First Birthday Photos at William R. Mason Park | Irvine Family Photography

Irvine • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on May 18, 2025

Helpful Tips

📍 William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine, California
📆 May 18th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 7:50pm
🌡️ Semi Overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 5pm

Celebrating Baby’s Big Milestone with a Relaxed Outdoor Session

This session was all about capturing the sweet and fleeting moments of a little one turning ONE. We met up with this Irvine-based family at William R. Mason Regional Park for a laid-back first birthday shoot—complete with spring greens, a white backdrop setup.

What started as a simple vision turned into a thoughtful collaboration. Mom had just wrapped a birthday party earlier that day, and we jumped right into a calm, late-afternoon shoot.

A First Birthday Shoot That Fits Their Style

This was the family’s first professional shoot, so we walked them through the experience with a planning call and a shared mood board. While our suggested colors leaned toward spring pastels, Mom had a different vision—deep burgundy and jewel tones. She wanted their outfits to reflect her personal style, even if it wasn’t the typical “spring look.” And honestly? We embraced it.

Even though we initially envisioned more vibrant and airy tones to match the season, the final outcome still felt rich, moody, and true to the family’s personality. Sometimes photos reflect the season; other times, they reflect the people.

Setups, Challenges, and Real Moments

We arrived early to scout the park and chose a quieter corner with soft backlight and natural blooms. Setting up a white draped backdrop in a crowded park wasn’t easy—especially with some wind and tall trees to work around—but we made it work. We knew we wanted a candid feel, and the loose setup gave us the flexibility to chase the baby’s curiosity (and occasional runaway giggles).

That said, timing matters. Since the baby had just come from a birthday party, she was already winding down. Energy levels were low, and the mood was more reserved. We adjusted by keeping the pace gentle, focusing on calm moments and milestone poses, like standing with support or interacting with her parents.

Baby girl’s first birthday photo shoot at William R. Mason Park in Irvine — A cozy springtime setup for a one-year-old’s milestone shoot

Notes for Future Sessions

Every session teaches us something new. This one reminded us to pay even closer attention to wardrobe alignment and schedule flow. If you’re planning a party and a photoshoot in one day, try to do the photos first—before the birthday energy runs out.

We also realized how helpful it can be to co-create mood boards with families. While many parents trust our vision, it’s always a bonus when their input shapes the aesthetic too. That way, every image feels like them.

Ready to Document Your Baby’s First Year?

Whether your style leans bright and playful or bold and moody, we’re here to help you tell your story. From first birthdays to family milestones, let’s make something beautiful together.