Celebrating One Year Around the Sun: A Family Photoshoot to Mark Your Baby's First Birthday
Your baby’s first birthday isn’t just about balloons and cake (though we love those too!) – it’s about celebrating the whirlwind of growth, giggles, and all-nighters that come with the first year of parenthood. Whether you’re feeling sentimental, sleep-deprived, or somewhere in between, a family photoshoot to mark your baby turning one is the perfect way to bottle up this moment in time.
And if you’re anything like the wonderful family I photographed in Crystal Palace Park, you want photos that feel joyful, natural, and true to who you are.
Why Book a First Birthday Photoshoot?
In the blink of an eye, your tiny newborn has become a cheeky, chatty crawler with their own little personality. It’s a milestone worth pausing for. A one-year shoot isn’t just about baby portraits (although, come on, who can resist that gap-toothed smile?) – it’s about capturing the love, connection and story of your family.
Crystal Palace Park was the perfect location for this family’s shoot. Surrounded by wildflowers, golden hour light, and enough space for wobbly walkers to roam free, we spent a relaxed summer evening documenting all the snuggles, games, and laughter. Mum wore a showstopping floral dress, Dad was laidback in soft green, and baby stole the show with his curls and contagious grin.
The family later left this review on Google:
"I found Zofia on IG and reached out. From the moment I made contact with her, she was professional, accommodating, patient and made us feel at ease. The day of the shoot was fun, and she worked on getting to know us better so that she could capture us authentically. We had fun, the final products arrived packaged beautifully and we were happy customers. We will be using Zofia again. Thank you, Zofia!"
What to Expect During Your First Birthday Photoshoot
My style is very relaxed and baby-led. That means no awkward posing, no forced smiles – just real moments. We let your child lead the way, and I gently guide you with playful prompts to bring out those in-between moments you’ll treasure forever.
Being a mum of three little ones, I know how unpredictable sessions with babies and toddlers can be. That’s why my sessions are flexible, pressure-free, and designed to feel like a fun afternoon spent together. I bring patience, a bit of silliness, and a calm presence so your family can truly relax.
Whether it’s a game of peekaboo, playing airplane with Mum and Dad, or some quiet cuddles during a feed, I’m there to capture it all. First birthday sessions can take place outdoors (like this one in Crystal Palace Park or nearby areas like Dulwich, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Beckenham, Brockley, Herne Hill, Clapham, or Greenwich) or at home for a more cosy, intimate feel.
For tips for a golden hour session with young children, check out this golden hour tips blog.
Ideas to Make Your First Birthday Photoshoot Extra Special
Want to add a personal touch to your session? Here are a few ideas my clients love:
Bring along a number 1 balloon or a cute birthday crown.
End the session at home with a cake – it doesn’t have to be a full-on cake smash (unless you want that!), but a simple family celebration is lovely to document.
Include grandparents if they’re nearby or visiting – their connection with your baby is so special.
Choose a sentimental outfit or bring a blanket that’s meaningful to you.
If you’re breastfeeding, we can document that journey too – this family included a beautiful moment of connection and calm amongst all the giggles.
Let your baby lead. Sometimes the best photos come when they’re playing in the grass or crawling into Mum’s lap.
Want to coordinate outfits without going full matchy-matchy? I’m always happy to help you plan styling in advance.
A Word About Printing Your Photos
One of my favourite parts of the process? Helping you turn those moments into tangible keepsakes. This family chose a beautiful album and a set of prints, which arrived in a custom box that now lives proudly on their coffee table.
Printed photos aren’t just for now. They’re for your child to look back on when they’re older. For grandparents to flip through on a rainy afternoon. For you to hold in your hands on the days you miss their baby giggles.
It’s why all my collections include print credit or an album option – because your memories deserve to live beyond a phone screen.
What Happens When You Reach Out
Once you get in touch via my contact page, here’s what you can expect:
We’ll chat over email (or phone if you prefer!) to find a suitable date and location.
To secure your session, there’s a £200 booking fee.
You’ll receive a Welcome Guide packed with tips on what to wear, what to bring, and how to prep for a smooth session.
I’ll send over a short questionnaire to help me tailor the shoot to your family.
On the day, we keep things fun and flexible. We go with your baby’s pace and create space for natural, beautiful moments.
After the session, you’ll receive a preview within 48 hours, followed by your full gallery within two weeks.
You can then choose your favourite images and select your collection based on what suits you best.
Whether you’re a planner or more go-with-the-flow, I’m here to guide you through it every step of the way.
Ready to Celebrate One Year of Love?
If your baby is turning one soon, let’s capture the joy, the cuddles, and the story of your family right now. Whether you’re based in Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Clapham, Brockley, Herne Hill, Beckenham, or just visiting London this summer, I’d love to help you create something you can treasure forever.
Get in touch to book your family session or ask any questions.
To see more of what I offer, visit my Family Photography page or explore more real-life sessions over on the blog.
Let’s turn one into memories that last a lifetime.
Looking for a South London family photographer who gets what life with little ones is really like? That’s me. Let’s create something wonderful together.
