Capturing Your Baby’s First Birthday: A Guide to Milestone Sessions and Cake Smashes

Your baby’s first birthday is a monumental occasion filled with joy and excitement. As parents, you’ll want to cherish these precious memories forever. One of the most popular ways to do this is through a milestone session and cake smash. These sessions offer a delightful opportunity to preserve your baby’s personality and growth in a fun and creative way. As a family photographer, I love capturing these special moments.

Planning Your 1st Birthday Milestone Session

To ensure your session goes smoothly, it’s best to schedule it about 2-3 weeks before your baby’s actual birthday. This allows ample time for the photos to be edited and delivered in time for the celebration!

When choosing outfits, opt for classic and timeless styles that complement your baby’s personality. Soft, neutral tones can create a cohesive look.

While outdoor settings can be picturesque, I prefer indoor studios for milestone sessions. Studios offer more control over the environment, allowing for a comfortable space for changes, feedings, and posing. Additionally, they provide a variety of backgrounds and props to create unique compositions.

The Cake Smash: A Fun and Messy Adventure

Cake smashes have become increasingly popular for first birthday celebrations. They offer a fun and messy way for babies to explore and interact with their surroundings.

To ensure your baby’s well-being, I ask parents to provide the cake to make sure that it is free of allergens as well as choking hazards. So when you schedule your shoot, I have a list of local bakeries I recommend that will create a beautiful custom cake that matches your theme. I’ll also suggest that parents put the cake on a non-slip mat to prevent accidents. 

Posing and Capturing Adorable Moments

At this age, babies are full of energy and often difficult to pose. So instead I’ll encourage them to explore the set and interact with the props.I’m not afraid to get down on their level and engage with them. In fact most of the time I find that I’m trying to bring them back in front of the camera! Often, their natural curiosity and exploration lead to the most adorable shots. I love capturing their genuine expressions and personalities.

While I prefer a minimalist approach, I’m happy incorporate your shoot ideas in a tasteful way like incorporating certain props and colors. I typically include at least three outfit and background combinations to create a diverse gallery. 

The Aftermath: Cleaning Up and Keeping the Memories

Cake smashes can get messy! Be prepared with an extra outfit for your baby and possibly one for yourself as well. I handle the cleanup of the set, but you’ll want to clean your baby off before heading home. Baby wipes and wet paper towels will come in handy and I have them available in my studio.

If you are looking to capture your baby’s first birthday in a special way, make sure to get in touch so we can schedule a cake smash session today!