Very Hungry Caterpillar Party: Photo Shoot and Free Printable

A few weeks before his Very Hungry Caterpillar Party, I took my almost one-year old out to create a themed photo shoot. Photography is a big deal to many moms as it creates a photo memory in an artful, beautiful way. I often check out photography tutorials for inspiration (my favorite photographer is out of Cali – link over to Erica Adams Photography by the widget below). Recently, I saw a shoot designed in their party’s theme and knew I had to do one too! Here are some tips on creating your own VHC themed photo shoot.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Party Photography Tutorials

I love having these photos to remember my little buggy at 1 year old, but also I love that the shoot isn’t screaming his birthday party theme. I can easily frame any of these images in any area of my home and not feel overwhelmed with caterpillar-ness.

Here are a few things I did to accomplish a cute, styled photo shoot:

* Wardrobe – I knew I didn’t want an overtly caterpillar outfit, and am a sucker for little boys in ties, so I kept his outfit simple with a pop of red. I ordered a onesie with a tie sewn on from Etsy, but it wasn’t going to make it in time. I actually like how this real tie creates dimension and layers in the image.

* Location – I live in the desert, so I had to drive a bit to my favorite “wooded” spot to capture the same essence as the book. I definitely think having the perfect venue will help you create the perfectly styled shoot, without having to be obvious about it.

* Props – Having props around will help make your statement, but leave you the option to capture some sweet portraits without them too. For the Very Hungry Caterpillar photo shoot, I used an apple (I only had a green one at home) and this cute caterpillar rocking toy we have. I also positioned my boy in front of this rustic, colorful picnic bench reminiscent of the book. Get creative and incorporate more the foods found in the book! More than one kid? Set up a caterpillar picnic!

* Photography Style – The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a very organic book. The illustrations are sketched and bright, yet riddled with muted tones, so make sure your photography style follows suit. One of the things Erica Adams does so beautifully, is shoot “through” an object. You have to make sure you use the correct AF points, but shooting “through” a bush or a simple, tall weed can give you the illusion you’re after.

I made the sweet Thank You card above to give at the party. My guests all loved it! And as a thank you to my readers and visitors who are stopping by, I am offering the template below for your own party.

The design is VERY simple because I chose to keep my photography and my beautiful boy as the focus. The background template and the overlay are offered as two different files so they are easier for you to work with. Click on this Google Doc for the Very Hungry Caterpillar Party Thank You Card Template.
Click on this Google Doc for the Very Hungry Caterpillar Party Thank You Overlay.

Thank you again for stopping by. And enjoy the downloads! As always, shoot me an email if you run into any issues.