1 Year Photo Session Scheduled

mben1119

Ok ladies I need your help. I finally scheduled DS's first photo session for a few days before his first birthday. What are some suggestions, hints, tips, whatever that you have for a momma taking her LO for the first time?  I'm talking anything-the littlest hints are sometimes the best ones. Thanks!

Steph_whalen5@yahoo.com

We've done pics a few times now with DD, mostly at odd stages!  4 months, 9 months, Halloween and we go this coming Wednesday for her 1 year (even though it's about a week early).  For us, we've made sure to schedule it at a time that we *hope* she's happy for - it's worked pretty well thus far, even though she's disputed napping before one session.  We always dress her in something other than what I want for the pictures in case of any issue/accidents on the way to the studio.  I'm always prepared for dad or I to be in the picture too on the off chance she's not in the mood.  Other than that, we're usually ready with snacks and a drink for afterwards.  Really, I'm very lucky she's a pretty dang happy baby and the photographer we've been going to is super great about getting her attention!  Definitely have the outfit(s) planned out in advance, I was scrambling the first two times.  Do you have specific ideas of what poses, etc you want to do?   Did the studio give you any suggestions on outfits/poses, etc?  I would just make sure that if you have something specific you want you let them know and if you don't know, ask for suggestions!  We usually don't have any plans for anything specific (except the smash cake this time).  Good Luck!  

mben1119

No I hadn't thought of that. He's pretty photogenic, so I was just hoping they could set him down with some toys and snap away. Maybe I'll bring a cupcake or something though since it will be 2 days before his birthday. Thanks for the advice!

purple4u

We are taking balloons the latex kind not maylar I was told they don't photograph well. Also taking a party hat matching party theme. That's about it.

Take a favorite toy to distract your little one with if. They won't smile

Kaeldrasmommy

I would think about any particular shots you might like, especially anything you might want to take every year (for example my LO's pic with my wedding shoes). Bring snacks and drinks and a toy (noisy works best) to get LO to look in the right direction and smile. I would also not dress him in his outift until right beforehand.

Nwlywed07

Nap and eat before hand so that they are in a good mood and are not hungry.

Plan your outfits before hand and pack it all before hand so you're not scrambling. Gather any props you might want and pack them before hand as well. 

Research pose ideas so you have an idea of what you want and what props you will need to bring (cake, hat, etc). 

We did a smash cake photo shoot in addition to an outdoor photos. (Smash cake photo is in my siggy). If you do that make sure you bring lots of wipes and an extra set of clothes to go home in. I also brought latex balloons for the outdoor photos and they photographed beautifully. Just have fun and be flexible. If you hired a decent photographer then usually they can work their magic to capture cute photos even when LO is grumpy. (Plus, I think pouty face picture of babies are pretty cute!)

Good Luck!