Sandlot Vibes & Sweet Smiles: A Yucaipa First Birthday Session


A Decade of Memories with One Incredibly Special Family


There are some families that become more than just clients. You meet them once, and before you know it, you're getting the honor of capturing their most meaningful milestones again and again. This session was one of those full-circle moments that quietly stops you in your tracks.

I met this sweet family almost ten years ago, back when they were just a brand new family of three, with that glowing, new-parent energy and a little one just starting to explore the world. I photographed them as a young family, then again when their oldest turned one and a few other times over the years. And now here we are years later with baby brother celebrating his first birthday.


Like, what is life? Honestly. The fact that I get to be a tiny part of these chapters, to bottle up these little seconds that pass too fast—that’s something I never take for granted. These families choose me again and again, and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling honored by that.


Baseball Dreams & Sandlot Vibes


So when mama reached out to plan her youngest’s first birthday session, she knew exactly the vibe she wanted. This crew are die-hard baseball fans, so of course we had to go all-in on a baseball-themed birthday shoot. She brought along the cutest props—mini bat, baseball hat, home base, all the iconic little pieces that told the story. I went on the hunt for the perfect baseball field, but with summer ball and All Stars in full swing (pun intended), every field in Beaumont, Redlands, and Yucaipa was packed during golden hour.


I ended up choosing a park that had that rustic, sandlot-type energy. It wasn’t a regulation field, but it had all the right textures: warm dirt, long summer grass, and that golden California sunset filtering through the trees. It gave us the feel we were going for, without needing a formal backdrop.


A Whole Team of Love


When session day rolled around, the fam showed up like the dream team they are—mom, dad, and two very helpful big sisters (biggest bro had ball practice). Everyone was on deck (okay, I’ll stop with the baseball puns soon...maybe) to get baby laughing and looking my way. It felt more like hanging out than “posing,” which is always the best kind of session.


Baby boy, dressed to the nines in his baseball gear, totally stole the show. His tiny smile, the way he gripped that little bat, how he lit up every time his sisters cheered him on—every frame was dripping with personality and love.


These Are the Moments


This session wasn’t just about the photos. It was about a family who’s grown, evolved, and continued to invite me into their lives. It’s about the legacy we’re quietly building through each click of the shutter. For families who are deep in the chaos of raising little ones—just know, these milestones are worth slowing down for. The first birthdays, the messy laughs, the way your toddler hugs your leg when they get shy—all of it matters. And one day, you’ll blink and have a decade of photos reminding you just how far you’ve come.


Want to Remember Your Family’s Sweetest Chapters?


If your baby is nearing a milestone or your family is ready for a relaxed, joy-filled session in the Inland Empire—let’s chat. No pressure. Just an open calendar and the chance to freeze time for a little while. I shoot in Beaumont, Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, and surround area.

Reach out whenever you’re ready. I’ll be here, camera in hand. 📷


With love & grace,

Heidi

A young child wearing white baseball attire sprawls playfully on the ground during a sports photo session at sunset.
Small child in white shirt and jeans sits on dirt baseball field with baseball bat laying nearby.
A baby in a white sailor outfit lies on sand while holding a baseball in triptych style photo series.
A baseball rests on dirt ground next to small legs wearing jeans and sneakers in a youth sports setting.
A small child in a white baseball jersey and striped socks stands playfully by a concrete pillar outside a building.
Small baseball fan in LA Dodgers cap and white jersey sits near home plate base on dirt path.
Baseball player laying in dirt field looking happy with baseball bat and gloves against sunny summer backdrop.
A small child sits on concrete under a white wooden stage or platform structure in an outdoor setting.
Family sits together wearing matching baseball jerseys for casual outdoor portrait session.
Close-up view of feet playing hopscotch on a concrete ground marked with chalk squares and numbers.
Toddler in white shirt and distressed jeans sits on the ground holding a baseball on a sunny day.
A toddler in overalls plays with a baseball on a sandy ground in warm sunlight.
Small child in white t-shirt and stripes stands outside holding baseball bat near white building wall.
A baseball player in white uniform slides across dusty ground during game action at field.
A small toddler in a blue and white outfit sits on concrete and smiles in front of a white building.

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