Turning One | Toronto Documentary Family Photography
Turning one is as much a milestone for the parents as it is for the baby—a whole year of laughter, firsts, and figuring things out together as a family.
This session, just days before their daughter turned one, was the perfect reminder of why I love documentary family photography.
We began the afternoon at home, just the three of them. After her nap, mom and dad did their best to coax their daughter into a snack (she had other plans!). Like most one-year-olds, she warmed up slowly, but soon her curiosity got the better of her. Before long, she was reaching for the camera and showing off her playful side. But the quiet moments—playing in the living room, laughter with mom and dad—set the tone for the day.
From there, the family headed out into the backyard. The water table was a big hit, with splashes and giggles carrying across the yard. A game of chase followed, with mom and dad keeping up with their little explorer as she toddled her way around the garden.
Later in the afternoon, close family friends joined the celebration. Presents were unwrapped, bubbles filled the air, and the kids ran around chasing bubbles. Their friends’ daughter jumped right in, making the day feel even more like a big family gathering. The backyard became a stage for connection—kids playing, adults laughing, and a one-year-old soaking it all in.
Photographing one-year-olds is always a lesson in letting go of control. They are wonderfully themselves—sometimes serious, sometimes silly, always curious. And that’s exactly what makes documentary family photography so powerful: it embraces those real, unfiltered moments.
As a Toronto Family Photographer, it’s such a privilege to capture families at these milestones. “Turning One” is about more than a cake or a party—it’s about connection, presence, and the joy of watching a little one step into their next chapter.
