Riley was such a treat during her one year old photography session. She was so full of sweetness and didn’t mind sharing it with us at all! After becoming exceptionally fond of my assistant, she had us wrapped around her little finger. To be honest, I think they became best friends within the hour.
Booking a 1 Year Old's Pictures is a Blast!
No matter who the photographer is, a baby’s first birthday pictures are easily one of the most treasured occasions by parents across the world. Even though I’m kind of obsessed with every birthday celebration, there’s something extra special about a child turning one. As a mother, there are definitely plenty of moments to shed a tear over.
From attacking their first slice of birthday cake or eyeing a bundle of balloons, every moment tends to be enjoyable for everyone involved. A baby’s first attempt at unwrapping gifts can be adorably frustrating, but observing them learn and grow in curiosity is a thing of beauty. The facial expressions and excitement alone are enough reason to have a camera (or two or three) on hand.
So, if you’re looking for some ideas to capture your little guy or gal, here is how I photographed sweetie pie Riley back in 2016.
Behind the Scenes of this Baby's First Birthday Pictures.
After momma scheduled a newborn session for Riley the previous year, she told me he’d be interested in hiring me when her daughter turned one. So we had multiple conversations in the months leading up to her birthday. When it comes to photography, familiarity is really helpful and I’m grateful I was able to earn her trust.
Unlike most children, it didn’t take Riley long to sit comfortably in front of my camera. In fact, she didn’t even fuss when the park’s sprinkler system tried to water down her smiles and giggles. It actually brought out even more cuteness. Mom and dad were great about the shower, but Emma (the family pet) left the shoot quite disgusted.
Good thing momma and I planned on using a few different outfits for her baby’s first birthday pictures.
What I Loved Most About Riley's Portraits.
Aside from the family’s cooperation and kindness, I really enjoyed the fellowship time. Being a parent in today’s world can be tough. The more you’re able to talk about your experiences and help each other, the easier it is to feel confident in what you’re doing. Needless to say, the session was a blessin’.
Here are some of my favorite shots from baby Riley’s one year old birthday session.
Mommy + Daddy.
She loves her parents the most, so capturing moments with them together is key on birthday #1.
Baby Bath Time!
Plenty of first moments occur during bath time. Riley was comfortable and full of smiles in the tub!
Mother & Daughter.
The bond of a mother and daughter goes unmatched. I absolutely love these types of photos.
Playtime Preference.
Baby Riley may not like to dress up like mommy quite yet, but she can sure rock a tutu like a pro!
Her Daddy's Love.
We can’t forget about the unique bond between daddy and his little girl. I love how happy she is!
Our Number 1 Shot.
Our obvious theme for this shoot was Riley’s first birthday. I painted a wooden “number 1” as a prop.
Concluding This Baby's First Birthday Pictures.
Embracing the craziness and unexpected is what I love about professional photography. I especially appreciate it when everyone is able to roll with the punches. It makes my job a LOT easier and even more more fun! No matter the setting, candid moments and natural expressions only enhance a baby’s first birthday pictures. Forcing young ones into certain poses can be a drag. The goal should be to create memories that make you smile and laugh.
While some parents prefer creative glamour shots, Riley’s parents wanted to keep things simple and sweet. No matter your preference, having fun throughout the process is a must! When I’m asked for suggestions, I simply respond by asking, “what does your child love as a one year old?” Developing great pictures is really that simple. If you don’t incorporate who your baby is, it’ll be difficult to fall in love with the final product.
Additional Tips for an Infant Photo Shoot.
When you’re planning your baby’s photo shoot, make sure you set aside plenty of time for changing diapers or clothes (like Riley did). Candy bribes can easily backfire and you never know when a blowout might occur. You’ll also want to prepare for typical fussiness or other unplanned distractions that can take up a lot of your scheduled time. There’s no need to rush things or add stress to the process. Having an agenda with ideal shots always helps.
Thanks for taking the time to read through one of my experiences! If you’re a new parent in the Memphis area, I’d love to help you capture your baby’s first birthday pictures. I can travel or have an outdoor venue and an indoor studio in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Feel free to submit a contact form to learn more about my pricing.
