Turning 1 is a BIG THING!
Turning one is a big thing! Not only for the baby -it’s also a big thing for the proud parents, who were playing quite important part in this 365 days journey! Isn't it!?
Celebrating with a first birthday photo shoot is a great way to mark the occasion.
Some people choose a simple session, during which I can capture some outstanding portraits for your family album!
Others go for something a little more crazy like cake smash sessions. These sessions continesly grow in popularity and are one of my favourites! It’s a really fun way to celebrate that first milestone year and capture your child's reaction to eating cake for the first time! I think it’s the face expressions babies make, that signature this session unforgettable!
Very often, families book cake smash photography session in a few weeks before baby’s first birthday. That way they can use the images from the session in either birthday party invitations, thank you cards, or as part of the decor at the party.
Before every cake smash session we coordinate with parents and plan a colour scheme or theme for the set. In general I prefer to keep sessions simple and focus purely on the baby, but I also like like various ideas parents have and new challenges I have to concord.
During the shooting, my main aim is to give the most attention to the baby, his or hers reactions, smile, expressions and abilities.
This is the reason why sometimes I like to remove all distractions and create timeless images that will decorate your home and bring you back to this moment in time.
The majority of parents these days are very conscious about giving their children sugar, and so exploring the new teste and texture is quite obvious in the pictures! But that’s what makes those images so special! Going through the gallery later on, really makes me and parents burst to laugh!
Each baby is different and the way a baby responds to new people (me), how generally happy he or she is, and how easily they laugh are all unknown. This is why each session is so different, unpredictable and once we get going I am guided by your child’s reaction to the various activities we do. Unfortunately children gets bored very quickly, which is why I try to get through the each part of the session fast, even if a baby cooperates.
If they need more time I never rush through, allowing them to familiarise with the studio, camera and me.
The truth is that baby sessions are in a certain way led by them. Every little human, quite frankly have a big personality with well-developed preferences. Not every baby has the same likes and dislikes, so be prepared for some failed attempts. Regardless, I will always give my best effort to extract as many smiles, giggles, and silly moments as I possibly can in the amount of time given.
This is what makes those sessions very active and I’m usually exhausted at the end of a cake smash.
From experience I know that children behave best in the early hours, preferably after their morning nap. By that time they are already after breakfast (or two), full of energy and ready to explore.
Some families follow their routine however I understand that babies have their own rhythm and it may be difficult to get to that point. I would still encourage you to try to get into a habit at least few days prior to the session, purely as children are very honest in their reactions and if they arrive for the session tired, it is not going to be a fun experience!
If they have a cold or quite simply are not well, please give me a call as soon as possible and we will reschedule the session. Trust me, I know what I am talking about. Even if you were going to use some of the images at the party, this is unfortunate, but the best thing to do would be to move the session for when your baby gets better.
If you’re thinking about booking a first birthday cake smash session for your baby and have been on the fence about it because it sounds stressful or like too much planning, I want to let you know that you can leave it all with me. Just share your idea.
If you’re in the Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard area, give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!
