5 TIPS FOR THE PERFECT FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTOSHOOT AT HOME
You don't need to hire a troop of professional photographers! Here are all the first birthday photoshoot ideas you need to get gorgeous photos of your little one's big day.
Y’all, she’s ONE!
As our baby girl’s first birthday approached, I wondered “how I’d do.”
I mean, I knew of course there would be tears.
There have been for each one of my babies turning one (and let’s be honest, for most of their other birthdays as well).
But I knew this one would be extra cry-worthy since it was not only her first birthday but the last time our family would celebrate a baby turning one.
The last time I’d bake a smash cake.
The last time I’d capture that drooly four-toothed grin in a party photo.
The last time I’d carefully light one candle.
5 First Birthday Photoshoot Ideas
You don't need a professional photographer. You can do your own birthday photoshoot and get gorgeous photos at home. Here's how...
1. Baby Outfit Ideas
Choose an outfit you love that also matches your décor. I picked this adorable cotton dress set from H&M that builds on our neutral party theme.
Select your child's outfit for their birthday photos. I chose this sweet set from H&M.
I also grabbed this sweet party hat for my little girl to wear in her birthday photos on Etsy.
A party hat can make a nice addition to your baby's outfit. I found this cute one by CutestLittleParty on Etsy.
I am planning on tucking my girl's first birthday dress and hat into her keepsake box so I never forget this special day!
2. First Birthday Photoshoot Background & Props
The great news is, your photo props can double as your birthday party décor, so you can keep it simple in this busy season with your baby (turned toddler!)
I opted for a gold “one” balloon for the wall and a tissue paper garland to attach to her high chair.
"One" first birthday balloon from JamboreePartyBox on Etsy serves as the backdrop for our sweet photo setup.
I also added my go-to "Happy Birthday" banner to the photoshoot backdrop. I've had it for a couple of years and pull it out every time one of our kids has a birthday, so I can attest to how durable it is!
I use this birthday banner from StLinenDecor on Etsy for every celebration and it makes a perfect photoshoot backdrop, too.
You can make a little garland yourself, or if you are less than crafty like me, you can head to Etsy.
Need more ideas for props? Check out my 5 must-have baby photo props (you can use again and again)
3. First Birthday Photo Session
I used to try to get all our birthday photos at the party itself, but after four kids and many birthdays, I've realized that it's usually the worst time to do a photoshoot.
Lighting
First, by the time it's party time, it's often dark outside. Instead, your photos will turn out best if your scene is filled with natural daylight.
Timing
The second reason to consider doing some photos before the party is to time your birthday photoshoot to be when your baby is happiest, and be sure they have a comfortably full belly. Right after the morning nap works best for us.
Location
Finally, consider where to do your photo session. We all know birthday babies do not like to sit still! I've had the best luck by sitting Baby in a chair, the corner of the couch, or in their high chair, so they feel a bit more contained. If you sit them on the floor, there's a good chance they'll crawl away within seconds (which can still make for some cute photos, but maybe not what you had in mind)!
For everything you need to know about lighting, your home studio setup, using your camera phone, poses, and more, check out my 8 Tips for a Better Baby Photoshoot at Home.
4. Birthday Party Photos
Of course, you still definitely want to get some birthday pictures during your baby's party as well. While there can be a lot of excitement and distractions for your little one, you can still snag some memorable first birthday pictures.
Don't be afraid to get silly. Do bird calls, sing silly songs, and over-the-top rounds of peek-a-boo. Now's the time to do whatever it takes to get Baby to flash that toothless grin!
Use "burst mode" on your phone to take a quick series of photos which increases your chance of capturing any quick smile Baby offers up.
On newer iPhones, swipe the shutter button to the left to take multiple photos per second. On older iPhones, hold down the shutter button for burst mode.
During the party, plan to get more candid photos and be sure to include the parents and the whole family! This has been a momentous year for you too, my friend. And your child will love to look back at how mom looked when they look back at the photos years from now.
And be sure to shoot videos too. Now you can upload it to your Short Years Baby Book right along with your photos and play it back from the QR code or the app anytime you want to remember this special milestone.
PC: @henleydesignstudio 1st Birthday Cake Smash Photos are so adorable! Here's the easiest way to make it happen...
5. Smash Cake Photoshoot
The easiest way to do a cake smash photoshoot is to do it during the party. That way, you only need one cake and you only need to clean up once. You can simply snap photos of Baby with their own little cake during the party.
One word of warning, though. Make sure you get every "clean" birthday party shot you want before your little one gets their outfit all messy. Also, be prepared with a clean outfit for them to change into after they enjoy their cake.
Make sure to place Baby's cake on a sturdy surface. Taller cake stands might get knocked over, so a flat, non-breakable surface or even a placemat works best.
In fact, it's easiest to put both baby and cake on a clean floor. (The quickest way to ruin a cake smash photoshoot is for the cake to topple off the high chair or table onto the floor.) Just hang your décor or backdrop on the wall above Baby's head.
Some babies will dig right in and others may be completely uninterested in the cake. Whatever happens, it's sure to be cute!
Want more? 4 Easy Monthly Baby Picture Ideas & Milestone Photos You Can Do at Home
Birthday Photos
The night before this special milestone, I cuddled her for an eternity before tucking her into her crib.
“We made it!” I told her.
“You and me, we made it through your first year!”
Through the feeding challenges, sleepless nights, running a business, and showing up well for our three “big kids,” it often felt like we could barely juggle it all.
But by God’s grace and a lot of grit, we made it through, and her daddy and I did our best to soak up this sweet season.
As bittersweet as our kids growing up can be, I am so grateful to be snuggling a healthy one-year-old!
What a gift and honor it is to have made my way through this exhausting, magical first year of life with this precious baby girl!
She has brought so much joy to our family and our hearts have all expanded thanks to the overflow of love we have for her.
And I hope you will find a special way to document your little one's first birthday as well.
