I’m Fiona, a family photographer based in Ferndown with over 17 years of experience photographing families of all ages. My approach is calm, patient and relaxed, helping everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. I understand that every family is different, and my aim is always to create photographs that feel natural and full of warmth.​

I would love to answer any questions or worries you may have. feel free to call or message me on 07854 442391 or contact me here.

How can it possibly be a whole year already?

Your baby’s first birthday is such a special milestone. Twelve months of first smiles, first cuddles, first steps and so many changes. They’ve gone from a tiny newborn to a little person with their own expressions, personality and very definite opinions.

A first birthday photoshoot is a lovely way to capture this stage before they change again.

I offer first birthday photography in my Ferndown studio or outdoors at a location of your choice, depending on the sort of photographs you’d like.

As a family and baby photographer based in Ferndown, Dorset, I’m used to photographing children at all different ages and stages. At one year old, they can be wonderfully unpredictable, so I let them set the pace and work with their personality rather than expecting them to pose perfectly.

These photographs aren’t just about celebrating a first birthday. They’re about remembering exactly who your little person was at one year old.

A studio session is perfect if you’d like beautiful, simple portraits that really focus on your little one. We can keep things natural and timeless, or bring in a few birthday details to make the photographs feel more personal.

I have a few first birthday props with wooden “ONE” signs and bunting. I even have a wooden birthday cake.

You can bring along a cake if you would like a simple cake smash towards the end of your session.

Alternatively, we can head outdoors and include the whole family in addition to photographs of baby on their own, I can even bring some of my props along.

A relaxed family photoshoot gives you the chance to capture your one-year-old exploring, playing and interacting with the people they love most. There’s no need for everyone to sit still and smile at the camera. Some of my favourite family photographs happen when everyone is simply enjoying being together.

First Birthday Photography FAQs

When is the best time to book a first birthday photoshoot?

A first birthday session doesn’t have to take place on your baby’s actual birthday.

In fact, booking a little before or after their birthday can make it easier to find a date that works for everyone. If you’d like photographs around their birthday, I recommend getting in touch a few weeks in advance.

Can we have the session in the studio?

Yes. My Ferndown studio is a lovely option for first birthday photographs, particularly if you’d like simple portraits of your baby with a timeless feel.

We can include a few birthday touches if you’d like, but there’s no need for an elaborate set-up. Your baby is the star of the show.

Can we have the photoshoot outdoors?

Absolutely. We can choose a location that suits your family and your child.

Outdoor sessions are particularly lovely at this age because your baby can explore and move around rather than being expected to sit still. We can photograph them playing, walking, being cuddled and interacting with you.

Can the whole family be included?

Yes, and I would definitely recommend it.

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone for the whole family, so we’ll make sure there are photographs of your child on their own as well as photographs with parents and siblings.

If grandparents or other family members are important to you, we can discuss including them too.

Do you offer cake smash photography?

If you’d like to include a cake, we can certainly talk about how you’d like this to work.

However, a first birthday photoshoot doesn’t have to be a traditional cake smash. I tend to focus on natural photographs and capturing your child’s personality, with birthday details included if they suit you.

What should my baby wear?

Choose something that feels like them.

For studio photographs, simple outfits and neutral colours work beautifully, but you may also want to choose a special birthday outfit. For an outdoor session, comfortable clothes that allow them to move and explore are ideal.

You’re welcome to bring more than one outfit and we can decide what works best on the day.

What happens if my baby isn’t in the mood?

That’s very normal. One-year-olds have opinions!

I don’t expect your baby to smile on cue or cooperate for an entire session. We’ll take our time, allow them to explore and use games, interaction and plenty of breaks to keep things relaxed.

Some of the best photographs can come from those completely unplanned moments.

How long does a first birthday session last?

The length of your session will depend on whether you choose a studio session or a location shoot.

I don’t like rushing children through their photographs, so we’ll allow enough time for your baby to settle in, explore and have breaks when needed.

Can we book a first birthday session if we had newborn or sitter photographs with you?

Of course.

If you’ve already had a newborn or sitter session with me, a first birthday session is a lovely way to continue documenting your baby’s first year.

It also works beautifully as part of a newborn, sitter and first birthday photography journey, giving you photographs from three very different stages of your baby’s first year.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Ferndown, Dorset, and my studio is in Ferndown.

For outdoor family sessions, I regularly photograph families around Ferndown, Bournemouth and across Dorset, with the location chosen to suit your family and the type of photographs you’re looking for.

How do we book?

If you’d like to chat about a first birthday photoshoot, just get in touch.

Tell me a little about your baby, when their birthday is and whether you’re thinking about a studio or outdoor session, and we can work out the best option for you.