We’re taking Isla’s first birthday photos next Friday, which is sort of crazy as she just celebrated her 11 month-iversary on Monday. However, I wanted to use the photos at her first birthday party, and we’re going to be gone for the two weeks leading up to her big day… so we’re doing them a little early! We’re having Paige of Awake Photography take them for us, as I love her pictures! She took our little Petrovic family Christmas photos, our Semple family photos and pictures for my stroller fitness post.

I’m also super excited, as last night, I booked a flight to Oklahoma City for a quick two day trip to visit one of my bestest friends, Kirby, and her adorable daughter Lillian (of course, Brett too)! One of my favorite photographers, Jessa Kae, is doing 50 shoots in 50 states in 50 days (how cool is that??), and Lillian is having her first birthday photos taken on June 16, so we’re going to join in for some ‘two generations of best friends’ photos. We’ve been talking about these forever now, and I’m beyond excited for them!

I love looking at first birthday photo shoots, although many of the ones on Pinterest are a bit too cheesy for my liking (see suggestion #9). Therefore, as I’ve done my research and prepped for Isla’s photos, I thought I’d share some tips for how to take beautiful and fun first birthday photos.

Do you have any other tips you could add?

1. Choose the best time of day for your baby. Although shooting during the ‘golden hour’ (around 7pm) is definitely the prettiest for lighting, Isla goes to bed at 6:30pm, so we opt for early morning shoots. After a full night of sleep, Isla is definitely most chirpy during this time. Make sure to specify what time of day you want to take the photos when you’re trying to pick a date with your photographer.

2. Pack multiple outfits. Isla will have two outfits to wear on Friday, but I’ll pack a third just in case something happens (blowouts are a real risk!). Try not to be too attached to any one outfit, and make at least one as neutral as possible. Sasha and I will only wear one outfit, so but I’ve got to coordinate those with her two different outfits. Solid colors work for men’s shirts and women’s dresses, especially if baby is in a print. The same works if your baby and husband are in solids – you can be a little more playful with what you choose to wear.

3. Bake a cake (or cupcake)! Cake smashes can be a hit or miss, but they are worth the try. I personally think a cupcake is a smart idea for this, as cakes can be pricey and likely won’t get eaten by anyone. Babies are small, so cupcakes seem more appropriate and are cute. See if you can get the icing to color-coordinate with your baby’s outfit (or diaper cover, depending on what you choose to do).

4. Get in front of the camera too. I know some parents choose not to be in their baby’s first birthday photos, but I recommend you take the opportunity to have some family pictures taken. If you don’t want to hire someone, you and your spouse can rotate who is in the picture or even use a tripod! If you’re new to the area and don’t know who to hire, I would use Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book and narrow down to your city. I know they are technically wedding photographers, but you’ll find most take family pictures too!

5. Add a pop of color (balloons, streamers, etc.)! #9 below touches on props (and limiting them!), but I think it’s important to have a pop of color in these pictures. I am very much so a neutral person (our house is light yellows and muted grays), but I suggest incorporating some bright color into the photos to make it ‘kiddy.’ You can find fun colorful items at Shop Sweet Lulu, like balloons, garlands, and confetti. That store is seriously amazing.