5 First Birthday Photoshoot Theme Ideas
The First Birthday… It’s a big milestone for both you and your little one!
You survived your first year of ups and downs through parenthood. You’ve watched your tiny babe grow into an almost toddler. They may be crawling, talking, giggling, and even walking now! What a proud parent you are!
You’ll want to remember every detail about your little one and show off his or her blossoming personality.
First birthday photos don’t always need a theme, but it sure does make it more fun and can make beautiful photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime and beyond.
1. Smash Cake
It can be hard to guess what your little one will be interested in when he or she grows up. The options are endless! A smash cake photoshoot is a great option if you don’t want to make that decision. Grab a small white cake from the grocery store, a cute cake topper from Etsy, and some helium balloons, and see what your little one does!
2. Seasonal
No matter the season, there’s always a theme to be found!
Winter: “Winter ONEderland”
Use a fake snow machine to create a true winter wonderland, or we can simply visit a local Christmas tree farm for a beautiful backdrop.
Spring: “SomeBUNNY is ONE!”
Photoshoots with babies and animals – could it get any cuter? If your little one is allergic or the idea of animals makes you nervous, a field of flowers or green spring grass will make a beautiful bright backdrop!
Summer: “WatermelONE”
Sweet treats are sure to get a smile out of your little one! And as a bonus, the colors are so vibrant!
Fall: “Our little pumpkin is turning ONE!”
We can take photos at a pumpkin patch or a field with lots of fall leaves. The colors will be rich and gorgeous!
3. Bubbles
Bubbles are another fun neutral theme to use for a first birthday photoshoot. They usually make little ones smile (although, I recommend testing this out at home first!). Bubbles also add interesting depth to photos, giving them a more artistic feel. Practically, it helps give your baby a spot above to focus – so I can easily capture those big beautiful eyes!
4. Boho
I’m not sure this look will ever go out of style. Florals, neutrals, lace – it all comes together to make such a soft, beautiful frame. You can buy flower crowns on Etsy, or even make one of your own! A simple white gown or dress is all you need wardrobe wise – even shoes aren’t necessary!
5. Sport or Activity
This is your place to dream! Does your little one love to throw a ball? Let’s have a photoshoot at the baseball field! Maybe he has fun shaking his tambourine. Dress him up as a band member and bring an instrument. While this could be just your little one learning, it’s also fun to dream about what they’ll want to participate in as they grow older. This may also reflect what the parents are interested in. Either way, it’s a fun way to show your family’s personality!
Things to remember:
Plan the photoshoot time around your baby’s schedule. After naptime is usually a great time to get baby at his or her happiest!
Bring your baby’s favorite snack and drink and a toy that your baby loves. Taking pictures is a lot of work for such a little one! We can take breaks to have a little playtime or snack time.
Don’t stress. Even the happiest babies decide they don’t want to smile when the camera comes out. That’s okay! We will still get some great shots that you’ll cherish forever. You’ll be surprised at how many smiles we can sneak in!
Parents, be sure to come picture ready, too! While the shoot may be all about your little one, we’ll want to get a few of mom and dad with baby, too.
Why should you choose Jen Wilke Photography for your baby’s first birthday photoshoot?
I truly believe that these milestones are so important. How fun will it be to look back on these photos in one year, five years, ten years… on their wedding day? I offer a warm, fun approach to make sure both you and baby are comfortable the day of the shoot. I get the in-between moments you might miss with your own camera. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Learn more about my baby + kids photo packages below!