Category Archives: Debutante

How do you kick a theme for your birthday session? Think about what your little one is naturally drawn to—books, colors, characters, or even snacks. Choosing something they already love makes the session feel more personal and lets their personality shine.

This sweet kiddo loved Toy Story—so we leaned into that for the theme. A few key props, some favorite characters, and a custom backdrop brought it all together perfectly.

Whether it’s blueberries, bears, or Buzz Lightyear—when the theme reflects your child, the photos feel that much more meaningful.

#ToyStoryPortraits #GilmoreStudios #KidsPortraitSession

What kind of cake do you supply for a cake smash session? 🍪💙

We supply a white or naked cake from a local bakery but every now and then our clients upgrade to a custom cake. This Cookie Monster cake was adorable!! A tip when doing cake smashes - skip fondant or hard decorations. A soft, easy-to-smash cake with buttercream frosting works best. Some kids don’t like the texture so practice with whipped cream before and see if they like to get messy.

#CookieMonsterCakeSmash #FirstBirthdayPhotos #CakeSmashTips #GilmoreStudios

How do you style a cake smash with fruit and frosting—without it feeling like a farmer’s market exploded? 🍓🎂

Here’s what I’ve learned: stick to soft neutrals and let the berries do the talking. Their bold colors (and the mess they make!) add all the texture and charm you need. Keep the setup simple so those squishy hands, frosting-covered cheeks, and little berry-stained toes stay front and center.

This birthday girl brought all the joy—curious, expressive, and ready to dive into her berry-sweet celebration.

#BerryFirstBirthday #FreshBerriesCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #CakeSmashTips

Ever photographed a Dr. Seuss–themed session and felt like the props might take over? 🎩🎂

Here’s what works: simplify the setup. Bold themes like this can get busy fast, so I stick to a clean background, a few playful pieces, and let the one-year-old steal the show (which they always do!).

This little guy lit up the studio—curious, wiggly, and full of personality. And once the frosting hit? Pure joy.

#DrSeussCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #1YearOldSession

How do you photograph a six-month-old who just learned to sit up—and have a cute theme for February? 💘👶

Here’s the trick: keep the setup soft and simple—think pale pinks, creams, and textures instead of bright reds and bold props. At this age, babies are the focus (as they should be), and too much clutter takes away from those sweet little expressions and wobbly balance moments.

#sittingup #ValentineThemed #GilmoreStudios