First birthday family photoshoot, sitters and toddlers
The first birthday is the occasion more families come to us for than any other. This page starts with those frames, then toddlers up to three, then babies who have just learnt to sit.
First birthday
Around the first birthday a child sits, stands with a hand to hold and laughs on cue for the people they know best. Families come in everything from white shirts and denim to gowns and suits, and some bring the child's birthday set into the family frames. Parents lifting the child between them, a father with the child on his shoulders and the whole family on the floor are the frames chosen most.
Toddlers
Toddlers do not hold a pose, so we do not ask them to. The frames that work are the ones where a parent swings, chases or tickles, with Anega ready for the second the child looks back. Simple outfits help here: whatever lets a toddler move.
Sitters
A baby who has just learnt to sit can be placed on a block or a parent's knee and will stay long enough for a family frame. It is a short window, and these are the families who caught it.
Most families in these photographs are wearing their own clothes. The studio wardrobe holds gowns and dresses for mothers only, so if you see a gown you love, send us a screenshot on WhatsApp and we will tell you whether it is ours.
Planning a first birthday family session
Family frames and birthday sets. Many families combine a first birthday or cake smash session with family frames. The family can step into the child's own set, or have one dress on a plain backdrop for the formal portrait. Ask us how to combine them when you book.
One palette. Pick one palette for the family, not one colour: whites with denim, all black, or soft neutrals with one accent. Solid colours photograph better than prints.
Timing. Plan around the nap and a meal. A one-year-old who has just slept and eaten gives you the best hour of the day.
Can we do the cake smash and the family photos on the same day?
Yes, many families do. Tell us when you book and we will plan the setups and the order so the child is at their best for the family frames.
How long does a session take?
One dress, meaning one outfit for the family against one backdrop, takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Two dresses take about two hours and three take about three, including outfit changes and breaks for the children.
What should we wear?
Pick one palette, not one colour: neutrals with one accent, or tones of the same family. Solid colours photograph better than prints, and logos are best left at home. During onboarding we look at what everyone has and suggest combinations.
Four ages, four pages
Want this for your family?
See what a session includes, or read how it works.
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