Ready Teddy?
There’s something so tender and fleeting about the first birthday milestone—those final glimpses of babyhood, and the very first steps into toddlerhood. I had the joy of capturing that sweet in-between moment with Theodore—"Teddy" to his loved ones—during a dreamy session at Wegerzyn Gardens.
Teddy’s mom, Carly, planned the session with such thoughtful intention. She chose the most adorable outfits—soft, creamy neutrals paired with gentle light blue tones that perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the gardens. Carly’s flowy sundress matched her little one so effortlessly, making the whole session feel like a page out of a storybook.
Quack- Quack-Quack!
Turns out, Mr. Teddy is a big fan of animal sounds—especially ducks! We made plenty of quacks, sang silly songs, and kept the atmosphere relaxed and playful. His sweet little smile peeked through more than once, and each grin felt like a tiny reward.
It’s sessions like this that remind me how important it is to meet every child where they are—to follow their cues, engage their joy, and let their personality guide the session. Teddy may be turning one, but he’s already full of presence and personality.
Happy first birthday, sweet boy. You are deeply loved, and it was an honor to help your family celebrate this precious moment.
So Dreamy!
Even though Teddy wasn’t feeling 100%, you never would’ve guessed it. He was such a little gentleman—curious, calm, and full of charm. Like many little ones, it took a few minutes for him to warm up to the camera, but once we figured out what made him light up, the magic started to unfold.
What's in my camera bag?
For this session, I used my Canon 5D Mark IV—my tried-and-true companion for portrait sessions like this one. It’s reliable, intuitive, and handles natural light beautifully, especially in outdoor settings like Wegerzyn Gardens.
My go-to lens for dreamy portraits? The Canon 50mm f/1.2L. This lens is a total workhorse and has my heart. Its wide aperture gives me that soft, creamy depth I love, especially in golden light. It brings such warmth and intimacy to my images and allows me to shoot wide open while keeping details crisp and backgrounds beautifully blurred.
It’s my secret sauce for those glowing, natural images you see throughout Teddy’s session. If I could only shoot with one lens forever—this would be it!
If you’re curious about the technical side of this session—here’s a quick peek behind the lens:
- Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- ISO: 100 (hello, dreamy daylight!)
- F/Stop: Varied between f/2.8 and f/4.6, depending on light and composition
I like to keep things fluid when working with little ones—adjusting depth as we go to make sure both the emotion and the environment come through just right. Natural light and a fast prime lens really did the heavy lifting here!
JUNE SPECIAL
Teddy’s awesome Momma booked her session as part of Claire Cross Photography’s June Special, and the results speak for themselves—natural, heartfelt, and full of joy.
You can still snag this offer, too!
If you are looking for fresh, beautiful photos this summer? From now through the end of June, enjoy a 45-minute session for just $275—perfect for families, seniors, couples, pets, or small business owners looking to refresh their brand visuals.
Let me help you tell your story with warm, authentic images you’ll love for years to come.
📸 Spots are limited, so don’t wait—reach out to book your session today!
