A post with Baby photography – first birthday tips is something I am asked for regularly and have been meaning to add for a while now.
The first year of parenthood is incredible and of course a little exhausting. Which is why I feel the celebration of the first birthday is even more important to mark with a beautiful photoshoot of your baby.
Turning one is a huge milestone and also one of the most fun ages to photograph. These sessions can be styled in a number of ways. I will bring my photography studio to your home to create beautiful, fun portraits of your little one that capture their personality.
Tips for photographers and parents for a first birthday photoshoot
The balloon shot! This is popular with my Clients but it does require a larger space if you would like a large balloon such as this one. Choose a matt balloon as it will photograph well, particularly if you are using lighting like I do. I love how the little girls dress matches in the below images.
Make it fun
As a photographer interaction is key with this age group. Make your photoshoot engaging with plenty of singing and dancing to help your subject feel relaxed. Encouraging smiles to camera or natural smiles looking away. Let them touch and explore the studio area and any props that are being used.
Encourage parents to come behind you to make some noise and get their attention whilst you take the shot. This is particularly helpful if like me you work alone. I often balance toys on my head and jump in and out from behind my camera to keep the entertainment going during a session.
Try different positions to create different looks and to get the most out of your session. For example the shot below. Sometimes these images just happen naturally.
Timing your baby photoshoot
Schedule the session for between their nap times or for when the parents tell you is typically the best time of day. Keep an open communication with the parents to help the session run smoothly.
Keep outfit changes to a miniumum. Children don’t like to get changed, I always recomemnd a maximum of two outfit changes per session.
Variety of Portraits
Try different angles to get the most of the one outfit and create some fun and interesting portraits. By instigating a game of “boo” I was able to capture some lovely images in this baby photography session such as this gorgeous portrait below.
Photography Style
Create your own style and be consistent with it. For example I don’t do cake smash photography. It’s just not something that I have ever done and it doesn’t sit with my style.
I always like to include black & white baby portraits with each photoshoot I do. For example this gorgeous image below.
These portraits stand the test of time and are wonderful to include. Without a doubt these will be framed and loved for many years.
Booking Details and further inspiration
Thank you for reading my tips for creating a memorable first birthday photoshoot. I hope you found this useful whether you are a parent or a photographer seeking inspiration. Creating the perfect first birthday photoshoot is something I’m passionate about. Many of my Client’s like to book the first year package with me so that I can document the first year for them.
Starting with a newborn photoshoot, onto a sitter session and finishing with a first year photoshoot. However you would like to plan your sessions I will help guide you through each one.
If you are interested in booking your session with me either for a first birthday or another family milestone then please do get in touch
I would love to chat to you to see what you and your family are looking for from your photoshoot.
For inspiration I have this and many other sessions highlighted on my instagram page
A lovely newborn photography session in Balham, London SW12 which followed on from our maternity photoshoot just weeks before in their home.
I can’t think of anything I would rather do than photograph both the maternity & newborn portraits for a family. It is so lovely to meet excited new parents and to create a beautiful record of their pregnancy. Then to return again to meet their newborn baby and photograph this incredibly special time. Creating memories that will last a lifetime for each family I meet brings me so much joy.
Newborn Photography in Balham – Mother & Baby portraits
Mother & baby portraits that really will stand the test of time. These portraits will be treasured most not only by you but by your newborn baby. I love to take my time over these images and always encourage my Client’s to take part. They truly are the most precious moments to have.
Father & baby portraits taken in the early weeks, with the sweetest most loving kiss. I love to show the size of your baby by using Dads hands and arms throughout the session. I often take close ups of babies feet and hands using parents hands as well. To create artistic images for you to add to your album and frames around your home.
Focusing on your newborn
My newborn photography sessions tend to flow quite organically. I am often asked by other photographers if I have a ‘work flow’. In truth I do of course have certain shots that I will flow from one to the next with when I’m positioning a newborn but as my sessions are baby led this does change.
With years of experience comes an understanding of newborns and what is right for them at different stages of the photoshoot.
As a newborn photographer you will always have those sessions where a baby is unsettled just as you will have those sessions where everything flows like a dream.
The way I work is to ensure everyone is comfortable and that can take time. A newborn photoshoot is unpredictable in terms of timing for the baby so you have to be flexible with your timing. It is always worth the wait to achieve beautiful, peaceful newborn portraits like this.
Newborn Photography in Balham – Family Portraits
During a newborn photoshoot as well as parent portraits, newborn photographs and those all important detailed shots I will always make time for family portraits.
The first moments as a family together. These photographs are so wonderful to create and always a special moment for the new family to hold each other. These will be gifted to Grandparents and family members and hung on many a wall!
I try to capture something that is unique and also relaxed, a kiss on the cheek, a natural smile or a giggle to add a warmth to the portraits.
Newborn photography – the details
Ten perfect toes – cupped gently between Mum & Dads hands. I like to try something new with each newborn photoshoot but this is one that I capture time and time again. It i swithout a doubt one of my favourites and a favourite with my Clients.
I’ll also spend time focussing on those perfect little hands. These shots look beautiful framed in a carefully curated storyboard frame. Including detailed shots. One of my most popular frame sis my large 9 image storyboard frame. Showing your favourite images in a contemporary contact sheet style frame.
To book your newborn photography session
Simply fill out my booking form and I will get back to you with 24 hours.
As a mobile newborn photographer I am able to cover a wide area and I work in London, Kent, Surrey and Essex. Covering areas from South East London, North London, West London, South West London, East London, Central London and most areas surrounding.
Customer review
Kind words from my wonderful Client following this photoshoot and our maternity photoshoot together
” Elle came to our home for 2 photo shoots and delivered an exceptional experience. Not only was she a wonderful & warm person to work with, but the quality of the photos and overall professionalism far exceeded expectations. I couldn’t recommend her more highly. “
When my Client contacted me to see if I would travel to their new home for their second newborn photography session with me in Godstone, Surrey I jumped at the chance.
I love exploring new areas and of course seeing my Client’s welcome their second baby into the world. Although I am a London newborn photographer, I am also able to travel to most of Surrey, Kent and Essex for my newborn photography sessions. Being based in South East London opens up a so much scope for exploring these beautiful areas.
I was excited to hear that they had moved to a beautiful old farm house with lots of land. A contrast to their previous home in the city.
I enjoyed driving through the country lanes and bringing my newborn photography studio to their home. With my full mobile studio I am able to bring everything that is needed for a relaxed and easy newborn photography session. Taking away any stress of travel with your newborn and family. This is of course especially convenient when you have older children to consider.
Newborn Photography in Godstone – tips for working with children during a newborn session
Three tips to remember when working with older children during a newborn photoshoot:
Remember that the time you will have to capture their sibling portraits can sometimes be limited.
Arrange the timing of the session to suit them.
Engage with them and ensure you make time to take portraits just of them.
These are three rules that I always work by. I will discuss timings with parents before our photoshoot. Provide guidance on clothing so that they can have everything ready. Make sure that I start with the sibling and family portraits first.
One of the most beautiful things about a home photography session with multiple children is that they have the freedom to be in their own home. To be comfortable and to not feel under any pressure during the session.
Making time for family portraits
With an expanding family and busy lifestyle that most of us have, making time to have a moment together and to have it photographed couldn’t feel more important.
It’s a pause in your busy schedule to reflect on one of the most incredible changes in your life together. These pictures give me so much joy to create.
Choosing your images and products
After each newborn photography session that I do, I come home and edit the images into a viewing gallery. I spend a lot of time reviewing each image and carefully curating a gallery for you to choose from.
I like to have a personal viewing with my Client’s online so that we can select the images together via my shared screen. This is when I can show options for framing and albums.
I value the importance of high quality, fully retouched digital images as much as I do a beautiful handmade album, frame or set of bespoke cards.
Working with my Client’s to choose the correct products for them and to create a bespoke package has always been something I have loved doing.
I have framers, printers and bookmakers who I am pleased to say I have worked with for over 14 years now since I created my business. Providing the very best in printed products for your photographs.
For this session we created a leatherbound premium album, large gallery frame and a selection of fully retouched digital images.
I hope you found this and my other blog posts helpful.
For further details and to book your newborn photoshoot please contact me here
I enjoy photographing children of all ages and was delighted to do this children & family photography session in Hampstead.
We made arrangements to have the photoshoot at the home of their grandparents so that they too could join the session.
My work focuses around creating special memories for families to treasure. And so I am always delighted to include Grandparents. To photograph three generations of one family in a single beautiful portrait feels so important. Like leaving a little piece of history behind for future generations of that family to treasure. Which is why I always like to take my time preparing for these sessions to get all the details right.
Preparing your Children & Family Photography session
Before your photoshoot I will discuss ideas with you and arrange a timing that is suitable for your children. I like to find out about their normal routine, what time of day is best for them and what they like most.
This helps me to connect with them on arrival and to help them to feel at ease.
Before every photoshoot I do, I also send out a helpful guide for how to prepare for your family photoshoot. I will be brining a full studio to your home so I will discuss the space with you before I arrive. I’ll advise on the best room to have the session and how long the photoshoot will last. This also depends on the ages of your children.
One of the most common questions I am asked is “do you need daylight?”
My Client’s often as this and are concerned if their home isn’t particularly light filled! One of the most important parts of the way I work is that I use lighting. I have a lighting set up that I have used for years that give soft and flattering light. So I am happy to say that light is never a problem which is handy for these often grey and rainy London days! We will also be indoors so the weather is never an issue for my photoshoots.
Making it Fun
Once I’ve met everyone and set my studio up in your home we are ready to start. I’ll often encourage your children to come into the studio area and chat to them so that they feel happy and relaxed.
I’ve worked with so many different children over the years and of course have two of my own. I’m used to children who feel shy and to children who just love the camera! I’ll adapt the session and work with them to ensure they are comfortable throughout.
One of the things I love about bringing my studio to your home is that this helps children to feel at ease. I think it’s because I’m in their home and they understand that I’ve come to take their pictures but that they can also run to grab their favourite toy or show me their rooms. Anything that makes them feel happy.
This little girl was so shy but she was happy to pose with her brother and loved to add her own style to the pictures. I absolutely loved it when they grabbed their sunglasses and it made the perfect shot.
The Finishing Touch
After our photoshoot I prepared their viewing gallery to select their favourite images.
This was one of the many that made the selection. I helped my Client plan the gallery of images she would like to have framed on her stairwell. A beautiful collection to look at every time she walks up the stairs. I love the idea of this and if you have a large enough wall on your stairwell it’s a beautiful place to show your family photographs. Ensuring that they are seen and enjoyed every day.
The whole journey of your photoshoot from the moment you book to the moment you receive your carefully retouched images is carried out with care and thoughtfulness.
The memory of your photoshoot is as important as the finished images themselves.
Kind words
Thank you for this wonderful review following our session:
” Elle has been a joy to meet, and the experience she has given our family has been one which we will cherish. She took time to come to our home for a photo shoot, and her relaxed, warm manner put us all at ease instantly, with my two small children feeling super comfortable and enthusiastic to pose for photos thanks to her lovely way, gently talking and encouraging them. The photos themselves are everything we had hoped for and more – artful, highly professional and stunning moments captured by Elle, that we will truly treasure for ever. Thank you Elle, we feel very privileged to have your time and talent, and such beautiful photographs. We can’t recommend you highly enough, and hope to have further shoots in the future with you! ”
When I was contacted by my Client to book her maternity photography session at her home in Bermondsey London. We had a lovely conversation about her daughter who she wanted to include in the photoshoot.
I knew her daughter was very young still, only 20 months I think at the time of our maternity photoshoot. With this in mind we discussed how to best format the photoshoot in her home. I discussed her daughters nap schedule with her so that I could arrive at the best time of day. We also made arrangements for her Mum to be there to help on the day.
These arrangements and discussions before each photoshoot I do are always key to helping everything to run smoothly and effortlessly on the day.
Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – What to expect on the day
When I arrived her daughter was still having her nap in her pushchair in the front room. This allowed me to time to set up and get to know her Mum. We chatted more about the types of portraits that she wanted and I looked through the outfits she had prepared ready for her session.
We also looked through a moodboard of ideas. All of this is so helpful for me to get a sense of exactly what she was hoping to achieve.
Hair & Make-up
My wonderful make-up artist and dear friend Keti had arrived before our photoshoot as arranged to help Mum feel glamorous. Keti is incredible and did such a beautiful job with her hair and make-up. She looked absolutely stunning. I love how Keti will also come to the home before my photoshoots to help my Client’s feel at ease and to prepare their hair and makeup as they would like.
Some of my Client’s prefer to do their own which is also lovely but if you are able to then a little pampering before your photoshoot is definitely worth it. I’m always relaxed with Keti as I know she can connect to new Mums. She has two beautiful children of her own and we’ve worked together for years.
Whilst the finishing touches of make up were being done I transformed her lounge into a studio. I always love the gasps of surprise when My Client’s enter the room. Seeing their lounge transformed into a full photographic studio. For my maternity photoshoots I even bring a wind machine to add that wonderful movement to my portraits.
With every photoshoot I bring a selection of silks, chiffons and a selection of bandeau tops. If you don’t have items in your own wardrobe I have more than enough to use. However some of my Client’s like to add their own style to the portraits.
Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – Working with toddlers
For this pose I always check with Mum if she is still able to pick her little one up comfortably. If so this is such a beautiful way to photograph them together, especially for younger children.
I like to engage quickly with young children and to make sure they feel the session is fun and a mostly about them. I don’t ask them to participate but prefer to encourage them into the room. They often like to touch the backdrop and reflector, which are all exciting new additions to their home. I show them how to do this to ensure the environment is safe.
Being held by Mum for the first portraits helps them to feel safe and to see how the session works. I often find that even when I tell them that they can go and play whilst I take portraits just of Mum that they keep bouncing back in. I love it when this happens as it shows they are feeling free and enjoying the photoshoot.
Once we’ve established a connection, I’m able to get beautiful, natural portraits like these:
Outfit Changes
Incorporating outfit changes, using fabrics and also working on some beautiful artistic nudes. Helps to create a gallery of images with different looks.
Maternity Photography in Bermondsey, London SE1 – The unexpected shots
Moments like these are magic, completely unplanned and bring the biggest smile when you look back on your images.
To book your maternity photography session
I recommend booking your session as soon as possible after your 20 week scan.
The date of your photoshoot will be booked for when you are between 32-36 weeks. If you are expecting twins or this sin’t your first pregnancy you may like to book your photoshoot for around 30-31 weeks. It depends on how you are carrying and what you would prefer. I am always happy to discuss this with you when booking to ensure we choose the right time.
If you are beyond 36 weeks and booking last minute then don’t panic. I do sometimes have last minute availability and will always try to accomodate you when I can.
To book your maternity photoshoot please contact me here
