Photo Shoot Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day for Babies & Young Kids
Are you looking for some inspiration to create a DIY St. Patrick’s Day themed photo shoot? We’ve got you. Read on to find some ideas you can easily (and affordably) recreate to record your child’s St. Patrick’s Day this year! It’s a perfect chance to capture the spirit of the season with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed photo shoot for their babies or young children. From a baby’s first St. Patrick’s Day to playful shots with rainbows, lucky charms, and gold coins, these creative photo shoot ideas will help you make the most of this festive day and preserve those precious moments for years to come.
Whether you’re Irish or just feeling lucky to have such an adorable growing family, St. Patty’s Day is a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories with these adorable, and easy-to-execute photo shoot ideas that will make the holiday extra special.
1. Lucky Charms Cereal Photo Shoot
What better way to incorporate the Irish theme than with a favorite snack? Lucky Charms cereal is an iconic part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and it can be a fantastic prop for your child’s photo shoot. Here’s how to create a fun Lucky Charms-inspired scene depending on your child’s age:
Not Yet Sitting: Lay a blanket or sheet on the ground, preferably a color that will make the colored marshmellows ‘pop’. Lay your baby down and scatter Lucky Charms around him/her. You can also form a rainbow shape with the Lucky Charms cereal above your baby and include the cereal box at one end the the rainbow. Make sure you have a favorite toy or something for your baby to focus on as you snap pics from above them.
- Sitting: Create a backdrop that matches the vibrant colors of the cereal. A green or rainbow-colored fabric draped behind your baby will complement the colors of the cereal. Place a small bowl of Lucky Charms cereal near your baby or have them hold a spoon. If your little one is old enough, they can eat the cereal, creating a candid moment.
- Baby’s Outfit: Dress your baby in something green to keep with the St. Patrick’s Day theme. Or keep it simple with just a diaper!
This adorable photo shoot idea is perfect for a first St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The bright colors of the cereal and the joyful expressions of your little one will create a series of heartwarming photos that you’ll cherish for years.
2. Rainbow-Themed Photo Shoot
Rainbows are another staple of St. Patrick’s Day, and they represent both good fortune and the promise of a pot of gold at the end. A rainbow-themed photo shoot can be both whimsical & colorful, making it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Backdrop: Create a rainbow backdrop using colorful fabric, tissue paper, or balloons. If you want to get even more creative, consider painting a rainbow on a large sheet of white paper and attaching it behind your child.
- Props: Use colorful props like rainbow-colored balloons, scarves, or a basket filled with colorful toy coins. A simple but effective prop is a small cardboard cutout of a rainbow, which can serve as an excellent focal point in your photos. A toy leprechaun or a little stuffed animal dressed in a St. Patrick’s Day outfit could also add charm to the photos.
- Baby’s Outfit: Dress your baby in a cute outfit with rainbow-colored elements. A onesie with rainbow stripes, a dress in all the colors of the rainbow, or a playful tutu can help emphasize the theme. If that is too much rainbow depending on your backrop, keep it simple with a white or green onesie or diaper only.
The rainbow theme also works wonderfully with outdoor shoots. Consider taking your little one to a park and catching the sunlight as a natural rainbow effect to add an extra layer of magic to the photos.
3. Gold Coin Photo Shoot + Treasure Hunt
Incorporating gold coins into your St. Patrick’s Day photo shoot is another fantastic way to tie in the Irish theme. A “treasure hunt” style shoot can be both fun and interactive for babies or young children.
Setup: Scatter a few shiny gold coins (real or plastic) around your baby or toddler. If your little one is old enough to sit up, they can be part of the treasure hunt by grabbing or pointing to the coins. Safety note: Make sure the coins are clearly visible and big enough to not present a choking hazard.
- Props: Consider using a small treasure chest as a prop, filled with gold coins or other St. Patrick’s Day-themed items. You can also use a leprechaun hat or a pot of gold as an extra photo element.
- Baby’s Outfit: You can add a playful touch to this photo shoot idea with a gold or green shirt, pants, or onesie. Consider a onesie that says “My First St. Patrick’s Day” to mark the occasion.
Whether you capture candid photos of the treasure hunt journey or have your baby stay stationary with the gold props, this is sure you bring smiles & pure delight. The look of surprise on your child’s face as they discover the “treasure” will create adorable photos that capture the joy and magic of St. Patrick’s Day.
4. Leprechaun Hat Photo Shoot
A leprechaun hat is a fun, whimsical prop for any St. Patrick’s Day-themed photo shoot. Whether it’s placed on your baby’s head or simply included as part of the scene, it adds a playful element to your photos.
Setup: You can use a leprechaun hat as part of your baby’s outfit, or you can place it next to them, along with a few gold coins or lucky clovers. If your baby is old enough, they can even hold the hat in their hands and smile up at the camera.
- Props: Consider pairing the leprechaun hat with some green, yellow, or gold confetti or paper cutouts of shamrocks. A pot of gold, a small toy leprechaun, or a rainbow prop will all add more charm to the shoot.
- Baby’s Outfit: Dress your baby in a St. Patrick’s Day-themed outfit, such as a green onesie or a fun leprechaun-inspired outfit. To really make the leprechaun theme stand out, you can dress your little one in a green and gold ensemble.
This type of shoot is especially fun and you can typically find these props at the Dollar Store or even draw them and cut them out, if you want to get creative!
5. Shamrock and Clover Props
Shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, and they are an easy way to create a festive atmosphere for your photo shoot.
Setup: Use real or faux shamrock plants as part of your photo shoot. You can scatter them on the floor around your baby, place them in the background, or have your little one hold one in their hand. A small basket filled with clovers could also be a fun prop.
- Props: Consider adding a four-leaf clover necklace or a set of clover-shaped paper cutouts. A small wooden sign or letterboard with the words “Lucky” or “Good Fortune” or “Lucky Me I Have You” can add a sentimental touch to your photos.
- Baby’s Outfit: Dress your baby in something green or with shamrock prints to tie in with the theme. A green onesie with a shamrock design is always an adorable option.
These props create a simple, more minimalist aesthetic to represent the Irish spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
6. Outdoor St. Patrick’s Day Photo Shoot
If you prefer an outdoor photo shoot, St. Patrick’s Day offers the opportunity for natural beauty, especially with the warmer weather & arrival of spring.
Location: Head to a local park, garden, or even your backyard to capture the natural beauty of the day. You can create a rustic St. Patrick’s Day scene using green grass, flowers, & other outdoor elements to frame your little one’s adorable expressions.
- Props: Bring along a small pot of gold, a leprechaun hat, or even a small rainbow kite to add an extra touch to the outdoor shoot. Natural props, like branches covered in greenery, will also complement the outdoor aesthetic.
- Baby’s Outfit: Dress your baby in something cozy and green. A soft sweater or a cute shamrock onesie will keep them comfortable & stylish while still fitting the St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Capturing the Magic of Baby’s First St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is full of magic, luck, & fun, making it the perfect opportunity for a photo shoot that will result in cherished memories for you and your family. Whether it’s your baby’s first St. Patrick’s Day or you’re simply looking to capture a playful moment, these ideas—rainbows, lucky charms, gold coins, & more—will make your photo session unique & filled with joy. To get even more creative this St. Patrick’s Day, check out the Top 5 Ways to Make St. Patrick’s Day Fun for Kids.