There’s just something so special about a first birthday—but when it’s twins, it’s a whole different kind of magic.
Ryan and Rayce just turned one, and we captured their twin first birthday photos in Avondale during the sweetest, most joy-filled (and just a little chaotic) session.
About Ryan & Rayce
From the moment we started, these two brought the best energy in completely different ways—and honestly, that’s what made this session so fun.
Ryan was adventurous, confident, and totally easy going. He was all smiles, exploring everything around him like he owned the place. Meanwhile, Rayce was a little more cautious, sensitive, and sooo sweet. He’s what mom calls a “koala,” because he just wants to be held all the time—and honestly… I get it.
But here’s the funny part—Rayce, who hasn’t been loving baths lately, absolutely LOVED the tub during our session. Like… splashing, smiling, living his best life loved it. Meanwhile Ryan was perfectly content hanging with the teddy bears and checking everything out.
And then there was big sister Chloe, adding just the right amount of extra energy—because what’s a twin session without a big sister keeping things interesting?
The Setups & Details
Okay, we have to talk about how cute everything came together.
We kept things simple and soft with neutral tones—creams and tans that really let their little personalities shine. The setup included a cream arch backdrop and a toddler-sized chair that was just perfect for them.
Both boys wore coordinating outfits—one with a teddy bear and the other with a koala (which feels very on brand for Rayce, not gonna lie). And then of course… the bath moment, which ended up being a highlight of the entire session.
I was even able to find a little duck raincoat and galoshes for Rayce since baths have been a thing lately—and somehow that turned into one of the cutest parts of the shoot.
Everything felt natural, playful, and real—which is always the goal.
Phoenix Milestone Session Location
We captured these twin first birthday photos in Phoenix, Arizona in a cozy indoor studio setup using soft window light—and it was perfect.
Indoor sessions like this are amazing for little ones because it keeps things calm(ish), contained, and comfortable. The natural window light gave us that soft, glowy look that works so beautifully for baby milestone sessions.
If you’re searching for:
- Phoenix baby photographer
- Twin milestone photos Arizona
- First birthday photos Phoenix
This type of session is exactly what you want for capturing those tiny expressions and big personalities.
The Session Experience
I won’t sugarcoat it—photographing one-year-old twins is a little like herding cats.
But in the best way.
There’s something about this age—they don’t overthink anything, they just are. Add in two babies and a preschooler, and you get double the chaos, double the sweetness, and moments you couldn’t plan even if you tried.
And honestly? That’s my favorite kind of session.
As a mom myself, I get it. I’ve been the one singing at the top of my lungs in the car, having dance parties in the living room, letting my kids play with glitter (yes… I regretted that later), and just embracing the mess of it all. So none of this phases me—it’s where the magic actually happens.
Family Moments That Matter
Even in a milestone session, I always look for those in-between moments.
Mom (Jessi) stepped in when Rayce needed her—which gave us the sweetest, most genuine images. You can tell how much she loves her kids and how present she is with them. Those moments? They matter just as much as the “perfect” ones.
We also got a few shots of Chloe, and I’m so glad we did. Those sibling moments—especially at this age—are everything.
Let’s Plan Your Session
I’m currently booking milestone sessions, family sessions, seniors, and summer minis—and I would love to help you capture this season for your family.
You can reach me directly through my website:
kimvanosphotography.com
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
