Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Costa Mesa Cake Smash Photography | Beach Theme

1st birthday – Costa Mesa Cake Smash Photography

First birthday portraits should be fun, right? We love that these sessions have become so popular at Gilmore Studios in Costa Mesa. Our cake smash portraits are custom made for your theme. Whatever you can dream of, our design team is up for the challenge! Cakes are also custom made to match your colors and theme. This sand castle cake was made by our favorite Costa Mesa bakery- French’s Cupcake Bakery. They continue to surprise us, even when the idea might be difficult. Have you ever heard of a sand castle cake?! We are proud to be one of the top Costa Mesa cake smash photography studios!

Here are a few frequently asked questions about Costa Mesa cake smash photography sessions.

When should you book your cake smash session?

We like to have a few weeks notice for cake smash sessions. This gives us time to hunt down the backgrounds and props to make your cake smash awesome.

What should you bring?

Bring at least two outfits for the portrait session and one outfit for the actual cake smash session. We have everything else here at the studio. You are welcome to bring a favorite toy or blanket for the first part of the session.

What if my baby doesn’t like to get messy?

Some babies don’t like sticky frosting on their little hands. Don’t worry! We have a few tricks 🙂 and even if your baby doesn’t destroy the cake, we will still get some great photos.

Do I need to bring my own cake?

No. We handle the cake and the cost.  It is included in your $250 session fee. The cakes are actually delicious so we will be sure to box it up for you to take home.

Can we use the photos for our birthday party invitations?

Of course! Just be sure to come into the studio at least one month before the actual birthday so we can get the invitations done in time.

ABOUT Gilmore Studios

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team maternity, newborn, children and family photography studio in Orange County, CA. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area.

Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in studio & natural light kids photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. 

Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your summer and fall 2017 photography sessions. Cake smash sessions are $250 and by reservation only. All cake smash sets are custom made to the client’s theme or color scheme and include a cake. Please try to reserve your child’s session 3-6 weeks in advance so we can build an awesome birthday set! 

Cake smash-photographer
by GilmorePosted in Cake SmashesTags: , , , , , , , ,
  • Costa Mesa cake smash photography studio
  • First year portraits done before we get messy!
  • Getting warmed up for the camera
  • Beach props surrounding the sand castle birthday cake
  • 1 year old boy ready for his beach themed birthday portraits
  • Costa Mesa cake smash photographer - beach party themed birthday
  • Hanging at the beach for a first birthday cake smash
  • Happy first birthday beach party themed cake
  • 1st birthday sand castle cake at Gilmore Studios
  • Custom made sand castle birthday cake - Costa Mesa cake smash photography
  • Brown sugar makes for a perfect sand alternative in the studio
  • Beach themed Costa Mesa cake smash photography
  • Beach props were found at Hobby Lobby
  • Surfs up 1st birthday portrait photography in Costa Mesa

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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The secret to an stress-free session?
Choosing the right location.

This family had a party right after, so we kept everything simple and close. No extra driving, no rushing… just time together.

And it made all the difference.

If you’re planning family photos, I’ll help you choose a location that actually works for your day.

Send me a message and let’s plan it.

12 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17867791689502716
The secret to an stress-free session? Choosing the right location. This family had a party right after, so we kept everything simple and close. No extra driving, no rushing… just time together. And it made all the difference. If you’re planning family photos, I’ll help you choose a location that actually works for your day. Send me a message and let’s plan it.

Three things every parent should know before sending their child on a mission.

First… this season is full of lasts.
But it’s also the beginning of a whole new life of firsts for them.

Second… saying goodbye at the airport is hard.
You prepare for it, you know it’s the right thing… but you still miss them more than you expect.
And suddenly, everything reminds you of them.

And third… P-days become the day you look forward to the most.
That one day a week when you get to hear their voice, read their messages, and feel connected again.

• Save this if you’re in this season 🤍
OR
• Send this to a parent preparing for a mission

It’s a big transition… for them and for you. #missionarymom #missionary #ldsmission

67 11
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18071074220246612
Three things every parent should know before sending their child on a mission. First… this season is full of lasts. But it’s also the beginning of a whole new life of firsts for them. Second… saying goodbye at the airport is hard. You prepare for it, you know it’s the right thing… but you still miss them more than you expect. And suddenly, everything reminds you of them. And third… P-days become the day you look forward to the most. That one day a week when you get to hear their voice, read their messages, and feel connected again. • Save this if you’re in this season 🤍 OR • Send this to a parent preparing for a mission It’s a big transition… for them and for you. #missionarymom #missionary #ldsmission

Turn your body slightly instead of facing the camera straight on.

Shift your weight to one leg, relax your shoulders, and bring your heads a little closer together.

Small adjustments like this make your photos feel more natural immediately.

Comment POSE if you want more simple tips.

5 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18081524000059480
Turn your body slightly instead of facing the camera straight on. Shift your weight to one leg, relax your shoulders, and bring your heads a little closer together. Small adjustments like this make your photos feel more natural immediately. Comment POSE if you want more simple tips.

In my experience, shooting during the first few weeks is ideal. During these early days, babies tend to sleep more and curl up in those naturally cozy positions we all adore in newborn portraits. Make sure to reach out and get on the calendar before the baby is born. We want to have some wiggle room with timing once the little one arrives.

3 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18104041495873964
In my experience, shooting during the first few weeks is ideal. During these early days, babies tend to sleep more and curl up in those naturally cozy positions we all adore in newborn portraits. Make sure to reach out and get on the calendar before the baby is born. We want to have some wiggle room with timing once the little one arrives.

The open environment at Back Bay invites your kids to explore, walk, and twirl safely. I’m there to guide you into natural poses, creating moments that are genuine rather than staged. The golden hour (right before sunset) is the best time for a session at this location.

6 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18092980850042798
The open environment at Back Bay invites your kids to explore, walk, and twirl safely. I’m there to guide you into natural poses, creating moments that are genuine rather than staged. The golden hour (right before sunset) is the best time for a session at this location.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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