Capturing Memories | First Birthday Photography in St Petersburg, Florida

Baby, Family

Your baby is about to turn one! Many congratulations! You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve survived as your family has grown, changed, bonded, and fallen in love with your newest littlest love.

If you’re anything like me, you’re looking for all the best ways to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. Call me biased, but a first birthday photography session is hands down the best way to celebrate, and you definitely don’t want to miss out. Here’s why (and how!):


Mom and dad hold hands as their daughter takes her first steps

Mom holds her one year old daughter
The birthday girl plays with a toy while mom looks on
Parents get their daughter ready for her birthday photoshoot
A dad raises his daughter up in the air
Mom and dad play with their daughter and her favorite stuffed animal
One year old girl holds her favorite stuffed animal in St Petersburg

1. Capture Family Interactions

Turning one is a big milestone not only for your baby but also for your entire family. And a birthday family photoshoot is a fantastic opportunity to capture who your family has become in a beautiful and timeless way. From snuggles and hugs to playing games and sharing laughs, a family photoshoot is going to feature the love and connection that you share.
 
Pro Tip: When you reach out to me, make sure to tell me this is for a first birthday. We can do a family photoshoot AND get baby’s portraits all in one celebration session!

Toddler walks holding her parents' hands
Parents hold hands with their daughter as she learns to walk

2. Capture Iconic Details

Our babies grow and change so rapidly in the early years and there are details that I promise you aren’t going to want to forget. Things like how they carry their favorite stuffed animal with them everywhere, how they are just starting to toddle around while they hold your hand, and that expression they make when they’re giggling or thinking. Pro Tip: Pack baby’s favorite toy, blankie, and stuffy in your diaper bag for your session. Keep them hidden and we’ll pull them out at the end so they aren’t in every photograph.

3. Capture Celebration

While we’re celebrating your baby’s first birthday, don’t forget to include the celebration! First birthday photoshoots are the perfect time to bring a small cake to ‘smash’ at the end. Don’t worry if they don’t want to touch it – then you get adorable portraits without the mess! If cakes aren’t your thing, bringing a festive birthday balloon can be another fun and simple element to add a sense of celebration to the pictures. Pro Tip: Publix will make you a free cake smash cake when you order your baby’s first birthday cake from them! They’ll even match the style so it’s a cute mini version of whatever you’re already ordering for their party.

A dad holds his one year old daughter
Parents cuddle their daughter on her first birthday
A birthday girl plays with her dad and favorite stuffy

Erin Vestal

Hey there! I’m Erin Vestal—a life photographer who’s all about telling the real, meaningful stories behind your favorite moments. Whether it’s sandy feet at the beach, newborn snuggles at home, or saying “I do” surrounded by your people, I’m here to help you press pause and remember it all. I photograph families, newborns, and weddings in St. Pete (and sometimes in Andover or Baxter, too!). However your story is unfolding, I’d be honored to help you tell it.