Angela contacted the studio several months before her son’s first birthday to book a First Birthday session. She needed a weekend date due to her work schedule and had seen our recommendations about booking 3 months or so in advance for a guaranteed weekend date. While we can (and do) fit last minute inquiries in sometimes, there are also times that we cannot. We hate for anyone wanting to work with us to be disappointed, so if you’re able to: go ahead and reserve your spot on the calendar as soon as you know you want a session in the future especially if there is a specific date you’re hoping for.
We sent over our studio style guide to Angela along with our cake tips sheet. She wasn’t sure if she would include one or not, and we told her that was totally fine. You don’t need to decide until the day before so that I can make sure the studio is set up for either scenario. Both guides are simple and straightforward and easy to read! Clients find them incredibly helpful, and we are here for any additional questions you may have. Should you want to utilize the studio wardrobe or input on what you’re thinking of wearing from home, that’s what we are here for! We are always available to help and more than happy to do so.
The day of their session, the family of three arrived at the studio. I normally begin with family images to let babies warm up, but Mr. Ramsey was immediately entertained by me. I loved his little grin with his two little bottom teeth sticking up, and his sweet brown eyes. We had fun playing games while I photographed him, and then we moved on to family and parent images. These images are so easy! I will guide you on what to do and make sure you’re in the right place. Then all you need to do is be the mom and dad your baby loves so much…. and the rest falls into place. After we finished with those, Angela changed Ramsey into his second outfit and we incorporated his favorite stuffed animals.
I welcome and encourage the usage of special items like these in First Birthday sessions! When my oldest was a baby, I took a weekly photo of her with a stuffed rabbit. When we started, she was smaller than the rabbit. The photos of her as a newborn with her rabbit compared to the photos of her at six months and one year are amazing to see. There’s nothing like something special that remains the same size through the years to really put things in perspective. It’s amazing (and bittersweet) how fast our babies grow!
You may be wondering where the cake is! Answer: there wasn’t one! Not every First Birthday session includes a cake and that’s totally okay. It’s up to you and what your preferences are. First Birthday sessions are about celebrating your baby and their first year - and YOU as parents for making it through! While a cake is often lots of fun and results in some super adorable images, it’s definitely not a absolute necessity. You’ll decide what’s the best fit for your vision!
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from Ramsey’s session!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
