Magical Photoshoot For Emmas 3rd Birthday

We did a magical photoshoot at a lavender field in celebration of our daughter turning 3 years young! 

I can't believe that Em is officially 3 years! This age is just so much fun! Imagination and creativity are sparking every moment and a magical photoshoot seemed fitting for a little girls birthday shoot. 

Every year we do a birthday photoshoot for the kids, to track how they grow over the years.

Looking back at the yearly birthday pictures we take always amazes me at the growth that can happen in just a single year. 

Em is currently into unicorns and flowers and the great thing about a magical photoshoot is that you can be as creative as you like. You can come up with a magical theme and it can be anything your heart desires. Anything goes from ethereal forest fairies to mystical Crown Jewels. 

Key Takeaways

• Planning helps create successful magical photoshoots
• Props, outfits, and locations bring magical themes to life

Pick a Theme

First, start by picking a theme for your photoshoot. Themes like fairies, unicorns, mermaids, or enchanted forests are popular & dreamy picks. 

The theme doesn't have to be over the top either. You can just choose colors and outfits that fit a vibe. 

Selecting the Location

Photoshoot location: Wayward wind lavender field, in Oregon

For this magical photoshoot, we picked the Wayward wind lavender field, in Oregon. The lavender flowers and shades of purple make a wonderful backdrop for a magical vibe and their fields are simply stunning. 

The location is so important as it gives your photos the vibes you're looking for. It's always a good idea to scout locations ahead of time. I love outdoor photography and take the majority of our photos outdoors.

Of course, there are so many factors that go into this. If you are visiting a location to shoot like a resort, winery or a restaurant, you have to follow their hours and rules which can play a huge part in where you are able to go and can sometimes be limiting.

Some places close right before sunset which is the best photo taking hour. It's a good idea to visit the location ahead of time and scout it out, figure out spots that would make worthy picture backdrops and lighting. 

If you are wanting to take pictures at a flower field, and the fields close right before sunset, you can do a couple of things. 

1. Check the weather and choose cloudy or hazy days. Harsh sun light will cause harsh shadows and choppy photos. Wait for a cloud to block the sunlight and jump in for pics. It's a natural diffuser. We like to make a day of it and pack a picnic.

2. See if the location will allow you to visit during off hours. Locations usually charge for this option. 

What to wear to a magical photoshoot?

Your outfit is going to be everything! For a magical vibe, I love a tulle dress! That's why I picked Forever Dolled Up's  NEEDLE & THREAD COQUETTE DRESS. It's made of tulle layers and all over pastel florals which felt fitting for the occasion. 

You can find the best selection of photoshoot dresses HERE 

My toddler picked a really sweet butterfly tulle dress in pastel rainbow colors which added to the magic. She also wore a unicorn crown headband to complete her magical look.

I like to steam the dresses right before the shoot to get them to fluff up and clear away any wrinkling in the fabric. This way they photograph effortlessly. 

 Accessories add to the magical vibe

• Sparkly jewelry
• Flower crowns
• Feather boas
• Fairy wings
• Wands or staffs
• Wicker Baskets 
• Flower bouquet  

 Tips for shooting with young kids 

SNACKS -The best thing I can do on photoshoot days with young kids is to make sure I pack SNACKS. Yep, lots of healthy snacks and water. When we get to our photoshoot location, we throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy some snacks before we do anything else. Hangry kids aren't interested in taking photos. 

FRESH OUTFIT - Change the kids into their photo outfits as soon as you are ready to start taking pictures. This way the outfit stays nice and clean for the photos.

HAVE FUN - The final thing is to make it so much fun!! Don't take it seriously and just let the littles do their thing. Staged photos are REALLY hard & aren't worth the frustration with young kids, so natural photos are the answer. We just follow our little one around as she explores and take photos along the way. 

This makes for an easy going, fun day of exploration and capturing some memories along the way. 

 Magical Theme Photoshoot Pics 

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