Newborn Photography in Huntsville, AL

One Year Photoshoot Ideas

One year is a milestone that needs to be celebrated! Not only has your baby changed in incredible ways, but you made it as well! So, to help you with your one year celebration planning, I made a list of some of my favorite One Year Photoshoot Ideas:

1. Classic Portrait

One Year Photoshoot Ideas wall portrait by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Think about what you want to put on the wall. There’s a good chance that somewhere in your home you have a wall that you either have already started to or plan to celebrate your family members. Perhaps it already has a picture from your wedding, and a picture from your newborn photoshoot.

It’s time to add on to your gallery wall, and a classic portrait is the perfect addition. I have a collection of little child-sized antique chairs you can pick from for the formal portion of your baby’s one year photoshoot.

2. Milestones

Southern baby portrait by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

It’s also important to get some more candid shots that really show off your baby’s unique personality and milestones. If your baby can clap- show it off!

Your baby is probably standing by now, so let’s show that off, too! The picture above on the right is one of mom’s favorites, because it perfectly captures her daughter’s personality.

Whatever look instantly makes you say, “That’s my baby!” is the look we want to capture.

3. Cake Smash

Ellen Adams Photography cake smash in Huntsville AL as well as Madison AL.

Of course, my list of one year photoshoot ideas wouldn’t be complete without suggesting a cake smash. I have had families who weren’t quite sure if they wanted to include these images in their session, who absolutely have as much fun during the cake smash as their baby.

Cake smash pictures make for adorable portraits to add to the walls of your child’s room or in an album.

Cake smash ideas by Ellen Adams Photography.

I’ll let you in on a secret: Not all cake smashes happen exactly as they appear in pictures. Sometimes they’re just a little bit staged.

Cake smash picture captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

Not all babies want to make a big mess and dig in. So, we have the parents help them out with a little bit of cake turning over and smashing.

One year photoshoot idea of a first birthday photoshoot cake smash by Ellen Adams Photography.

Usually, babies are ready to dig in once they see that their parents think it’s a good idea.

One year photoshoot ideas of classic baby photography by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

This was Miss Kesleigh’s second Baby Plan Session.

You can see her First Baby Plan Session here.

Maternity Pictures at the Lake

It’s hard not to swoon when I have the honor of taking a family’s maternity pictures at the lake, and the sun sets with the perfect glow.

Ellen Adams Photography maternity photography in Huntsville AL picture of couple at a lake during sunset.

This sweet family is expecting baby number three very soon. They are about to have their second son, and I was so excited when I learned during their session that they are naming him the same name I named my second son!

Maternity photography Madison AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

Every maternity photoshoot is unique, and I always enjoy spending time with my clients, getting to know them better.

Cute maternity pictures by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

This sweet couple has been married for 8 years. It’s evident how much they love each other and how much they love their children.

Covered bridge family photography by Ellen Adams Photography.

They want their children to know:

“We love them with all our heart and we will do everything possible to give them the best life possible.”

Maternity photography Huntsville AL by Ellen Adams Photography picture of pregnant couple.

I love that they have this hope for their baby:

“We hope that he will grow up knowing he’s loved unconditionally by all of us, and use that strength to stand on his own someday.”

Forest family photoshoot by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Maternity pictures are a special time to celebrate your family as it is now, as well as revel in the excitement and anticipation of how your family is about to change.

If you would like to chat about your own maternity photoshoot, tell me your story here!

Rocking Horse Baby Pictures

Your baby’s pictures are an instant family heirloom, but they become all the more meaningful when you include sentimental details- like this family did with their rocking horse baby pictures.

Baby Photoshoot image by Ellen Adams Photography of baby meeting his namesake's rocking horse.

This sweet little guy enjoyed getting his picture made with his namesake’s rocking horse during his 7 month photoshoot.

Baby riding a rocking horse by Ellen Adams Photography.

He was very curious and excited to meet this amazing heirloom!

Ellen Adams Photography image of baby with rocking horse in Huntsville AL.

(I can’t wait to see how this rocking horse image looks in his home in the grouping his sweet mama picked out.)

Ellen Adams Photography baby pictures in Huntsville AL.

Sometimes, the heirloom you include in your baby’s pictures isn’t old; it’s brand new. It is something that will become an heirloom for future generations.

For example, this sweet little guy’s mama sewed his baptism gown! He was baptized in this gown shortly after these pictures were taken.

Baby wearing a baptism gown that was handmade by mom.

When you or someone else (like grandmom) hand-makes something for your baby, it deserves a place in your baby’s pictures.

Baby pictures Huntsville AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

Of course, if you can’t think of anything personal to include in your baby’s pictures, a cute outfit and one of my little antique chairs will do the trick.

7 month pictures of a baby by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

No matter what you decide to include in your little one’s pictures, we’re sure to capture your baby’s full range of emotions during your session. I love how this little guy showed us both his big grins and his sweet serious looks.

Baby photographer Huntsville AL Ellen Adams Photography captured this image of a 7 month old baby.

Whether you would like to create your own rocking horse baby pictures, or you have a handmade baby blanket you want to include in your baby’s portraits- I would love to discuss the possibilities with you.

Learn more about Joining the Baby Plan Club to capture your baby’s milestones as he learns how to sit, stand, and walk!

Newborn Family Pictures

I believe every newborn session should include newborn family pictures. It’s not an add-on; it’s simply part of the newborn experience.

Every mama deserves a picture with her baby.

Picture of a mama holding her baby with her boys, photographed by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Your baby will love seeing just how tiny they were in your arms ten years from now.

Newborn photo of family captured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

This sweet mama told me, “We are a family of constant change and constant reminders that God is in control of this journey! We plan and He laughs, which keeps us on our toes.”

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as a baby to be the source of change for your family!

Family looking at baby during a newborn photography session by newborn photographer Ellen Adams Photography.

I love that she wants her children to carry this piece of wisdom with them throughout their lives:

“Be yourself, and trust the plans that God has for you.”

Sometimes it’s hard to trust, especially when surprises are thrown your way. However, trusting will make your days so much more joyful!

Mom and dad with baby during a newborn photography session with Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville AL.

She told me that her sweet baby girl is a huge blessing, and how could you not think so looking at her?

“You can be tough and soft at the same time and for the same reasons. This is something I try to balance daily, as a mom, as a wife, as a professional, and as a woman.”
-Sofia’s Mom

Newborn family picture of 5 captured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

Newborn family pictures become an instant heirloom for your family.

Learn more about Newborn Photography Sessions with Ellen Adams Photography, or contact me to book your own session here.

Ballet Baby Blossoming

I had the honor of photographing this beautiful ballerina’s first baby three years ago, and I was overjoyed when she asked me to photograph her new little one- her little ballet baby.

Newborn family picture by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

Her nursery is a gorgeous pink complete with a crystal chandelier and wreath made of mom’s pointe shoes. So, I knew I just had to include some ballet shoes in one of her portraits.

Ballet baby picture by Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville, AL.

The shoes at the bottom of the picture are mom’s very first pair of pointe shoes.

Newborn photography portraits by Ellen Adams, captured in Huntsville, AL.

The ripples of fabric remind me of ribbons on ballet slippers dancing in the wind.

Tulip baby picture captured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville.

A new baby is like a tulip who’s bud is just beginning to open. We are just beginning to learn her possibilities.

Newborn baby girl photo by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

She can become whatever her heart desires and she dreams to be.

“Someday I’ll jump through puddles,
Take a stroll, or run a race.
Someday I’ll walk across the street,
or maybe walk in space.
Someday I’ll scale a mountain,
Or I’ll join a ballet corps.
Someday I’ll walk a tightrope,
Or explore the ocean floor.”

Baby picture taken by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

She was very curious during her session, so I have no doubt she has it in her to be a NASA engineer like her parents someday if she chooses.

Smiling newborn photo by Ellen Adams Photography.

She was also a very smiley baby, and her mama told me that she has been a very easy going baby so far.

Dad kissing baby picture by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

“Ellen was great with our baby and did a fantastic job capturing creative, adorable photos! We love seeing the beautiful newborn photographs in our home every day.”
-Alex T.

Mom holding baby, picture by Ellen Adams Photography.

It is always an honor for me to not only capture your little one, but to also capture you with your baby. Your children need to know who you were back when they were so little they could fit in your arms.

Ellen Adams Photography newborn portraits in Huntsville, AL.

I was very excited to deliver their newest portrait of their oh so sweet ballet baby!

If you are pregnant and would like me to capture your precious baby’s story right from his or her beginning, I would love to talk with you! You can learn more about a newborn session with me here.

Newborn Baby Pictures

Newborn baby Huntsville AL picture of parents with baby and dad is kissing baby's head captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

Your newborn baby is only this little once, and this is the moment that your family changes forever- in the most joyful way.

Newborn baby picture in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

This is the baby you have been dreaming of and praying for. You finally get to hold her.

Newborn baby pictures by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

And sing sweet lullabies to your newborn baby as she drifts off to sleep.

Sleeping photo by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

And kiss her from the top of her head…

Toes pictured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

to the tips of her toes.

Newborn baby pictures in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

You have been entrusted with some of God’s finest handy work, and you never want to forget how perfect she is right from the start.

Lips captured by Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville, AL.

Whether it is those beautiful lips,

Newborn sleeping with teddy bear picture by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

sleepy snuggles,

Smiling baby in basket photo by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

or sleepy smiles that you want to remember always, make sure you capture this moment.

You think you will remember these newborn grunts and exactly how she looks for decades to come, because the days are so long right now.

However, time fades the past and the saying is true,

“The days are long, but the years are short.”

It is unfair how quickly babies grow up.

Hold onto this moment in a way you will cherish forever, and create heirlooms that you can share with your children both as they grow up as well as pass down to your children once they have grown up.

Cutest 1 Year Photoshoot

Every time a baby has their second Baby Plan Session, I think it’s the cutest 1 year photoshoot I’ve ever seen. All babies are simply Adorable! This One Year Photoshoot was no different.

Ellen Adams Photography 1 year pictures of a baby boy.

(I was told that he looks just like his Granddaddy in this one.)

Cutest 1 year photoshoot by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

One year is a big milestone, and it’s time to celebrate both making it through the first year, as well as newfound skills like standing!

1 year portraits by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL picture of a baby's eyelashes in black and white.

I have had the pleasure of photographing this sweetie since he was still in his mama’s belly. Ever since his newborn session, I have been in awe of his eyelashes. Baby eyelashes are simply the best!

One year photos by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL and Madison AL.

This little man simply loved my little chair and wanted to have All of his pictures in it. However, we eventually convinced him to show off his standing skills, too.

Ellen Adams Photography name collage of baby holding each letter in name.

When you join the Baby Plan Club you have access to exclusive products like this name collage. My son loves pointing out the letters in his name with the one that I made for him. It’s the perfect addition to your child’s bedroom- it is both a decorative heirloom, as well as educational.

If you would like to join the Baby Plan Club, or schedule a stand alone Cutest 1 Year Photoshoot for your own little cutie, tell me all about it here!

Huntsville Family Photoshoot

Babies don’t keep. Although most of my sessions are for Newborns and Baby Milestones, I make room to do a Huntsville family photoshoot for a few families each year. Babies change so much that first year, you need to document their changes on a regular basis. Then, as your babies become little kids, you stop noticing their changes so much- until you happen to see a photo of them from a year ago.

Brothers captured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Even the way your kids interact and play with each other changes from year to year.

Fall family portraits by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Most of my clients like a mix of posed and more natural shots, so that’s usually what I capture during a family session.

Dad and sons picture by Ellen Adams Photography.

This amazing dad didn’t think anyone would want a picture of just the boys together- but I am certain his sweet mama and wife are going to absolutely adore this photo of the boys hanging onto dad for many years to come. It brings such a smile to my face, and they’re not even my family!

Ellen Adams Photography Huntsville Photographer image of a family at Hays Nature Preserve.

We chose to do a family photoshoot at this location because they already had happy memories of fishing here. (I love doing photoshoots in places that are both beautiful and meaningful to you.)

Huntsville family photographer Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville AL created this portrait of two brothers hugging.

It had been a few years since this family had done family pictures, and these sweet little boys’ grand mom wanted some portraits of them. So, she gifted this session to her daughter last Christmas, and I’m so glad we were able to capture both the sweetness and playfulness of this stage in the boys’ lives.

If you want to learn more about having your own Huntsville family photoshoot, tell me your family’s story. And Grandparents- Gift Certificates make the perfect present for your kids (as well as a gift for yourself in a way)!

Cake Smash Cutie

Cake smash by Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville AL.

After doing some heirloom portraits to celebrate turning one year old, this Cake Smash Cutie put on her party dress. Her face absolutely lit up with delight when she saw her very own little cake!

Cake smash photo shoot by Ellen Adams Photography in Madison AL.

I assure you, this is Exactly how I feel about cake as well!

Cake Smash Pictures by baby photographer Ellen Adams Photography

Every baby responds differently to cake, but you can increase your odds that your baby will enjoy her photoshoot by following these 3 Cake Smash Tips.

Cake smash shoot by baby photographer Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

We had our very own little birthday party, and she was enjoying every minute of it, as were her mom, myself, and my assistant.

1 year cake smash by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Making a mess is all part of the fun.

Here are a couple of my favorite heirloom portraits we made before bringing out the cake:

1 year baby pictures by baby photographer Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

One is a big milestone not only for your baby, but also for yourself.

You did it! Let’s celebrate!

Cake smash photoshoot by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Whether you are doing a Cake Smash as part of a Baby Plan session or as a stand alone session, make sure you Get on My Calendar before I’m all booked up!

Sweetest Sitter Session

Ellen Adams Photography Baby Plan sitter session.

Miss Juliette proved that 6-8 months is the perfect time to have the sweetest sitter session ever! That time when your baby has mastered the milestone of sitting, but hasn’t quite started crawling yet is the perfect time to schedule your first Baby Plan session.

Baby plan 6 month pictures by Ellen Adams Photography.

I love that we were able to create some heirloom portraits of Juliette wearing the same heirloom outfit her mom wore at that age.

8 month photos by Ellen Adams Photography.

Juliette’s mom told me that she wanted to capture her baby’s candid personality and blue eyes.

Baby Photographer Ellen Adams Photography image of baby blue eyes.

I think we did it!

Sweetest sitter session by Ellen Adams Photography image of 8 month old baby.

Juliette gave the best serious faces as well as smiles and giggles.

Sitter session picture by Ellen Adams Photography.

Juliette was curious and playful. She was everything I would hope for during a sitter session!

Baby eyelashes picture by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville AL.

Just like all of my first Baby Plan sessions, we took a moment to capture those amazing baby eyelashes, her precious little hands, and those wiggly toes.

Baby milestone session by Ellen Adams Photography.

Something special about working with me is that I come to you. You can have all of your images look like you traveled to a studio (without the hassle of having to actually take your baby to a studio), or you can choose to include some images showcasing your home.

All of the images above where shot in the nursery. We rearranged so that we could also get some images of Juliette in her crib.

Happiest baby in her crib picture by Ellen Adams Photography.

Juliette was right at home, both literally and figuratively, in her crib. Her personality really shined!

“My baby’s true personality comes out where she feels the most comfortable— and that’s at our house! Juliette engaged with Ellen almost immediately. The pictures are absolutely amazing, and they quickly became household treasures!”
-Juliette’s Mama

Baby in crib by Ellen Adams Photography.

Juliette’s mom told me that this crib was the first thing they bought for her, and it was the thing that got her really excited to have a baby.

If I had a Restoration Hardware crib like that, I would want pictures of my baby in it, too!

Baby Photographer near me in Huntsville AL pictures by Ellen Adams Photography.

Make sure you Join the Baby Plan Club well before your baby’s first half birthday, so that I will have room in my schedule for your baby’s 6-8 month pictures.

I would be honored if you chose me to be your baby’s photographer for her Sweetest Sitter Session!