When photographing little ones, you can plan all the elements you can for the best session ever, but that doesn’t always guarantee you smiles and a happy kiddo! Well the stars really aligned for Alden’s first birthday session, and we just had the happiest little guy! When originally planning for our time together, we were aiming for after Alden’s morning nap and lunch time. Day of however, we decided to try for after dinner to get some softer lighting and more of the evening glow. I am SO HAPPY we changed our plans last minute, because the Molnar family got the prettiest golden hour lifestyle session for their son’s first birthday milestone!! You can make beautiful memories in any kind of lighting, but it’s a special kind of magic when you can photograph during the last light of the day. It’s the golden hour for a reason, y’all!

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I photographed Alden’s newborn portraits, it was such a joy to catch up with Chelsea and Jonathon and see how much their son has grown. I love just sitting back with my camera and letting parents love on their kiddos without too much direction or instruction. There’s a different kind of ease that comes through in portraits when people aren’t overly posed, and when I look at these images of Chelsea and Jonathon with little Alden, I think the joy of parenthood and how much they just enjoy their little guy really come through. There’s nothing better than those sweet snuggles, and it’s not possible to have too many hugs and kisses. Alden absolutely adores his mama and daddy, and he was just soaking up all the love and sunshine.

Happy first birthday, Alden! You are a joy and a delight, and I’m so happy I got to capture this milestone to celebrate your first year of life!

Golden Hour Lifestyle Session | Canfield OH | The Molnar Family

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