Four Keys to Navigating a Difficult Session

Clear communication: Communication is key! I’m a big believer in setting everyone up for success, and I jump on calls with parents to talk through any potential challenges as soon as they share any concern. Whether it’s about baby acne, nap schedules, colic, or anything else. I always make time to connect and create a game plan. Reassurance through conversation is a must, aka I always want to make sure my clients feel confident going into the session. After all, we’re a team! In this sessions case, I hopped on a call with the parents to reassure them that my goal is to work alongside them and their baby. I explained that we’ll try small adjustments to keep the baby comfortable, especially considering the reflux. This includes keeping her inclined, having mom or dad hold her instead of laying her flat, and soothing her as needed. I also mentioned that if things don’t go as planned, I’m flexible and happy to come back another day.

Observe, adapt, and take breaks: Flexibility is everything! Instead of forcing little ones into poses, I let them take the lead. Kids are there to play, laugh, and connect with their siblings and parents—that’s where the real magic happens. By giving them space for little breaks to rest and reset, we allow those natural moments of connection to shine through. Often, the most genuine smiles and relaxed poses emerge during those in-between moments when they’re just being themselves. It’s all about capturing the beauty of their relationships in a way that feels natural and effortless. In this situation because baby had severe reflux, we did our best not to move her around too much so that her tummy didn’t get upset and lead to discomfort.

Reschedule if needed: Let’s be real—kids are kids, and germs are everywhere! If a little one is sick or just not feeling up to it, I always leave space in my agenda for reschedules and am super flexible to make sure we find a new date that works. Session should feel relaxed and fun, and I’ll work with clients to make that happen, even if we need to adjust the timing! This is particularly tricky with newborn sessions because you don’t want to miss the newborn magic but I work closely with parents and chat through the tradeoffs to see what feels most comfortable for them.

Optimal timing: Sometimes, depending on the time of day, kiddos just aren’t feeling it! If a client has a little one who tends to get cranky later in the day, I will encourage my clients to consider a sunrise session. In the early morning, they’re usually more rested and cooperative, which makes the session flow so much smoother. Plus, the soft morning light is gorgeous, and it keeps everything calm and relaxed—perfect for capturing those sweet moments. I always review my client questionnaires to know their kids ages and make recommendations.

We are here to make sure our clients session is exactly what they are envisioning and more. As a mom, I totally understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I’m super chill and flexible to work with them through any challenges. My intention is to ensure my clients know I am here to support them with anything I can! While there might be tough moments, clear communication is key to navigating them smoothly.

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