BABY MIKIE J – Grand Junction First Birthday Photography
A first birthday session is always a little unpredictable, and that’s exactly what makes them so much fun. One-year-olds have their own plans, their own schedules, and absolutely no interest in following a photographer’s agenda. Mikie J was no exception—and honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
This sweet family joined me for a celebration of Mikie J turning one, and from the very beginning, it was clear that this little guy is surrounded by so much love. Mom (Ugne) Dad (Butch) and big sister, Ade made the session feel more like an evening spent together than a photoshoot.
Ugne dreamt up this amazing green surrounding for Mikie and took me to her favorite vineyard. What a nice find, Momma! Can’t wait to go back with you for drinks… <3
We have the greens, the cherry trees but can we talk about this birthday outfit for a second? The tiny suspenders, the bow tie, the birthday hat—it was perfection. Mikie J looked so proud sitting in his little chair in the orchard, taking it all in. The rows of trees created the most beautiful natural frame around him, and he gave us some of the sweetest expressions throughout the evening.
Of course, being one means there is always something more interesting happening just outside the camera frame. A bird, a leaf, a sibling, a random rock… everything is an adventure. That curiosity is one of my favorite things to photograph at this age because it captures exactly who they are right now.
One of my favorite images from the session was the family portrait with the Grand Valley landscape behind them. Between the vineyard, the greenery, and the iconic Mt. Garfield in the distance, it feels so uniquely Western Colorado.
What really makes the image special, though, isn’t the scenery. It’s the way everyone fits together. Ade standing proudly front and center. Butch holding Mikie J. Ugne keeping everyone connected with that warm smile. It’s the kind of photograph that becomes more valuable every year because it freezes a season of life that passes way too quickly.
And let’s be honest—big sisters deserve some extra recognition.
Ade was absolutely wonderful. She was playful, cooperative, and clearly adores her little brother. Watching siblings interact during family sessions is always one of the best parts. You can already see the bond forming between them, even if Mikie J is still mostly focused on exploring the world around him.
Now for the image that absolutely made me laugh and is totally one of my favorites EVER.
Some family traditions are simply too good not to continue. Ade has a bathroom portrait of her own featuring rubber duckies that’s proudly displayed at home, so when Ugne mentioned it, we couldn’t resist creating a matching image for Mikie J. I can already picture the two portraits hanging side by side, giving visitors a glimpse into the sense of humor and love that make this family so much fun.
One-year-olds are famous for hitting milestones, and apparently Mikie J decided to show off all of them at once. This playful portrait perfectly captures that stage of life where toddlers are becoming little people with big personalities. It’s funny, unexpected, and exactly the kind of image parents will pull out years from now and immediately start laughing about.
It may not be the typical first birthday portrait, but that’s exactly why it’s perfect.
These are often the photographs that become family favorites—not because they’re perfectly posed, but because they’re real. They capture a moment in time that parents never want to forget.
That’s one of the reasons I love first birthday sessions so much. They aren’t about getting a toddler to sit still and smile perfectly. They’re about documenting personality. The silly moments. The curious moments. The moments that make parents say, “That is SO him.”
Mikie J brought plenty of those moments to his session.
Happy first birthday, Mikie J! It was such a joy spending time with your family and celebrating this big milestone. I have a feeling your second year is going to be every bit as adventurous as your first.
Butch and Ugne, I mea it when I say I am so INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL for your friendship and it truly is an honor to keep documenting your amazing family’s milestones. Can’t wait for the next one! <3
Much Love,
Csilla
Here are some of our favorites from this photo session – BABY MIKIE J – Grand Junction First Birthday Photography
About the artist – BABY MIKIE J – Grand Junction First Birthday Photography
Csilla Leonard Fine Art Portraits is a professional Newborn Photography Studio in Grand Junction, CO. We also specialize in maternity and family photography.
We are a full-service portrait studio that takes care of all your photography related needs and desires so you can focus on what’s most important: Your Baby and Family.
Our mission is to provide an exceptional experience while creating Fine Art for your home that you will proudly display and pass down for generations to come.
Csilla has years of experience as a baby photographer and is highly trained in newborn safety.
She is a true believer in capturing the way the babies are on their own. Instead of posing the babies ‘perfectly’ and using an overwhelming amount of props, she uses light to create timeless Fine Art of Your Baby.
Our newborn photography studio’s satisfied clients realize the value of printed wall art and heirloom albums.
We also serve Fruita, Glenwood Springs and Montrose, CO.
Click here to learn more about the Csilla Leonard Experience!
