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

1st Birthday Party Photography Newport Beach Photographer

Epic 1st Ride Beach Bash in Newport Beach, CA

When it comes to celebrating a baby’s first birthday, we love when families go all out and this 1st Birthday Party Photography Newport Beach Photographer party was a perfect example! Set in beautiful Newport Beach, this fun-filled backyard bash had everything from vibrant surf-inspired decor to nonstop entertainment for kids and adults alike.

The party combined California beach vibes with playful activities, delicious food, and tons of adorable photo ops that made the day unforgettable.

epic-1st-ride-birthday-party-newport-beach
surf-themed-birthday-celebration-orange-county

The Theme: Epic 1st Ride Beach Party

The beachy setup featured surfboards, colorful balloons, and a wave backdrop designed for the birthday boy’s big cake smash moment. The overall vibe was both playful and stylish perfect for a coastal first birthday celebration.

A surfboard mechanical ride (yes, like a bull ride, but SoCal-style!) added excitement for the older kids and adults, while littles had plenty of space to crawl, explore, and enjoy the beach-themed decor.

Entertainment for All Ages

This wasn’t your average birthday party. Guests enjoyed a full lineup of kid-friendly and adult-approved activities:

  • Caricature Artist – Guests took home fun, custom sketches as keepsakes.
  • Balloon Twisting – From swords to animals, kids loved the colorful balloon creations.
  • Face Painting – Always a hit with little ones turning into butterflies, superheroes, or sharks!
  • Cornhole & Bounce House – A great combo for playful energy.
  • Ball Pit for Babies – A safe and colorful corner for the tiniest guests.
  • Surfboard Mechanical Ride – One of the most exciting parts of the day and great for laughs!
backyard-birthday-fun-newport-photography

Food Trucks & Sweet Treats

No party is complete without delicious food — and this one featured two local favorites:

From sweet treats to savory eats, there was something for everyone — plus shaded lounge areas to relax and refuel between activities.

Tips for 1st Birthday Party Photography Newport Beach Photographer

Planning a big first birthday bash of your own? Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your photo session:

  1. Plan Around Key Moments – Think about when you’ll sing Happy Birthday, do the cake smash, or open gifts.
  2. Capture the Details Early – Get shots of the setup before guests arrive, while everything looks fresh and picture-perfect.
  3. Let the Kids Be Kids – Candid moments are the most meaningful, so don’t stress about posing.
  4. Consider a Mini Portrait Spot – A designated area for quick family photos helps ensure you capture everyone looking their best.
  5. Dress the Birthday Star – Soft textures, bright colors, and outfits that match your theme always photograph beautifully. Here are some adorable options from Maisonette.

TIP: Here’s a few inspiration to look for 1st Birthday Photography

Newport Beach Birthday Party Resources

Looking to recreate this kind of celebration? Check out these local vendors and ideas:

newport-event-photography-children-party

Why 1st Birthday Photography Is Worth It

Your baby only turns one once. Whether you’re throwing a big celebration or keeping it cozy, having high-quality photos means you can relive the joy, love, and little details for years to come. First birthday parties mark the end of an incredible first year and the start of even more adventures ahead.

From giggles in the ball pit to frosting-covered cheeks during the cake smash, every moment is worth preserving.

Planning a Party in Newport Beach?

Newport Beach is one of the best places in Southern California to host milestone events thanks to its gorgeous weather, beachy charm, and endless local vendors. Whether you’re booking a private backyard setup or a public venue, the possibilities are as fun and fresh as the ocean breeze.

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:

Family photography

Featured On the blog

Read more
Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
This mama wanted something natural and timeless at the beach, and sunset gave her exactly that.

If you are planning maternity photos, think about sunrise or sunset. Those times of day truly make a difference in how relaxed and beautiful your images feel.

Send me a message to chat about the best timing for your maternity session.
This year’s mini sessions are in the studio on our clean white backdrop. It’s timeless, classic, and the perfect blank canvas to let your family’s personality shine.

Last year we photographed this family, and they brought so much fun energy into their session. Proof that even on a simple backdrop, your joy and connection make the photos unique.

If you’ve been waiting for updated portraits, this is the easiest (and most fun!) way to do it
When it’s 115° by midday, sunrise is your best friend. For this session, we met at sunrise to photograph an 18-year-old heading out on his LDS mission.
	•	The light is softer and golden…perfect for portraits.
	•	The heat hasn’t set in yet, so you’re more comfortable.
	•	And bonus: fewer crowds at popular locations.

If you’re planning a summer session in Arizona, sunrise is the way to go!
When planning twin sessions, I recommend choosing a theme that works for both. Simple and timeless designs photograph beautifully. For these brothers, we created a custom backdrop with balloons and large ONE letters so they could share the stage but still have space to shine individually.

Tip: Jeans or coordinated outfits help tie the look together without making it too matchy matchy.

Planning a twin birthday Let’s make it memorable
We photographed this sweet newborn in December, and it’s a question I get all the time: When should we book our newborn session?
	•	The ideal window is within the first few weeks so your baby is extra sleepy and curled up.
	•	But don’t stress if you miss that. Sessions can be beautiful at any stage.
	•	I’ll guide you through family photos, sibling shots (if needed), and solo portraits so every detail of this season is remembered.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

Secret Link