Phoenix had a great shoot this morning for a children's clothing retailer again, last time it was for a group shot but this time Phoenix shot by himself. Once dressed I quickly placed him on set and slipped out, the baby wranglers did the rest. I felt anxious, nervous and excited for him, could hear the camera popin and cheers, a few moments later he was done. Baby modeling is a very "we'll see" industry, you show up and sometimes a couple babies are booked for the same outfit and even though you're baby is booked you don't know if he/she will be photographed that day or not. Babies still get paid regardless though. Then you don't know if the shot will make it to usage. Today was holiday website shots but who knows, we are hoping by October/Nov-ish it will be out but it's a we'll see industry.
I packed a lot of toys but we were only there for a short time today, for a couple hours. Although you never know how long the day will be, it could be a long 7 hour day. Playing on the couches that were there and the few toys available can get dull fast, so it's a good idea to bring your own toys (it's amazing how parents don't bring toys for their kids to play with.)
This time I brought bringing a baby walker toy, more books and toys, while keeping in mind to pack items that I don't mind other kids playing with or potentially stealing/taking/using/losing since that it what happens when many babies are together in one place. So I'm being selective but thinking about what will keep Phoenix interested and busy, active but not overly tired.
A ball, a
sit-to-stand baby walker that has buttons and doodads to touch, spin and play with, books (4), shape toys that go into a box which can hold his teething toys too, and also bringing the iPad with tons of book and educations and fun apps ready.
Keep your baby in something comfortable to wear, comfortable and also protective of body for bumps and bruises, scratches. Maybe sweatpants or comfy pants would be best depending on if your baby is wearing shorts or short sleeves.
You, as the parent, or guardian should be wearing something comfortable for the day, you will be on the floor, on the blanket playing and the floors aren't always clean, it's a studio, it's a working environment so be aware that you might get dirty and your baby also might get dirty too, which is something you want to be careful of before he/she goes on set.
I like to carry a packs of
Johnson's hand and face wipes. Be aware of your baby falling, bumping his/her head, scratches, etc. There are hair and makeup people but usually it consists of a quick brush to the hair and that's it for babies, baby models do not wear makeup or get it applied to cover up a bruise. Yes, there's Photoshop for that but you want to be courteous of the booking and keep your baby as bruise free as possible while keeping him/her active and happy before the shoot.
Other things to bring:
An extra outfit to wear before shooting, you might already naturally have this in your diaper bag, but it's a good idea.
Bibs, usually the stylist crew will give your baby a bib to wear once dressed for the shoot to help prevent drool, etc from getting on the clothes, but also bring your own too, again this is prob a diaper bad no brainer.
Baby lotion, just a tad. We use
Aveeno Baby
Cell phone charger
ENERGY!
