Is your baby's first birthday almost here? Then it is time for a memorable celebration! A first birthday photo session is the best way to capture this lovely occasion. These photos beautifully document how much your baby has grown and changed in the first year.

As a professional first birthday photographer in Niagra and other areas in Ontario, one of my favorite milestones to capture is a baby's first birthday. If you're thinking of scheduling a first birthday photoshoot, there are a few things to plan to make sure everything goes perfectly.

I'm here to guide you through the entire process to ensure your baby's first birthday photoshoot is an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

Booking Your Session Well in Advance

The most important step is booking your session date well in advance. First birthday photo sessions need some extra planning and preparation. I recommend getting on my calendar around 3 months before your baby's birthday. This allows plenty of time for us to discuss themes, outfit ideas, and any other specifics.

Generally, the actual photo session is scheduled 2-3 weeks before your baby's birthday. This gives you time to get the printed photos back to display at their 1st birthday party if you want to. But we can be flexible on the timing based on your preferences.

Discussing My Photography Style

Before our session, we’ll discuss the kind of photography style I have and how we’ll move forward with the session. I capture timeless and minimalist photos with the focus completely on the baby.

We’ll use soft colors that are soothing to the eyes and make the baby’s and the family’s expressions the main focus of the frame. You can check out galleries from past first birthday sessions to get an idea of this timeless style.

Once we are on the same page, we’ll discuss how your photos are going to look and any other vision you have in mind.

Preparing for a Cake Smash

Does a classic cake smash sound like fun for your first birthday photoshoot? This has become a popular, adorable tradition to celebrate a baby's big day.

I recommend giving your baby just a taste of frosting or cake ahead of time. You'd be surprised at how many babies haven't experienced that sugary deliciousness yet! A small sample lets them get used to the taste and texture before the shoot.

It's also a good idea to practice letting your baby get a bit messy with their hands. Some babies are nervous about having sticky fingers and grabbing the cake right away. Playing with safe, messy foods like yogurt or pudding can help them feel comfortable.

Choosing Outfits for the Family

When it comes to outfits, you do not have to worry about a thing. We’ll pull out everything from my studio wardrobe. I already have the best outfits ready to be worn when you come in for the session.

My wardrobe is filled with lovely soft shades of white, brown, green, and pink that photograph beautifully. You can have a look at my portfolio to see the wonderful first-year photoshoot on my website.

The wardrobe has outfits for the baby, parents, and siblings. We’ll click a variety of photos of the baby with the parents, the siblings, the entire family, and the baby on their own.

Contact me to know more about the outfits and any other questions you might have.

Cute Bathtub Portraits As Your Baby Gets Cleaned Up!

You might be wondering how your baby is going to get cleaned up after the messy cake smash. This is where the bathtub portraits come in. At the end of the cake smash session, we do a special bathtub portrait session while the baby is being cleaned up.

This unique session helps your baby tidy up while your precious moments are being captured. By the end of the day, you all will go home with a clean, tired baby ready for naptime.

Creating a Fun, Enjoyable Experience

Whether you choose a cake smash setup or not, my goal is to make your whole family feel comfortable and have fun during the first birthday photoshoot session. Being a mom myself, I know how to keep things light and get those natural smiles.

We'll take breaks as needed for snacks, feedings, or naptime. Feel free to bring along any special toys or books that may help your baby stay engaged and happy. I know exactly how to make a baby happy with silly sounds, songs, and games.

Above all else, try not to stress! Let your baby's personality shine, as they make the most meaningful photos. If they get fussy or aren't interested in holding still, that's totally normal. We'll embrace their natural expressions and create beautiful, authentic images you'll love forever.

I'm honoured to provide the first birthday photoshoot to the families in Ontario. Contact me to know more and schedule the session.