The first birthday session is a great time to capture your child’s growth and changes, which is why I love this type of session and all the changes they make! From their physical features to their mobility, it’s like they are a completely different child from only a few months ago. Getting those first birthday photos are so important because it’s a milestone of being so tiny and helpless to gaining independence and seeing their growth!
Location
There will always be photographers in every price range, but this first birthday session is so important to hire someone who is your style and aesthetic. You want to find someone who will be able to reach your baby and really pull out their personality, someone with experience who knows how to capture little ones that you can remember forever.
When you are planning out a baby’s first year pictures, it is important to think about what you really want remembered. Do you want to have a separate shoot for the party or just one of the baby and some images of the baby eating their first cake? I will always recommend having both photographed because they only turn one once.
For the baby photos, I highly recommend doing a studio shoot, especially because you can do it year-round. Babies tend to also be in a much happier mood in the mornings, which is great because you’re not battling against harsh light in a morning outdoor shoot!
If you do decide to do an outdoor shoot, I highly recommend doing it when the sun is not at its highest. The prime time for great outdoor photos is around 4-6 pm.
Regardless of where you do the shoot, it’s very important to eliminate distractions so the baby can focus on the shoot and the camera and not anything else. This goes for toys, but also things like dirt or grass that might cause them discomfort, which will create a distraction.
Backgrounds
My personal preference is a clean background, such as a white studio. It allows you to capture the tiny details of the little one and a simple background eliminates distractions.
When you are seeking out photographers for this session, look specifically in each photographer’s galleries for images like the ones you want (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor, white studio vs. darker studio, etc.). Do they follow the same aesthetic and style that you like, are the photos translating into images you can imagine your one year old in?
If you decide you do want to do a studio for your baby’s first birthday photos, I can help you find and book a great space.
This session was so fun to do. I was so glad that I connected so much with Desmond’s parents and that we had the same vision. I knew from the start I was a great fit for them.
Theme, Props, and Decorations
When preparing for your shoot, you don’t need a ton: a banner, a cake stand, some balloons, and a simple little outfit goes a long way
Not all first birthday photo shoots need to have an elaborate theme. Instead, you can keep it minimal and sweet to get fantastic images.
Outfits
When picking your baby’s outfit for the shoot, think of simple and soft colors. I love a little linen outfit or a little romper for a girl. You can get an outfit that shows they are turning one, but this is not necessarily required where the decorations can achieve this effect as well.
I would bring at least 2 outfits for the shoot: one for the nice and clean images to hang in your home and then one the baby can use for their cake smash photos.
A great time to do a baby’s one year photos could also be combined with your family pictures. If you combine the shoots, plan coordinating outfits for the whole family. It’s best to keep things simple and classic.
If you do a cake smash, remember that the outfit will get dirty. I would recommend staying away from any heirloom outfits or anything you don’t want ruined.
Timing
When you are preparing for your shoot, you want to be sure you plan around the baby’s nap time. You want them to be in the best mood possible. Bring snacks that your baby loves, music, a favorite toy, whatever is going to help get their attention and keep them happiest and motivated!
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