One year ago, I had the honor of photographing the Malloy family as they welcomed their precious new addition, Nora. Fast forward twelve months, and this sweet little peanut is now a ONE-year-old! It’s always such a privilege to capture these milestones, but this one felt extra special. Jenna, Nora’s mom and a dear friend from high school, has blossomed into the most incredible mama (as I knew she would), and seeing her joy and love for her little girl is nothing short of inspiring. Nora’s first birthday photoshoot is full of contagious smiles, and I bet you’ll be grinning ear to ear when you see her precious pictures.

Celebrating Nora: A Joyful At-Home First Birthday Photoshoot

For Nora’s birthday photoshoot, we kept things simple and cozy with an in-home session. And let me tell you, Nora was an absolute DREAM! She was all smiles, giggles, and squeals from start to finish—something that’s honestly rare for this age. (Toddlers usually need a few snack breaks, some extra snuggles, and maybe a little convincing before showing their happiest selves.) But not Nora! She was living her best life, surrounded by her favorite toys, familiar surroundings, and plenty of puffs.

In-home sessions like this are my favorite, especially for littles. There’s something so special about capturing your baby in the space where they feel most comfortable and loved—whether that’s the nursery you spent months decorating or the living room where they’ve mastered tummy time (and maybe even taken their first wobbly steps). Plus, let’s not forget how unpredictable Chicago weather can be this time of year. Rain? Snow? A surprise 70-degree day? Who knows! Staying home was the perfect solution for Nora’s big milestone shoot.

But let’s be honest for a second—while Nora made this session look easy, not every one-year-old photoshoot goes as planned. And that’s okay! Babies are just tiny humans with big personalities and ever-changing moods. Don’t stress if your little one isn’t feeling the cake smash or isn’t into the camera that day. I’ve got plenty of tips to help parents and kiddos roll with the punches and still come away with beautiful, authentic memories.

One-Year Photoshoot Tips: How to Handle Common Challenges

1. What to Do If Your Baby Is Fussy

Fussiness happens. Babies are unpredictable; sometimes, things just don’t go according to plan. The key? Stay calm. A fussy baby can sense a stressed-out parent, so take a deep breath and remember—it’s okay. Some tricks that work like magic:

• Bring their favorite comfort item. Whether it’s a beloved stuffed animal, a blanket, or even a pacifier, having something familiar nearby can help your baby feel safe and happy.
• Take a break. Sometimes a quick cuddle session or feeding break is all your little one needs to reset.
• Keep it playful. Singing their favorite silly song, making funny faces, or playing peek-a-boo can turn the mood around in no time.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your baby just as they are, grumpy faces and all. And you’d be surprised how often those pouty expressions end up being the most memorable!

2. What If They Won’t Sit Still?

One-year-olds are busy little bees, and sitting still for a photo can feel like an impossible request. Here’s how to work with their natural curiosity rather than against it:

• Follow their lead. Let them explore and play while I snap candid shots. Lifestyle images are oh so sweet! You’re gonna love ‘em. 
• Involve movement. If they’re on the move, we’ll roll with it! Whether they’re crawling, wobbling, or toddling around the room, we’ll capture the action.
• Engage them with props or toys. Bring along a few of their favorite things to hold or play with—bonus points if they double as cute photo props!

Sessions like Nora’s are a great example—the more relaxed and free-flowing things are, the happier the baby (and the better the photos!).

3. What If Your Toddler is Shy?

If your toddler is hesitant or a little camera-shy during their first birthday photo session, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to feel like a formal photoshoot at all (because it’s not!). Instead, think of it as me just being a friend popping by to say hi and play! 

• Keep things relaxed and fun. Start with what your little one loves most. We can start by checking out their favorite toys, cuddling with stuffed animals, or just exploring their world together.
• Be patient and give them time–no “say cheese” necessary. As they warm up, your little one might even feel inclined to put on a crown or birthday hat (a great trial run for their big day!) However, there’s no pressure for them to look at the camera or say “cheese.” We’ll let them come around to that naturally.
• Focus on what makes them happy and comfortable. When they’re immersed in their world, we’ll capture those genuine, heartwarming moments that reflect their true personality. After all, it’s their special day, and we want it to feel as natural and joyful as possible!

Making Milestone Memories

At the end of the day, the best first birthday photoshoots are the ones that feel true to your family. Whether your little one is all about the cake smash, prefers a quiet cuddle, or just wants to crawl around exploring, we’ll work together to document those beautiful moments in a way that feels genuine and joyful. After all, these photos aren’t just for Instagram—they’re for you to look back on years from now and remember how tiny, curious, and full of wonder your baby was at this special stage. And if Nora’s session taught me anything, it’s that embracing the chaos (and the unexpected giggles) makes for the most memorable keepsakes. Happy first birthday, sweet Nora—you are so very loved!

Planning a first birthday photoshoot for your little one? Let’s get it on the books!

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