How We Create a Baby in a Holiday Box Portrait
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at One of My Favorite Holiday Sessions
One of the first questions parents ask when they see a Baby in a Box portrait is:
"How did you get my baby into all those boxes?"
The answer usually surprises them.
The finished artwork isn't one photograph.
It's actually a collection of many individual photographs that are carefully combined into one final piece of artwork.
That allows me to create a playful holiday portrait while keeping your baby comfortable and safe throughout the entire session.
Safety Always Comes First
Before we ever take a photograph, we talk about safety.
That's why I ask families to bring two adults whenever possible.
One adult becomes my "assistant."
Their job is to stand just outside the camera's view, always within arm's reach of your baby.
The second adult becomes the entertainer.
They make silly noises.
Sing songs.
Wave favorite toys.
Peek around the camera.
Anything that encourages those wonderful smiles, curious looks, and surprised expressions that make each portrait unique.
Your baby is never left unattended.
Not even for a moment.
One Box...Many Little Moments
Parents sometimes imagine their baby sitting in several different boxes.
Actually...
We use one carefully prepared setup and photograph your baby many times.
During the session your baby might:
Smile.
Wave.
Clap.
Peek over the edge.
Look surprised.
Hold a holiday prop.
Laugh.
Reach toward Mom or Dad.
Each of those little moments becomes one piece of the finished artwork.
Babies Don't Sit Still...
And That's Perfect
If you've ever spent time with a six-month-old, you already know.
They rarely stay in exactly the same position for long.
That's actually part of the fun.
A Baby in a Box session is wonderfully active.
We gently lift baby out.
Change outfits.
Move a prop.
Give them a little break.
Place them back into the set.
Take a few more photographs.
Repeat.
Sometimes we'll create twenty or thirty different little moments before we're finished.
The goal isn't to rush.
The goal is to capture as many expressions and tiny personality moments as possible.
Every Baby Tells a Different Story
One of the reasons I love these sessions is that no two collages ever look exactly alike.
Some babies are full of giggles.
Some wave constantly.
Some are fascinated by a tiny ornament.
Some spend the whole session making serious little faces that make everyone laugh.
Those differences are what make the finished artwork feel personal.
It isn't a template.
It's your baby's story.
Then the Digital Magic Begins
After your session, I carefully select the strongest images.
Each photograph is professionally edited before being combined into a single collage.
Lighting is balanced.
Colors are matched.
Little distractions are removed.
The finished portrait is designed to look seamless—as though your baby magically appeared in every box at the same time.
Most people never realize they're looking at dozens of carefully planned photographs working together.
That's exactly how I want it.
The editing should disappear, leaving only the feeling of Christmas magic.
Why It Takes Time
Creating a Baby in a Box portrait isn't just about pressing the shutter.
It's about patience.
Watching for expressions.
Keeping babies happy.
Working safely.
Helping parents relax.
Then spending hours afterward transforming dozens of individual photographs into one finished piece of artwork.
Every portrait is handcrafted from beginning to end.
More Than a Holiday Portrait
Years from now, your child probably won't remember sitting inside a Christmas box.
But your family will remember those tiny smiles.
Those little hands waving.
Those curious expressions.
Those first Christmas memories.
My hope is that every Baby in a Box portrait becomes something your family brings out every holiday season—a reminder of just how quickly babies grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baby ever left alone inside the set?
Never. An adult is always within arm's reach of your baby throughout the session.
Why do I need to bring two adults?
One adult helps keep your baby engaged and smiling, while the other remains close by for safety and assistance as we move through different poses and expressions.
How many photos do you take?
Usually dozens! The final collage is created from many individual images captured throughout the session.
Is every Baby in a Box portrait different?
Yes. Every baby has their own expressions, personality, and reactions, making each finished collage completely unique.
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