It’s amazing how quickly a month passes, right? Or even a year, for that matter? When my daughter was born, I wanted to design a monthly photo shoot that was simple and easy — otherwise, I knew that I would procrastinate each month and get behind.
If you’re like me and know that you’ll be inclined to procrastinate, I think you’ll find the simplicity of this DIY Monthly Photo Shoot appealing. Moms are busy, right? No need to pile on additional stress and guilt over complicated monthly photos.
DIY Monthly Baby Photos: Supplies & Tips
#1: Printable Monthly Baby Photo Prop
I chose to go with simple 8.5×11 artwork that could be printed on a standard printer. Since we had a baby girl, I also wanted something feminine. Lately, watercolor has been one of my favorite digital techniques and I applied that texture to the wreath and text. You can buy a printable version here. I’ve also created this botanical version which would be great for a baby boy or a neutral style monthly photo shoot.
[Tweet “The simplicity of this DIY Monthly Photo Shoot is perfect for busy moms.”]
Instead of choosing a spot in our home to take each month’s photo, I chose a backdrop that can go anywhere. This means that I can take the photo where the light is best in our home each month. I also don’t have to miss a photo if we are traveling, since this is a “mobile” backdrop. These photos were taken on a gloomy, rainy day; but she and the blanket were next to the window with the most light.
Once she was able to sit up, I draped the blanket over a piece of furniture and still used the same backdrop. Aren’t those curled feet the cutest?
#3: Clipboard
Initially, I planned to stick each month’s photo in an 8×10 frame. However, a clipboard is even easier than a picture frame in terms of mounting each printable.
The clipboard and print act as a size reference for how much she has grown each month. Just look at the difference between months 3 and 5, in comparison to the clipboard.
#4: White Onesies
[Tweet “When photographing a baby, focus the camera on their chubby legs, tiny feet, and sweet little hands.”]
White onesies are perfect for a quick photo shoot because the neutral color will work with any background. Plus, most moms already have them on hand for various sizes {newborn and up}. Some months I’d add leggings, a hair bow or a hat to mix in color — but the onesies stayed a simple white.
One of the great things about onesies is that you can focus the camera on their chubby legs, tiny feet, and sweet little hands. Create a photo shoot that celebrates your sweet little baby’s features, not their outfits.
DIY Monthly Baby Photos: Shower Gift
[Tweet “Give mom a gift that creates memories…”]
You could easily create a DIY Monthly Baby Photos shower gift. Purchase a pretty basket {which will come in handy for everything from diapers to toys} and fill it with the Monthly Photo Shoot supplies. If you are crafty, include a quilted or crocheted blanket that can be a special keepsake and a backdrop. Place the Monthly Baby Prints on the clipboard and stuff several white onesies in assorted sizes into the basket.
Did you take monthly baby photos of your little one? Any tips?
Lora, you are SO talented! I'm crazy about this idea. I wanted to do something with my kids but I could only remember to take a picture of them, it never was styled and pretty like these. The gift would make it easy for moms to just pull out, throw the onside on, and snap a quick pic.
craftivitydesigns@gmail.com
Tuesday 9th of August 2016
Awe, thanks, Sarah :) I am all about easy.
Craftivity Designs
Wednesday 1st of April 2015
I know -- it flies by and they change so quickly!
Meaghan at Cook. Craft. Love.
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
I absolutely love monthly baby photos. Especially because babies change so much in that first year! Thanks for sharing at the Talented Tuesday link party. I hope you'll come link up with us again this week!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Saturday 30th of July 2016
Lora, you are SO talented! I'm crazy about this idea. I wanted to do something with my kids but I could only remember to take a picture of them, it never was styled and pretty like these. The gift would make it easy for moms to just pull out, throw the onside on, and snap a quick pic.
craftivitydesigns@gmail.com
Tuesday 9th of August 2016
Awe, thanks, Sarah :) I am all about easy.
Craftivity Designs
Wednesday 1st of April 2015
I know -- it flies by and they change so quickly!
Meaghan at Cook. Craft. Love.
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
I absolutely love monthly baby photos. Especially because babies change so much in that first year! Thanks for sharing at the Talented Tuesday link party. I hope you'll come link up with us again this week!