Oksana contacted the studio to schedule a First Birthday session for her daughter, Anna. They had recently moved here from Germany and were looking online at different photographers and knew instantly when they came across my website that I was the perfect fit for them. We scheduled a date for them, and sent over our easy to follow style guide. If you’re still worried about your outfit selections, we are here to help you with that! You can come into the studio a couple of weeks before your session with the clothes from your own closet and I’ll help you pull things together. You can also borrow from our client wardrobe! If coming in is not feasible for your schedule, you can also email snapshots of the different combinations you’re considering. Whatever is easiest for you. I have three kids, so I totally get having a busy schedule. I want your session experience to be fun and as stress free for you as possible!
On the morning of their session, the family arrived and Anna was in the prettiest pink dress with lace accents. Her mom had picked up a gorgeous lace dress for herself from H&M which is such a great local option for Atlanta moms. They often have total gems from season to season that photograph so beautifully.
We started with Anna in her mom’s arms for solo portraits. While she was friendly and curious, she wasn’t quite ready to take photos by herself just yet since she was still getting used to me and the sound of the camera shutter. Babies run the show around here, and I structure my session flow to each individual baby and their personality. We called dad in for some family images and ended with more parent and child.
After we finished with the family and child portraits, Anna was ready to be photographed alone! She gave me the biggest grins and cutest expressions, and we had a lot of fun. What you can’t see is Anna’s dad right outside the frame ready to catch her if needed. You never know when a baby will decide they want to take a swan dive off of a chair, so we always have a parent right there spotting to catch if that happens.
Once we were finished with those, we moved to the cake! When Oksana presented the cake to Anna, she immediately touched it. She wasn’t super interested in eating it until her parents helped her out a bit, but then she totally lost interest and wanted OUT of the high chair.
So, we took her out of the high chair and concluded on the floor! I will always work with a baby to make them comfortable and happy, and sometimes that’s in the arms of their parents when it comes to the cake.
Clients should know that each baby reacts differently to their birthday cake. How they reacted at their party (if they had one) may not be how they react in the studio. Many babies do not “like” their cake at their party. Keep in mind that birthday parties are MAJOR sensory overload for one year olds. At the end, when the cake is served, they’re often completely exhausted and spent. Finally, a crowd of people staring at you waiting for your to eat is not a low pressure situation for a baby. Just so you know, a smash cake is not a required part of First Birthday sessions, but they sure are cute and lots of fun!
Here are a few images from Anna’s birthday celebration in the studio!
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.
