we don’t always say out loud… but if we did, your session would run smoother, your photos would look even better, and we’d spend a whole lot less time editing snack dust and neon nail polish.

The good news is, most families — like the one below — really do follow our lead. They come prepared, keep things simple, and trust the process. That’s when the magic truly shines through in the gallery.

1. Spray Tans Gone Rogue

We get it — you wanted that healthy glow. But here’s the thing: under studio lights or even in natural light, that “glow” can turn a little more… Cheeto than chic.
Orange knees, patchy ankles, and color mismatches with baby’s soft skin? Not our favorite editing challenge.

The fix: Stick with your natural skin tone or go for a gradual self-tanner a few days in advance — and moisturize those elbows!

2. Neon Nails in a Neutral World

We’re all about your personality shining through, but if you’re going for soft, classic portraits of your baby… hot pink nails may steal the spotlight. And not in a good way.

Pro tip: Neutral polish or clean nails blend beautifully with baby-focused images. (Plus, no one wants to zoom in on chipped red polish cradling baby’s face.)

3. Wrinkle Central

You spent time choosing the perfect outfit — but it came straight from the mail bag to the diaper bag and now it’s living its worst, crumpled life.

Solution: Give clothes a quick steam or iron the night before. Or better yet, hang them up and let them breathe. Your future gallery (and your photographer’s sanity) thanks you.

4. The “Let’s Hope It Fits” Gamble

Trying an outfit on for the first time at your session? That’s a roll of the dice we don’t recommend.

Outfits that are too big, too tight, or too itchy never photograph well — and we don’t want your baby tugging at clothes the whole time.

Tip: Try on every outfit, bow, and bloomers in advance — even if it “looks like the right size.”

5. Giant Hair Bows That Take Over the Portrait

We love a cute accessory, but some bows are… aggressive. If your child’s hair bow is larger than her head, it may steal attention from those sweet little eyes you want to remember. 🎀

Keep it classic: Well fitting, soft headbands or small bows photograph beautifully — simple is always sweet.

6. The Outfit They Hate = The Photos You Won’t Love

If your child hates the outfit, they’ll let us all know. Loudly. Constantly. Through sobs, squirming, and a slow meltdown that takes us all down with it.

Pick something soft. Comfortable. Battle-tested at home. This is not the time for scratchy collars or stiff fabrics that even you wouldn’t want to wear.

7. When Everyone Becomes the Director

We love Grandma. We love Aunt Karen. But too many voices behind the scenes can overwhelm little ones.
If everyone’s yelling “SMILE!” it can get confusing (and honestly, a little stressful for your child and your photographer).

Best setup: Keep the crowd small and let me take the lead — it keeps everyone calm and the session flowing.

8. Snack Crumbs, Dried Milk Mustache, and Boogers

Toddlers are messy — it’s just part of their charm. But those little things like dried milk on the lip, snack dust on the shirt, or a little crusty nose can quietly sneak into every photo.

It’s the kind of stuff you might not notice in the rush out the door, but trust me — the camera does.

Quick fix: A fresh face wipe before we start goes a long way. Bonus points if you check ears and fingernails too. We’re going for timeless, not “Tuesday after daycare.”

Final Thoughts (Said with Love!)

At the end of the day, my goal is to make your little one’s session feel easy, relaxed, and — most importantly — real. No pressure, no pageant smiles, just beautiful moments that feel like them.

These little prep tips might seem minor, but they go a long way in keeping things running smoothly and your photos looking their absolute best. So maybe skip the neon nails, double check those outfit fits, and yes — go easy on the spray tan.

Let’s keep things simple, sweet, and all about your child — just the way it should be.

At Hope Davis Photography, located in Decatur, Mississippi, we’re here to capture life’s most precious moments — from your baby’s first giggles to their high school graduation. Hope specializes in timeless newborn, child, and heirloom photography, while Britney brings her passion for motherhood, family, and senior sessions to every photo shoot.

Whether you’re in Vicksburg, Jackson, Starkville, Hattiesburg, Meridian, or West Alabama, we’re here to serve all of Central Mississippi and beyond. Ready to schedule your session? Contact us HERE and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.