Capturing your baby's first year through professional photos is an incredible way to preserve the fleeting moments of their early life. From the excitement of maternity to the joy of the first birthday cake smash, each milestone holds a special place in your family's story. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of photoshoots that celebrate your baby's first year. So, let's dive into these special sessions and discover how you can capture these memories with Michele.
Maternity Photo Sessions
Maternity photo sessions are the perfect way to document the anticipation and joy of expecting parents. These sessions typically occur between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby bump is beautifully prominent, but the mother is still comfortable enough to pose.
During a maternity session, I focus on capturing the natural glow and excitement of the parents-to-be. We can shoot in my studio, at your home, or a location that holds personal meaning to you. Whether it's a serene park or an urban setting, the goal is to create images that reflect your unique journey to parenthood.
Props are kept minimal to keep the photos timeless and focused on you. A flowing dress from my studio wardrobe is the perfect accompaniment. These sessions celebrate the love and connection you share, setting the stage for the baby's arrival.
Newborn Photo Sessions
The newborn stage is incredibly brief, making it essential to capture those first few weeks with a professional photo session. Ideally, newborn sessions are scheduled within the first two weeks of life, when babies are still sleepy and can be easily moved around.
During a newborn session, you can expect a calm and relaxed environment. Patience is key, as we'll take the time needed to soothe and settle your baby for those perfect shots. I often use a moses basket but the focus remains on your baby's delicate features and tiny details and reliant on props and stiff unsafe poses.
These sessions can be held in my studio or the comfort of your home. I create a variety of images, from intimate close-ups of tiny hands and feet to family portraits that capture the love and joy your new baby brings. The result is a beautiful collection of images that celebrate your baby's first year right from the start.
Tummy Time (3 Months) Photo Sessions
At around three months, your baby will start to enjoy tummy time, a significant milestone in their development. Tummy time sessions are a wonderful way to capture your baby's emerging personality and growing strength.
During a tummy time session, we'll focus on those adorable moments when your baby lifts their head and starts to explore the world around them. These sessions often take place in the studio, where we can create a cozy and safe environment for your baby to play and interact.
I use simple props like soft blankets and classic rattles to keep the attention on your baby. The photos from this session will showcase their bright eyes, curious expressions, and the early stages of their developing personality. Celebrating this milestone is an essential part of documenting your baby's first year.
Sitter Session (6-9 Months)
The sitter session is a delightful stage, typically held when your baby is between six and nine months old and can sit up independently. This milestone opens up a new world of possibilities for capturing their curious and playful nature.
During a sitter session, we'll capture a variety of poses that highlight your baby's ability to sit, reach, and explore their surroundings. These sessions can be held in the studio or on location, depending on your preference.
Props remain minimal, with a focus on timeless items like wooden toys. The goal is to capture your baby's joyful expressions and interactions as they discover their newfound mobility. These images will be a cherished part of your baby's first year photo collection. And it's showcases the epitome of babyhood.
1 Year (Cake Smash) Photo Sessions
The first birthday is a major milestone and a cause for celebration. One of the most popular ways to mark this occasion is with a cake smash photo session. These sessions are all about fun and joy, capturing your baby's reactions as they dig into their very own birthday cake.
For a timeless look, I recommend using naked cakes or cakes with white frosting, avoiding bold colors that might distract from your baby's expressions. The session can take place in the studio or a special location of your choice.
During a cake smash session, we'll start with some clean portraits before letting your baby dive into the cake. The resulting photos are often hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing your baby's personality and delight in this sweet celebration. It's the perfect way to wrap up your baby's first year photos in a memorable and playful way.
Celebrating your baby's first year with professional photos is a beautiful way to capture and preserve these fleeting moments. From the anticipation of maternity to the joy of the first birthday, each milestone is a chapter in your family's story.
If you're ready to start documenting your baby's first year, I invite you to schedule a session with me. I offer a collective membership that provides savings on creative fees throughout your baby's first 18 months, ensuring you don't miss any of these precious moments.
Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or to share your own experiences with baby photoshoots. Let's celebrate your baby's first year together, one milestone at a time.
Further Baby Milestone Reading
Michele is a family portrait photographer in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities with over 15 years of experience. She captures the growth of children and their families both on location and in her studio located in Northeast Minneapolis. Michele, owner of mQn Photography, specializes in fine arts luxury family photography, focusing on lifestyle sessions that celebrate maternity, newborns, babies, and all aspects of motherhood. Clients have access to a curated studio wardrobe for both on-location and studio sessions. Michele is also a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
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