One of the things I love most about being a photographer is the opportunity to create sessions that are entirely tailored to my clients’ wishes. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Hartley’s all-white first birthday, and it was a session that truly embraced the beauty of tradition.
The Family Tradition: An All-White First Birthday Session
Hartley’s family has a sweet tradition: each baby’s first birthday is celebrated with an all-white photo session. There’s something so pure and timeless about the color white, and it’s the perfect way to capture the innocence and joy of a first birthday. When Hartley’s mother reached out to me, she mentioned that she had been searching for the perfect studio—one that could bring her vision to life. As soon as she saw my all-white studio, she knew it was the right place.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Hartley’s session was a dream in white. Her mother brought along a selection of white props that added a personal touch to the session. We had white balloons, white flowers, and the most adorable white ride-on unicorn in the perfect size for Hartley. The combination of these elements created a soft, ethereal atmosphere that was simply perfect for capturing this milestone.
Hartley herself was dressed in a beautiful white outfit, and she looked like a little angel against the white backdrop. But, like any one-year-old, she was full of energy and curiosity, eager to explore her surroundings. Watching her roam the studio with that joyful spirit was a reminder of how precious these moments are.
A Little Creativity: The White Basket
As Hartley’s curiosity led her to explore every corner of the studio, we quickly realized we needed a creative solution to keep her in one place long enough to capture those perfect shots. That’s when we decided to use a white basket—a simple, yet brilliant idea that kept her happily contained while adding another layer of charm to the photos. Hartley’s mom commented that the white balloons surrounding the basket made it look like she was floating in the clouds 🤍
Hartley loved sitting in the basket, and it became a central part of the session. The images of her peeking over the edge, giggling, and playing with the white flowers and balloons are some of my favorites. It was a beautiful example of how a little improvisation can lead to the most delightful results.
Why Custom Sessions Matter
This session with Hartley is a perfect example of why I’m so passionate about creating photography experiences that are uniquely tailored to each family. Every family has its own traditions, preferences, and personalities, and when we bring those elements into a photo session, the results are truly one-of-a-kind.
For Hartley’s family, the all-white theme wasn’t just a color choice; it was a meaningful tradition that they’ve upheld for each of their children. Being able to honor that tradition and capture it in a way that reflects their style and Hartley’s personality was such a pleasure.
The Result: Timeless Memories
In the end, Hartley’s first birthday photos were everything her mother had envisioned—and more. The all-white theme created a set of images that are timeless, elegant, and full of heart. These photos are more than just pictures; they’re a celebration of a family tradition, a milestone in Hartley’s life, and a piece of their story that they’ll treasure for years to come.
If you have a vision or a tradition you want to capture, I’m here to make it happen. Let’s create something beautiful together that you and your family will cherish forever. Whether it’s an all-white first birthday or something entirely different, I’m ready to bring your vision to life.
Thanks for joining me on this journey with Hartley, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll create next!
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Clarksville, MD, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
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