Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

1st Birthday Canyon Park – Mace

Celebrating a first birthday is a milestone you’ll cherish forever—and what better way to capture those giggles and little steps than with a 1st Birthday Canyon Park – Mace Family Session? Outdoor sessions like these combine nature’s beauty with a relaxed, timeless setting, making every moment feel authentic and joyful.

Why Choose Canyon Park for a 1st Birthday Session?

Canyon Park is one of our favorite family photo spots in the Newport Beach and Mission Viejo area because of its lush grassy fields, beautiful mature trees, and dreamy golden light. For the Mace family, Canyon Park was the perfect backdrop for letting their one-year-old explore, roam, and play — all while we captured every milestone moment.

An outdoor park session keeps toddlers happy and comfortable. There’s space to crawl, wobble, and dig into a birthday cake surrounded by soft light and fresh air. Canyon Park’s naturally beautiful scenery works wonderfully for families who want portraits that feel organic, joyful, and true to life.

📍 Planning to visit? Check out OC Parks to find more local parks like Canyon Park that are great for outdoor family photography and cake smash sessions!

1st-Birthday-Canyon-Park-Mace-Session

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Tips for a 1st Birthday Canyon Park – Mace Session

Plan Around Naptime:
Schedule your session when your child is happiest—usually in the morning or right after a good nap. A well-rested baby equals more smiles!

Pack Smart:
Bring a picnic blanket, your little one’s favorite toy, snacks, water, and a change of clothes. If you’re planning a cake smash session, things can get sticky (in the best way).

Keep the Cake Simple:
If you’re adding a cake smash, choose a small cake that’s easy for little hands to grab. Natural colors and simple designs photograph best outdoors.

Dress for Comfort:
Light, neutral outfits work beautifully in nature. Avoid too many layers that might make your little one fussy.

Let Them Explore:
Don’t stress about posing! The best moments happen when your child is free to crawl in the grass, pick up leaves, or taste a bit of cake.

Why We Love Outdoor Birthday Sessions

One-year-olds are naturally curious and full of life. An outdoor session like the 1st Birthday Canyon Park – Mace Family Session creates a relaxed space for playful, candid photos that show your child’s personality.

As they grow, you’ll love looking back at these images and remembering the season when they were just discovering the world around them.

💡 If you want even more ideas for planning your baby’s birthday session, check out this helpful article from What to Expect’s 1st Birthday Party Guide for first birthday celebration inspiration!

Ready to Plan Your 1st Birthday Canyon Park Session?

At Gilmore Studios, we believe every family milestone deserves to be captured in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re planning a simple picnic cake smash or a big celebration with loved ones, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

👉 Learn more and book your session at www.gilmorestudios.com. Let’s make memories together at Canyon Park!

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Cake Smash

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One of the things parents love about the Santa Experience…
You walk away with memories and a few keepsakes. A certificate for being on the nice list and a small themed gift that ties the whole experience together.
Loved tonight and spending time with these two. Did a session almost two months after their wedding in their wedding attire before they got it all cleaned. A fun, relaxing way to get some cool shots without a lot of pressure from the wedding day timeline (and needing to keep the dress clean)
What would you give to relive this season years from now?

Family photos let you do that. The ones that capture who you are right now. My goal is always to give you images that feel like home.
It is not about rushing through a quick picture. It is about giving your child a moment that feels magical and personal.

They get time with Santa, they get to explore the Nice List, ask questions, read together, share a cookie, and walk away with a keepsake that makes the memory feel real long after the session is over.

If you have ever wondered whether a Santa session is worth it, ask yourself this…
What kind of memory do you want your child to have when they think of Christmas years from now?

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If your kids are home for the holidays, do this one thing.

Take new photos together. When kids grow up and move out, opportunities feel smaller. Make the most of the moments you do have. These years are worth remembering.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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