I first met Leo’s parents when I worked with them for their maternity session at the park location. We had such a fun time together that they asked to work with me again for their newborn session. I saw Leo at our 2017 Santa event, and then again for a milestone Mommy & Me (with grandmas!) session. At Leo’s milestone session Melissa asked to get on the schedule for Leo’s First Birthday session because she had completely forgotten! This is totally normal to forget - that first year of parenthood is a blur. Lots of our newborn parents go ahead and schedule milestone sessions when they’re here at the studio so that it’s on the calendar and doesn’t go by without them remembering. We can also set up a reminder for you much like your dentist’s office does!
We sent Melissa our style guide and session tips ahead of time, and she opted for a casual look for Leo. He looks absolutely adorable in his jeans and baseball tee! When the family walked in, I noticed they didn’t have a birthday cake. I was a bit puzzled since Melissa had stated they would be including a cake in their session. When I asked if they had changed their mind about including a cake, Melissa gasped… yep, they’d forgotten it!
Guess what? They weren’t the first (and they won’t be the last) to do this! It’s a lot to get out the door sometimes with a one year old and sometimes the cake gets left behind. We recommend a specific baker who lives close by and will drop your cake off at the studio in advance of your session so it’s one less thing you have to worry about. If your child has allergies, she is able to accommodate vegan and dairy free! In Leo’s case, we sent daddy less than a mile away to the nearest Kroger to pick up a cake from the bakery. They generally always have something amongst their options that will fit the bill right off the shelf.
While Alex was on the smash cake procuring errand, we went ahead and got started with the session. Leo was a happy and friendly little guy and needed no warm up period. I typically start with family images when babies are shy, so it worked well that Leo wasn’t since his daddy was out for a bit. Alex was back within fifteen minutes and had picked out a perfect little cake! With that problem solved, we moved into the family and parent portion of the session. It’s always so much fun to watch my clients through that first year. As their baby grows, they also grow into their roles as mom and dad and become so confident by the end. I always say that a baby’s first birthday should include an awards ceremony for mom and dad. The first year is so amazing and full of joy, but it is HARD sometimes, you guys! You did it! It’s cause for celebration on all accounts!
We always end with the cake during First Birthday sessions if parents choose to include one. Not every First Birthday session has a cake! It is entirely your preference- but I do feel the need to tell you that it’s SO much fun if you’re on the fence about it. Ending with the cake ensures that you are all picture perfect for the portrait part at the beginning, and perks your baby up too. Most one year olds can only handle about 30ish minutes of a session, give or take. When they start acting tired or over it, putting a cake in front of them immediately distracts them and probably gives them a little bit of an energy rush! Watching Leo explore his cake and then decide on the most efficient way to eat it was HILARIOUS. Scroll through some of my favorite images from his session to see just what he decided to do!
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.
