Rashida is a long term client who has done several sessions with us since she was pregnant with her second child! I’ve been lucky enough to photograph maternity, Fresh 48, and newborn sessions for her second and third children and LOVE working with their family. Rashida called us to schedule a First Birthday session for her daughter, Jordyn with her two older sons included as well for some sibling images!
The day of their session, when the family arrived there were hugs all around. The boys know and remember me from previous sessions, and their parents are always fun to hang out with. Rashida is a pediatrician, and Jordache is an architect, and I always enjoy catching up whenever I get to see them.
Rashida has worked with me so many times, and had her kids all dressed and ready to go with no help needed from me. She did ask to borrow one of the studio tiebacks, which Jordyn kept on for a little bit! Jordyn started walking at just nine months, and was a complete ball of energy! There was lots of giggling and running around happening during this session, and she definitely made me work for it.
We started off with all the siblings together - and once those images were done, Jordache took the boys and left since they live close by. I then photographed just Jordyn, who never stayed in one place for longer than a millisecond. Rashida kept apologizing, and I told her it was totally fine, because it was! If your baby is a mover and shaker, let them be who they are. First Birthday sessions are about capturing their personalities and who they truly are at that time in their life. If they are always in motion, I’ll photograph them in motion - and they will be much happier. Also: have you ever tried to force a one year old to sit still? It’s not actually possible. ;)
Jordyn started getting fussy, so we took a break for some milk and a snack. Once she was finished, she was back to her old perky self, and we moved into the cake smash portion of the session. I keep simple camisoles on hand in white, grey, and pink for clients to use if they’d like to spare their clothing from icing. Rashida took me up on that offer since the cake icing matched the pink camisole I had, and we changed her into it.
Rashida brought an adorable smash cake with buttercream pink rosettes from Publix for Jordyn. If you choose to include a cake in your baby’s First Birthday session (nope, it isn’t required!) we have a list of resources for you in the Atlanta area if you don’t want to make it yourself! It doesn’t matter where the cake comes from, although we do have a couple of local bakeries we recommend avoiding due to the icing not working well and will give you those names when you book.
We’ll also guide you as far as what to choose for icing type and colors if you plan to include a cake in your baby’s session! Our recommended baker is super talented and can accommodate egg and diary food allergies. She can also create vegan cakes for those who may desire or need that as an option. Sugar free cakes are not an option though, just so you’re aware! Our preferred baker can also drop the cake off at the studio before your session so it’s one less thing you have to worry about on the day of. We have a full kitchen in the studio with a fridge, so your cake will be good to go!
I brought out the studio’s antique high chair and photographed Jordyn playing with a few of the wooden studio toys in it. It helps babies get used to sitting in it, and if we find that they don’t like it, we can move to an alternative option! I suggested to Rashida that she try putting the headband back on Jordyn when she was preoccupied with the cake since she would likely be too distracted to notice it. She snuck it on really quickly once Jordyn had her fingers in the icing, and sure enough Jordyn didn’t try to take it off since she was too busy playing with the icing. I always love seeing how babies explore and react to their smash cakes. Jordyn wasn’t too interested in eating her cake, but really enjoyed playing with the icing…. until she didn’t. Check out the last image to see what I mean! ;)
Enjoy a few of my favorites from Jordyn’s First Birthday session! If you’re interested in booking a session for your baby, contact us today to discuss options.
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
