A Custom First Birthday, Told Through Teddy Bears

First birthdays don’t need much—just meaning.

For this session, his parents brought his dad’s childhood teddy bears. Soft seams, worn fur, and that unmistakable well-loved look only time can give.

They weren’t props.
They were history.

Watching his son hold something his dad once loved felt quietly powerful. Simple. Honest. The kind of detail you can’t style or recreate.

That’s what I love most about custom first birthday sessions. They can be personal in the truest way—built around the pieces of your story that already exist.

You’re always welcome to bring meaningful heirlooms, textures, or details into your session. These are the things that turn photos into something lasting.

Timeless.
Personal.
Yours.

If you’re looking for a custom first birthday session for your baby boy in Springfield, Missouri, I offer personalized milestone sessions designed to feel timeless and meaningful. From heirloom details to simple, classic setups, each session is thoughtfully styled to reflect your family’s story. First birthday portraits are available in my natural light studio and are customized to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime season in an intentional way.

Don’t blink,
Esther ZIeger

Esther Ziegler

I’m Esther Ziegler, an award-winning photographer with over a decade of professional experience. I’ve been working full-time in photography since 2010 and operating my business formally since 2012.

I photographed more than 300 weddings earlier in my career before shifting my focus in 2019 to serving growing families. Today, I specialize in maternity, newborn, and childhood photography.

I run a full-service studio in southwest Missouri and work with families throughout the Springfield area.

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Sweetness in Every Little Move | First Birthday Session in Springfield Missouri