Hey, Bleu Bells! 💙

Alright, gather around because I have a story for you—a very real and transparent story about Sariah’s very first Christmas photo shoot. Let me just preface this by saying… I am NO expert at this mommy thing, and sometimes, that inexperience really shows. So, of course, in true ShayBleu fashion, I thought, “Why not schedule her first-ever Christmas photo shoot at JCPenney?” Big mistake. HUGE.

Let me save you from making the same mistake, whether you’re a new mom, a veteran mom, or someone planning for the future. Trust me on this: do not take your baby (or any child under 10) to JCPenney for photos. Let me explain why.

The Great Christmas Photo Fiasco 🎅🏽

Picture this (pun intended): I dressed Sariah in the cutest little Christmas outfit (you know I had her in some festive red with a bow big enough to block the sun), and we rolled into JCPenney ready to capture those adorable moments. BUT… it went all the way left real quick.

Sariah was not feeling it. She was hot, bothered, and overwhelmed. The room was stuffy, the lights were too bright, and the photographer? Bless their heart—they were young, inexperienced, and trying their best. But “trying their best” wasn’t enough to keep Sariah smiling, calm, or engaged.

Here’s where it got worse: they gave us 15 minutes to get the shot. Yes, you read that right. Fifteen. Minutes. The photographer even had the nerve to set a timer and then suggested we reschedule. Um, excuse me? I’ve already packed up my baby, spent hours getting her dressed, and dragged myself here, and now you want me to come back?! No ma’am!

Needless to say, I walked out of there vowing NEVER to return. But don’t worry—your girl Shay is here to save you from going through the same mess.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Your Baby’s First Photo Shoot 👶

DO: Dress Your Baby Comfortably

I cannot stress this enough. Babies are sensitive, so keep the outfit festive but practical. Skip the itchy fabrics, tight bows, and unnecessary layers. If your baby isn’t comfortable, the whole experience will spiral downhill faster than you can say, “Smile for the camera.”

DON’T: Go to JCPenney

Listen, no shade to their staff, but they are not professionals trained to photograph infants and toddlers. Their photos are overpriced, the sessions feel rushed, and the results are… well, let’s just say I could’ve done better with my iPhone and a good ring light. You deserve better. Your baby deserves better. Enough said.

DO: Research Your Photographer

I’m talking about deep research. Use the Rule of 3: look at at least three different companies, compare their reviews, browse through their portfolios, and make sure they have experience photographing babies. Babies are unpredictable, and you need a photographer who knows how to roll with it and capture those candid, precious moments.

DON’T: Settle for Mediocrity

Yes, pictures are expensive, but they’re also memories that last a lifetime. This is not the time to cut corners. Invest in a photographer who will give you the quality and experience you and your baby deserve. It’s worth every penny.

DO: Make It an Experience

Photoshoots aren’t just about the pictures—they’re about the memories you’re creating. Bring snacks, play your baby’s favorite music, and make it fun. If your baby is happy, you’ll be happy, and the photos will reflect that.

DON’T: Forget to Bring Patience

Babies are unpredictable. Your baby might cry, squirm, or refuse to cooperate. And that’s okay. Take a deep breath, roll with it, and trust your photographer to capture the magic anyway. Remember, the imperfections are part of the story too.

Why Professional Photos Matter 📸

Pictures last forever, and they’re a tangible way to remember these fleeting moments. As a mom, you’re going to look back at these photos years from now and feel all the emotions. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. A professional photographer will capture your baby’s best angles and create an experience you’ll cherish.

ShayBleu and Sariah’s Bleu Essential Finds 💙✨

Mamas, if you’re on this journey with me, let me plug you into some of our favorite finds that have made our photo shoot experiences (and mommy life!) just a little easier:

📌 Colombian Waist Trainers & Fajas: Salud Y Figura Facil

📌 Aloe Vera Gel: Aloderma Aloe Vera 🌿

📌 OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm: OSEA Body Balm ✨

📌 Baby Heels for Sariah: Mini Doc Martens 👶👢

Your support means the world to me! When you purchase through these links, you’re helping keep the Bleu Buzz alive and growing. Thank you, Bleu Bells! 💙

Final Thoughts 💙

If there’s one thing I learned from this experience, it’s that I can’t settle for “just okay” when it comes to my baby. Sariah deserves the best, and so do I. So, to all my Bleu Bells out there—please learn from my mistakes. Do your research, find the right photographer, and make the most out of your baby’s first photo shoot. And if you’ve already had a similar experience, let’s share a laugh in the comments below because… motherhood is wild, y’all. 😂

📌 Pinterest Ad: The Do’s and Don’ts of Your Baby’s First Photo Shoot 🎄👶

Tips for Perfect Photos with Minimal Stress!

• 📸 Do: Choose a professional photographer.

• 🎀 Don’t: Overdress your baby.

• 🛑 Avoid: Mediocre studios like JCPenney.

Click to read more on the blog!

📺 Watch More Mommy Moments: ShayBleu YouTube Channel

💻 Read More Buzz on the Blog: ShayBleu.com

🎥 Follow My TikTok Adventures: @shaybleutoo

📌 Pin with Me on Pinterest: ShayBleu

Let me know in the comments—what’s your go-to tip for baby photo shoots? Let’s keep the convo going, Bleu Bells! 💙