Ashley contacted the studio a couple of months before her son’s first birthday to book a First Birthday session and wanted it to be outdoors at our park location. She needed a weekend date due to their work schedules and had seen our recommendations about booking 3 months or so in advance for a guaranteed weekend date. While we can (and do) fit last minute inquiries in sometimes, there are also times that we cannot. We hate for anyone wanting to work with us to be disappointed, so if you’re able to: go ahead and reserve your spot on the calendar as soon as you know you want a session in the future especially if there is a specific date you’re hoping for.
We sent over our studio style guide to Ashley along with our cake tips sheet. She responded that she didn’t want to do a cake, and wanted to do a pumpkin pie… and would that be alright to do?
Okay, stop right there. PUMPKIN PIE?! I responded letting her know how excited I was about a pumpkin pie smash! I’m all about doing things differently and putting unique twists on things. My only suggestion was this: lots of whipped cream! I’m still waiting for the client who wants to incorporate a stack of donuts instead of a cake. (maybe that’s you?!)
Our style guide is SO simple, straightforward, and easy to read! Clients find them incredibly helpful, and we are here for any additional questions you may have. Should you want to utilize the studio wardrobe or input on what you’re thinking of wearing from home, that’s what we are here for! We are always available to help and more than happy to do so.
The afternoon of their session, the family of three arrived at the park . I typically begin with family images to let babies warm up, but Luke wasn’t a shy baby at all. I loved his bright blue eyes and sweet smile. I’m such a sucker for toothy baby smiles! We had fun playing games while I photographed him, and then we moved on to family and parent images. Family sessions with me are not difficult! I promise to coach you on what to do and make sure you’re in the right place. Then all you need to do is be the mom and dad your baby loves so much…. and the rest falls into place while I step back and photograph you in your element. After we finished with those, Ashley changed Luke into his second outfit and we began the pumpkin pie smashing.
Ashley had made the pumpkin pie herself and brought along a container of Cool Whip. She spooned out a big dollop of it, and commented that she wasn’t sure that he would like her pumpkin pie. Well…. he proved her wrong! He LOVED it - and it was so much fun to watch him dig in.
You may be wondering if you have to include a cake or a pie in your First Birthday session. Answer: Nope! Not every First Birthday session includes a cake and that’s totally okay. It’s up to you and what your preferences are. First Birthday sessions are about celebrating your baby and their first year - and YOU as parents for making it through! While a cake is often lots of fun and results in some super adorable images, it’s definitely not a absolute necessity. You decide what’s the best fit for your vision and we’ll make it happen!
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from this fall First Birthday session!
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.
