Christmas photo shoot went horribly. Cancel first birthday shoot?

Love My Lil Princess 509

So, I just came back from having DD1 (3) and DD2 (11 months) photos done. I used this photographer for DD 2 newborn photos and I loved her and the pictures. It was only a mini 30 minute shoot outside. In all honesty, I'm gonna say more like 20-25 minute by the time we walked to the different locations and tried to console dd2.

Both my kids as babies HATED and screamed their heads off at the site of my in-laws and DD2 cries at the site of them too and I'd say about 50% of strangers. Well, she cried the entire shoot, tried to crawl away towards me and she was just petrified. We've got in-between photos (6 months-9 months) done at picture people, which I hate I may add bc they rush you and I think the quality is kinda crappy. At her last shoot at 9 months she cried on and off the first 10-15 minutes but eventually the last 5-10 min. or so we got in maybe 5 or so good smiling ones. I don't think we even got one at this shoot where her face isn't scrunched up about to cry or she's full out crying. Obivously, I'm not going to send out Xmas cards with just older DD's face all over it and none of DD 2.

So, we have 1st bday photos scheduled for Thurs, 2 days from now, with the same photographer, but she is coming to our home. So, there's the chance that DD may recognize her face and since she's in her own environment (our house) not be in tears for an hour, or the chance this could be another repeat of today. And then we'd be screwed out of $150.

She was really nice too and said we can try to take more Xmas photos at this shoot too. So that means I have to get DD 2 dressed again, but it's not a b ig deal really. I have gorgeous 1st bday photos taken by our wedding photographer of DD 1 and just really want something I can put on my wall of the baby next to her.

I didn't have to leave a depost or anything for the upcoming bday shoot and would feel kind of crappy canceling it. Plus, what are my other options? Bring her to picture people, find another photographer or just pray Thurdays shoot goes better? WWYD?

I know I need to let go of getting the perfect picture and accept that DD2 might just hate pictures but I just would hate not having this photo or her next to her sisters. Taking picture myself isn't an option. I take HORRID ones lol

Love My Lil Princess 509

What's Karen? Sorry if I sound stupid lol

Linnea503

I need one of these Karens 

OP, how about just taking some pictures yourself until it is more fun for your kiddos to have a pro do it? I prefer candid shots anyway so this is always my go-to. 

Keeptruckin

I also like candid shots better. We had outdoor professional ones done last Sunday but they were really informal. I would go ahead with the pics for the birthday but keep it really relaxed. Good luck!

DaisyZH

I would try it at home and hopefully she will be more comfortable.

DH's cousin was so sweet and did family photos when DD was a few weeks old.  My DS was horrible, he screamed, ran away, kicked, it was awful. The shoot was outside and he wanted to play and didn't want to hold still for photos.  We were so mortified and thought for sure we'd have to cancel Christmas pics we had scheduled a few weeks later.  He ended up doing fine because it was in a studio.  

I know the ages are very different and the issues are different as well, but sometimes a change of scenery really helps.

SouthernAcorn

I agree with PP. Keep it casual and fun. The less pressure you put on your DD, and yourself, the better the whole ordeal will be. Try playing with her favorite toys and taking a few pictures with both of you or both girls playing, then phase people out as she gets more comfortable. Maybe even have the photographer play with her for a bit so she doesn't seem as strange an intimidating. Another idea would be practicing photoshoots with your own camera. They don't have to be high quality, it will get her used to having her picture taken, and you might actually get a few cutes ones!