Why do baby photos now?

In the photography world, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on newborn photos. Yes, I LOVE newborn photos, as do many of my clients, but there are so many opportunities for photos within that first year of baby’s life. Newborn photos are amazing for showing how small and new your new arrival is, while baby photos allow your baby’s personality and your interactions with him/her to shine! Photos in the first year can be done instead of newborn photos, or in addition to them, as part of a year long photo plan. Year long plans are such a fun way to document your baby’s growth and can be customized to your family, with sessions done at intervals that make the most sense for your particular situation (i.e. maternity, newborn, 6 month baby photos, 1st birthday photos).

I often speak to parents who think baby photos would be fun, but aren’t sure what they can do during the session. Sometimes, daily routines seem monotonous and boring, but the truth is that they make the best activities to do as part of a photo session. There are so many little milestones that seem dull, but when they’re gone before you know it, they all of a sudden become increasingly important to have a visual diary of.

What we can do

Here are a few activities to consider integrating into your in-home baby photo session:

Breastfeeding

This can be such a beautiful time to document the bond you’ve built with your baby through your breastfeeding journey. By the time your baby is a few months old, you’re most likely into an easy breastfeeding routine that has become second nature. It’s a special, quiet time, where the two of you can connect and I can simply document.

Eating Solids

Is there anything more messy than those first few months of eating solids? I don’t think so! Baby’s reactions to new foods can be hilarious and totally worth remembering. Before you know it, your kiddo will be done with purees and won’t have a high chair to keep him contained during mealtimes (says this mother who has kids who now can’t find time to sit still for food consumption!).

Babywearing

There’s something so special about having your baby close to you while you go about your daily activities. Whether it’s a ring sling, buckle carrier, wrap or mei tai, all you have to do is wear your baby and I’ll make sure to get you some beautiful photos of both your beautiful carrier and your love.

Things you do that make your baby laugh

This one is pretty self explanatory! Get ready to tickle, fly, blow bubbles, make funny faces, and do all the things that make your baby break out in the cutest little laugh.

Hang with siblings

Sometimes the best baby photos come from simply putting the baby in a situation where there’s other activities going on. Older siblings are generally busy doing things, and we can let the baby of the house sit by while the toddler tornado near her causes destruction!

Crawling practice

Before you know it, your baby is going to be RUNNING around the house tearing toys out of every drawer and bin you have, so for now, let’s spend a few minutes letting her practice the coordination required to get moving.

Cuddles

Often there’s no activity needed at all, except for you to hold your baby and do what you do best – love!

Want to capture your baby during the first year? Send me a note today and we can talk about the best time to schedule your Edmonton baby photo session. We’ll chat about what’s most important to you and how I can best document your time as it is, right here, right now.  Fiddle Leaf Photography offers baby photography in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert and surrounding areas.