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