Preparing for a One Year Session
With all sessions, preparation and cooperation are absolutely essential—but especially so with toddlers. A lack of preparation can directly impact the quality of your images, your experience, and your investment.
My goal? A fun day, amazing images, and a beautiful memory for you and your little one. But the honest truth? It doesn’t always go that way.
“But the pictures look SO cute!”
They sure do—but there's often more behind the scenes than meets the eye.
The most important thing I can tell you is this: Be open-minded. Your child’s comfort and unique personality matter most. One-year-olds are in a major transition—emotionally, physically, and mentally—and their moods can shift in an instant. Expect the unexpected, and trust the process.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Session
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These sessions move fast! You may feel like you just ran a marathon by the end—but that’s normal. We have a lot to capture in a short amount of time, and every baby has a limit. Once that threshold is reached, the session is done—so we make the most of it!
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Baby runs the show. My goal is for your child to look and feel happy. If something isn’t working—pose, prop, outfit—we’ll move on. Forcing it can derail the rest of the session.
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If baby is asleep on arrival, wake and play with them before entering the studio. Waking up in a new space with a stranger can set the wrong tone from the start.
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Please hold baby when you arrive. I’ll help carry items if needed. This keeps your child feeling secure—and helps prevent them from getting too comfortable exploring the studio before it’s time. Please do not put them down prior to us beginning to photograph the first set up.
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Avoid sleepy or hungry starts. Some of the toughest sessions happen when baby hasn’t napped or eaten. Planning a nap en route doesn’t always go as expected—adjust timing if needed.
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For cake smash sessions, bring neutral-colored snacks (like Cheerios or small puffs). Many babies don’t love cake, and I often tuck a few snacks inside—shh, don’t tell my secret!
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Bring comfort items—a favorite blanket, toy, or book. Neutral colors are best in case they end up in the photos.
Understanding One-Year-Old Behavior
Separation anxiety is common at this age, and comfort is key. Some babies dive right in and light up the set—those are dream sessions. Others may be timid or tearful, and that’s just as normal. Here’s how we work through it:
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Please do not place baby on the set and walk away. This has negatively impacted many sessions, unintentionally. Parents will stay close, playing or singing while I ease into the session. I’ll take a few close-ups slowly to help baby adjust to the flash. You might even end up in a photo or two!
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Smiles don’t have to be at the camera. Sometimes the best expressions happen when baby is looking at you. Milestone sessions are about capturing who they are—not perfection.
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Some babies are naturally more serious or cautious. That’s okay! Thoughtful stares and curious expressions are part of this stage and just as valuable as smiles.
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Too many people trying to help can overwhelm baby. Please don’t all call their name or make noises at once. If you are bringing anyone with you to the session, please let them know this essential piece of preparation.
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Use short bursts of sound to get baby’s attention. Repeating songs or phrases can cause them to tune out.
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Want to bring a music playlist? Go for it. You know what makes your child laugh. Disney isn’t the magic formula for everyone!
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Parents: Don’t be afraid to be silly! This is a no-judgment zone—whatever it takes to get that giggle.
Cake Smash Note: You will get messy—sorry in advance!
No matter how the session goes, you will walk away with beautiful, meaningful images. Not every gallery is full of perfectly smiling poses—and that’s perfectly okay. My goal is to document your child as they are during this incredibly fun and fleeting stage, quirks and all.
Final Notes:
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Please don’t bring sick children or adults into the studio. I understand rescheduling can be inconvenient, but it's necessary to protect everyone’s health—including my family and future clients.
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If baby is teething, has an earache, or just isn't quite themselves, reach out. First-year milestone sessions are the most frequently rescheduled—and that’s completely fine!
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Your in-person viewing and ordering appointment will be scheduled at your one year session. These appointments are available during studio hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm.
