How to do a family session in studio with a one year old

This session was supposed to be a milestone photo session of this one year old. However mom and dad decided to do a family session instead which will not only focus some shots on the baby but also on the entire family.

Big brother and sister were super excited and keen to help and participate. I pre planned to use a lighter floral boho style and a darker backdrop to use for this session.

I am glad I had two different colours because both gave a very different effect and offered some amazing variations in the finish of the pictures.

Pictures came out great. The kids were playful the whole time so the session outcome was a bundle of some outstanding pictures of the whole family.

For a family group session I like to use a tall stool to make one of the parent sit on it and hold their baby unto a toddler stage. Babies less than 2 years do not want to sit on their own and tend to crawl or walk away as soon as they see the photographer in front of them. By making one of the parent sit and hold the baby makes it easier to pose every one without getting distracted trying to manage a highly mobile baby.

Use of a lighter floral background works beautifully when the session includes kids less than 10 years old. I just pops the radiance on their faces and makes the scene looks cheerful. Mom when posed with the kids, my go to backdrop is a floral boho style.

Use of a shorter sitting stool is also another useful tool to use for a family session with a one year old or a toddler. Parents can make the baby stand on the stool (most of the babies between 1-2 years of age love to stand and tend to co-operate better this way). It is easier for parents to hold the baby or give the baby some support to make them stand. Beautiful pictures can be guaranteed this way with lesser effort on making the family pose for a perfect family picture,