Family posing for a Dohl Photoshoot

How to Plan the Perfect Dohl Photo Session: 6 Expert Tips for a Memorable Korean First Birthday Photoshoot

📸 Capture Beautiful Memories of Your Baby’s First Birthday!

Family posing for a Dohl Photoshoot

A Dohl (돌잔치) is more than just a birthday—it’s a cherished Korean tradition that celebrates a baby’s first year of life, symbolizing health, prosperity, and a bright future. Capturing this milestone with a beautifully planned Dohl photo session ensures that these precious memories last a lifetime.

As a photographer, there’s something truly special about creating a memorable Dohl, the beautiful Korean celebration that marks a child’s first birthday. From years of helping families honor their heritage in a contemporary and fun way, here are our top tips to help you plan a memorable Dohl photo session too!

1. Choose the Right Location

Consider whether you’d like to hold your Dohl photo session in our home studio in La Canada or outdoors! I recommend opting for our home studio for a more relaxed and controlled environment.

2. Plan Your Custom Set

From custom cookies and treats, to personalizing the set with your child’s name, our team collaborates with you to customize your baby’s Dohl set, creating a special set that honors tradition with modern aesthetics.

3. Timing is Key

Schedule the photo session for a time when your baby is well-rested and fed. A quick nap and a little snack can make all the difference, ensuring your little one is happy and ready to shine! Bringing small and easy to eat snacks to the photo session also helps!

4. Dress to Impress

Outfits play a crucial role in your photos! We coordinate the Dohl set to your baby’s outfit to elevate the overall aesthetic. From backdrop to accent colors, we utilize the decor to highlight your baby’s Hanboks to ensure that they photograph beautifully in our set!

5. Personal Touches

We love when families incorporate meaningful elements into their photo sessions. Whether it’s a special toy, a family heirloom, or decorations from an event, these personal touches will tell your unique story. We customize anything from the cookies to signage to create a truly unique and personalized set for your baby.

6. Relax and Enjoy!

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the moment! I’ll guide you through poses and set up candid moments, but your genuine interactions will create the most beautiful memories. 
I’m excited to plan your next Dohl photo session! Let’s work together to create stunning images that will last a lifetime. Reach out and let’s make magic happen.
🎥 Want to see past Dohl sessions? Click Here

FAQ: Planning Your Baby’s Dohl Photo Session

A Dohl (돌잔치) is a Korean first birthday celebration that symbolizes a child’s growth and future blessings. Traditionally, families host a Doljabi ceremony, where the baby chooses an item that represents their future, and celebrate with family, food, and photos to commemorate the milestone.

It’s best to book your Dohl photoshoot at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially if you want a custom-designed set. This gives us time to plan the perfect theme, coordinate props, and ensure everything is picture-perfect.

You can choose between:
📷 Our home studio in La Cañada – A controlled environment with beautifully styled sets.
🌿 Outdoor location – Ideal for natural light and family portraits.

If you’re unsure, I recommend the studio setting for a more comfortable and relaxed experience for your baby!

A typical session lasts 60–90 minutes, allowing enough time for:
✔ Individual baby portraits
Family photos
✔ Outfit changes
✔ Cake smash (if included)

We also accommodate quick breaks if your baby needs a snack or cuddle!

Your baby’s outfit plays a key role in the photos! Here’s what works best:
👘 Traditional Hanbok – A beautiful way to honor Korean heritage.
🎀 Coordinated outfit – Soft pastel or neutral tones work well for modern aesthetics.
🩳 Backup outfit – In case of spills or outfit discomfort.

We also match the Dohl set colors to your baby’s outfit for a perfectly coordinated look!

For a smooth session:
✔ Schedule the shoot after a nap and feeding for a happy baby.
✔ Bring favorite snacks and a bottle to keep them content.
✔ Pack a favorite toy or comfort item for familiarity.

Babies are unpredictable, and that’s okay! We go at their pace to capture natural, joyful moments.

Yes! We encourage family participation in the session. Parents and siblings can be part of the shoot to create heartwarming family memories.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear coordinating outfits to complement the overall theme.