Hey mama! Every year during each of my three kid’s birthday months I plan a photo session for them. Birthday photo sessions with my kids are one of my favorite ways to photograph them! These are the reasons why I take their yearly birthday photos:
1.) Tell a Story
I want to capture WHO they are at this certain age. Tell your kiddo your plan for photographing them and ask for input and ideas. When you choose an activity/place that your child loves, there is no better way of getting genuine smiles and laughter.
In the past my kids and I have gone on a bear hunt, flower picking, played with a vintage scooter, crab hunting, swimming…
You want these birthday photos to reflect them and this age of their life. Some kids can be tricky though! If you are having a hard time pinpointing an activity for your child, you can start first with a location you love. Did you notice the sun glowing on the nearby soccer fields on your way home from work? There is your location! Now think of what you can bring there that could tell a story about your child at this certain age — toddlers loves bubbles and collecting pine cones; your family pet for a great connection; a book for your bookworm; your little gymnast can do cart wheels and dance around. And when in doubt, everyone loves an ice cream cone, right?!
2.) Quality Time
I want to enjoy doing their favorite activity with them (or watching them do it). Make it a “date” with your child. Leave your significant other and their siblings at home. Make this one-on-one time with your child special by going to dinner or getting a sweet treat after. Don’t photograph the entire time (although it can be hard when you see a great moment!).
Last year my family and I moved across country, so I didn’t take my son’s 7 year photos a few months later, and I kept it super low key by taking them at our pool. It was perfect because he loved swimming and was so excited to move to finally have a pool. When I look back at these photos I will remember him doing cannonballs and loving swimming, and those are EXACTLY the memories I am trying to capture to tell the story of him at age seven.
Are you planning a birthday photo session for your child? I would love to see what you plan—don’t forget to use #MyStoryInPhotos on Instagram!
